Aussie tennis legend Roger Rasheed joins Adelaide Crows’ AFLW side as a game-day runner – despite being noted Port Adelaide fan

Decorated Australian tennis coach Roger Rasheed has joined the Adelaide AFLW side as a game-day ‘runner’ ahead of next season – despite being a high-profile supporter of Port Adelaide.

But before footy fans question Rasheed’s loyalty, he has a valid excuse for becoming a sporting turncoat – his daughter India has been recruited by the Crows.

The 2024 AFLW draft went national for the first time on Monday night with India — taken with pick No.13 — one of the talking points.

Rasheed, who was spotted in a Crows scarf, stated he was ‘super proud’.

‘You love [seeing] your kids doing what they love,’ the former coach of Aussie tennis great Lleyton Hewitt said.

‘I’m part of the (AFLW) academy, so watching the girls deal with that….they all should be credited, and now they have an opportunity to shine in the big league.’

A noted Power supporter, Rasheed 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 side as a game-day runner ahead of next season – despite being a high-profile supporter of Port Adelaide

But before footy 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 the likes of Lleyton Hewitt, Gael Monfils and Gregor Dimitrov on the ATP circuit

Besides 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 labelled a ‘skilful ball winner and damaging forward with excellent football IQ’.

‘It’s probably been the most stressful week of my life,’ she said after she was drafted.

‘I was a Port fan, but I’ll have to switch it now.’

The 18-year-old is a two-time All Australian following a number of commanding performances at the Under 18 AFLW National Championships.

She was also named Most Valuable Player for South Australia as a bottom-aged player in 2023.

Following 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 Centra (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 AAP