In a shock decision, the star Shepparton midfielder was not offered a new deal by Richmond at the conclusion of the home and away season but was snapped up by Adelaide via a trade a few weeks later.
The 25-year-old battled significant health challenges last year that saw her hospitalised for three weeks, but the Crows were quick to acquire the 66-gamer’s services for 2026.
And with a fresh body, mind and fire in the belly, Egan is gunning for glory.
Speaking with afc.com.au, Egan said she’s hoping the call to lodge with 2024 league best-and-fairest winner Ebony Marinoff will pay dividends when August rolls around.
“I am moving in with ‘Noffy’, and she's probably the best person to follow around for the first few months, she was also part of the reason why I wanted to come across,” Egan said.
“I just want to become a better player, and living with Noffy I reckon will give me the best chance of that.
“I feel like I can help her, and she can help me, and the same goes for everyone else in the team.”
Richmond’s loss is certainly Adelaide’s gain in Egan’s case.
The Shepparton product averaged 20 disposals, four tackles, and three clearances in nine games last season - a remarkable feat considering she lost 14kg while hospitalised before defying the odds and readying herself for round one.
Sharpened by the crucible of adversity, Egan said the experience has only made her stronger.
“I took a lot of things from that - if anything it shows how resilient I can be,” she said.
“I know how much I love my footy now, which is why a change also excites me.
“I love football, it’s my passion, and now that I had a year to go through not the best situation, but it made me realise how much I love it and I have a lot of energy to put into it.”
Still adjusting to the change of scenery, Egan is keen to start afresh.
A new club means different teammates and tactics, and in Adelaide’s case, a new coach after Ryan Davis was announced as the Crows’ leader for 2026 back in December.
“I have been over (to Adelaide) a few times in the past few months, and this time is the first time it feels like home and a bit more real,” Egan said.
“I am super excited to play alongside the girls, and also to play under Ryan is something I feel like the group is really excited for and ready for a new challenge.
“Starting at a new club is very scary, but now talking to the girls, and everyone feels like they are on a fresh start and it’s all a blank slate for everyone, so I am so excited.
“Coming over and meeting the girls, it just felt like the right fit and I know that I have definitely made the right decision, everyone has been amazing.”
Meanwhile, Egan’s younger sister Holly will be hoping to make a big impact in her debut AFLW season.
Taken by Fremantle at pick 34 of the 2024 AFLW Draft, Egan ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, sidelining her for the entirety of the 2025 campaign.
But after returning to training back in November, the 19-year-old is out to aid a Dockers side that finished 11th last season with a 6-6 record.
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