With AFLW pre-season in full swing at the NEC Hangar, the Dons are locking in for another big campaign, with youngster Chloe Adams one looking to make a big impact.  

The 19-year-old is forward-focused and ready to bring her tireless pre-season work into the campaign ahead.  

“My pre-season has been purely just working a lot on my contested work. I’m working towards wanting to be a lot stronger over the ball and holding my ground as well,” Adams said. 

“Also, just continuing to work on my strengths, my kicking and hitting of targets in particular.” 

The versatile midfielder showed promising signs last year after breaking into the side in round two, slotting a goal on debut and proceeding to play another three games for the Dons in 2024.  

Bomber fans got a glimpse of Adams’ balanced and consistent play, as well as her strong defensive traits and natural on-ground leadership for a young player. 

Adams reflects well on her first season, with the speed of the game a key takeaway. 

“I learned just how fast the game is, it’s definitely very speedy,” Adams said. 

“That's also what I've been working on, getting my skills a lot quicker, adapting to the game and how quick it is.”  

For up-and-coming stars like Adams, the opportunity to be surrounded by some of the league’s most influential players is invaluable.  

When thinking about Essendon role models, midfielder Maddy Prespakis and forward Daria Bannister come to mind for Adams. 

“From a midfield perspective, Maddy Prespakis - as a lot of people know - is my idol and someone I've looked up to for as long as AFLW's been around.  

“Mads’ strength over the ball and the way she uses her running patterns around the ground is definitely something I want to take into my game. 
 

“From a forward perspective, definitely someone like Daria Bannister, she's a crafty small forward, so I’m definitely learning a lot off her as well. 

“What I take out of ‘Dazzy’s game is definitely just the way she moves. Her running patterns and leading patterns is something I want to continue to improve on as well as finding the footy down forward.” 

With a taste for what the AFLW has to offer, Adams is optimistic to continue her career with the Dons and is itching to get the season underway. 

“I'm really looking forward to bringing my energy and all my strengths to the team. Also seeing how we as a team go as well, bringing all our structures and the things that we've been working on,” Adams said. 

“It's looking really good and exciting.”