Adelaide Crows star midfielder Anne Hatchard has come full circle in her fitness journey, transforming her backyard shed into a state-of-the-art gym with the help of her father. The project is a testament to Hatchard’s commitment to self-improvement, fueled by her determination to maintain peak performance on the AFLW stage.
At 21 years old, Hatchard is in the best shape of her career, but her path to elite fitness hasn’t been without its challenges. When she joined the inaugural AFLW season in 2017, Hatchard struggled to adapt to the demands of professional sport. Her diet and fitness were far from ideal.
“I was quite big when I started,” Hatchard reflected in a recent interview with AFC Media. “My diet wasn’t great—I ate KFC often—and I couldn’t even complete a warm-up lap without being puffed.”
It wasn’t until the end of her second season that Hatchard committed to a drastic overhaul of her lifestyle. Embracing healthier food choices and a rigorous fitness routine, she saw her performance on the field skyrocket. By her third season, Hatchard was averaging 18.9 disposals per game—up from just 7.5 the previous year—earning her a place in the All-Australian side and a podium finish in the Crows’ best and fairest awards.
“Now that I’ve stopped eating poorly, I can see how much my performance has improved,” she said. “I have so much more energy and can run out a whole game now.”
With her father’s support, Hatchard has taken her commitment to fitness to the next level by creating a dedicated gym space at home. The backyard shed, once a symbol of her early struggles, has become a hub of strength and resilience—a tangible reminder of how far she has come.
Hatchard’s remarkable journey serves as inspiration for athletes and fans alike. She’ll return to the field this Saturday as the Crows face Greater Western Sydney in a trial game at Richmond Oval, ready to showcase the results of her hard work and dedication.
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