Adelaide defender Chelsea Biddell is set to reach her 75th AFLW game on Sunday as the Crows face St Kilda in an elimination final. Her rise has been marked by persistence, adaptation, and developing leadership both on and off the field.
Leadership didn’t come naturally to Biddell, but over time she has grown into her role. This season she joined the team’s leadership group, a recognition of her steady development and the respect of her teammates.
“That was pretty special to be announced as part of the leadership group this year, especially to be voted in by your peers, it’s very nice,” Biddell said.
“(Leadership) has been something I’ve been working on over the years, when I started to get games consistently, it was then being able to bring others along with me.”
Biddell explained that she had to focus on communication and confidence: as a naturally quiet player, finding her voice on the field was key to becoming a more effective leader.
Biddell’s path to 75 games wasn’t simple. Initially drafted as a forward in the 2019 AFLW Draft, she faced limited opportunities in a strong Adelaide lineup. The turning point came in 2022, when she shifted from attack to defense — a move that cemented her place in the team’s structure.
Biddell’s transformation showcases an athlete’s evolution through self-reflection, adaptability, and steady effort to elevate both individual and team performance.
Author’s summary: Chelsea Biddell’s 75-game milestone reflects her evolution from a quiet rookie to a core leader reshaping Adelaide’s defensive strength and spirit.