Adelaide AFLW stars pay tribute to teammate Heather Anderson in emotion charged preliminary final

Adelaide’s shattered AFLW stars paid tribute to former premiership winner Heather Anderson in their preliminary final on Friday – but the exciting pre-match scenes didn’t stop Brisbane from marching into the grand final.

Anderson, 28, – who won a flag with the Crows in 2017 – tragically took her own life in an army barracks in Perth on November 13.

The defender’s favorite color was pink – and there was plenty to see at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast, with Crows star Anne Hatchard sporting pink hair, while other players wore pink shoelaces and pink scrunchies.

Jesse Wardlaw continued her electric form for the Lions, scoring three goals, while Courtney Hodder and Dakota Davidson also kicked two majors each in the 23-point victory.

Brisbane star Kate Lutkins passed on her best wishes to Anderson’s loved ones after the match.

Adelaide Crows players paid their respects to Heather Anderson on Friday after her sudden death (pictured, Chelsea Randall)

Army medic Heather Anderson died after committing suicide, her father confirmed this week

“I just want to express my condolences,” she said.

“Heather was a really great girl and a very good friend of mine… my heart goes out to the Adelaide club and all her friends and family.”

Anderson joined the Army in 2013 as a medic, then became the first Northern Territory player drafted by the Crows as their 10th pick of the 2016 draft.

She wore her signature pink headgear so her visually impaired mother couldn’t miss her on the field.

Anderson was forced to retire at just 23 years old after suffering a serious shoulder dislocation for the second time during the 2017 Grand Final.

The Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions observed a minute’s silence to remember Anderson

Heather Anderson will be forever cherished by her family and the Adelaide Crows after her tragic death

Private Anderson (pictured left) played a full season of footy, but devoted her time to military service

Her heartbroken family thanked the AFLW, Adelaide Crows, Defense and their Australian public for their support.

“We love and will miss Heather. We are grateful for the amazing life she led and the boundaries we saw her continually push,” a statement read.

“We will always cherish the memories of her and her achievements.”

The Lions – who finished minor premiers for Melbourne on percentages – will take on the Demons of North Melbourne in the grand final, which will take place at Brisbane’s newly built $80 million Springfield training base.

For help in a crisis, call 000. If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

For veteran support, please contact: Defense All-hours Support Line: 1800 628 036 or Defense Member and Family Helpline staffed by social workers and psychologists: 1800 624 608.