- India Rasheed, 18, has been recruited by Adelaide Crows
- Talented teenager picks number 13 in 2024 AFLW draft
- Australian tennis identity Roger Rasheed was ‘super proud’
Decorated Australian tennis coach Roger Rasheed has joined Adelaide AFLW as a matchday ‘runner’ ahead of next season – despite being a prominent Port Adelaide supporter.
But before football fans question Rasheed’s loyalty, he has a valid excuse for becoming a sporting defector: his daughter India has been recruited by the Crows.
The 2024 AFLW draft went national for the first time on Monday evening, with India – chosen with pick No. 13 – one of the talking points.
Rasheed, who was spotted in a Crows scarf, declared he was ‘super proud’.
‘You love [seeing] your kids are doing what they love,” said the former coach of Australian tennis great Lleyton Hewitt.
“I’m part of the (AFLW) academy, so when I see the girls dealing with that… they should all get the credit, and now they have a chance to shine in the big league.”
Rasheed, a well-known Power supporter, was asked if he was ready to ‘convert’ AFL clubs.
“Yeah, apparently I’m the runner now,” he said.
Decorated Australian tennis coach Roger Rasheed has joined the Adelaide AFLW squad as a matchday runner ahead of next season – despite being a prominent Port Adelaide supporter
But before football fans question Rasheed’s loyalty, he has a valid excuse for becoming a sporting turncoat: his daughter India has been drafted by the Crows in the 2024 AFLW draft as pick number 13 (pictured)
Roger Rasheed coached Lleyton Hewitt, Gael Monfils and Gregor Dimitrov, among others, on the ATP circuit
In addition to coaching Hewitt, Rasheed also mentored French stars Gaël Monfils (2008–2011) and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (2012–2013), as well as Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov on the ATP circuit.
Meanwhile, the Crows were delighted to secure the services of India Rasheed, who they called a ‘skilled ball winner and damaging forward with excellent football IQ’.
“It’s probably been the most stressful week of my life,” she said after being drafted.
‘I used to be a Port fan, but I’ll have to switch now.’
The 18-year-old is a two-time All Australian after some impressive performances at the Under 18 AFLW National Championships.
She was also named Most Valuable Player for South Australia in 2023 as the lowest-age player.
After an exceptional season with Sturt, Rasheed won the 2024 SANFLW Breakthrough Player Award and finished third in the SANFLW Best and Fairest points tally.
The 2024 AFLW Draft: Top 10
1. Ash Centers (Collingwood)
2. Havana Harris (Gold Coast)
3. Molly O’Hehir (Melbourne)
4. Sara Howley (GWS)
5. Zipporah fish (Sydney)
6. Poppy Scholz (Carlton)
7. Lucia Painter (west coast)
8. Emma McDonald (Western Bulldogs)
9. Grace Belloni (Essendon)
10. Alexis Gregor (Geelong)
– With MONKEY