By Alexandra Fairfield-Smith
Charlie Adamson is back.
The Riewoldt Family Excellence Scholar will put on the number seven jersey this weekend after two ACL injuries, multiple surgeries and more than a year of rehabilitation.
“Six months ago, it just felt like everything was so far away, like it was impossible,” Adamson said.
“And now I’m thinking, oh my God, I am playing footy on the weekend, that’s actually insane.”
At one point, that return didn’t feel realistic.
“I remember thinking, they say those who can't play coach, so maybe I'll just pick up a coaching gig,” she said.
But Adamson’s journey into AFL was never even part of the plan.
As a talented soccer player, she was heading to the United States on a scholarship before a last-minute decision in Year 12 changed everything.
“I didn’t actually even know girls were playing AFL,” she said.
“I just went down and played this random school game and absolutely loved it.”
What followed was an unlikely double life, balancing soccer commitments while secretly playing AFL.
“Every Friday, I’d sneakily play an AFL game and then get in the car, drive to Brisbane and go to soccer training and pretend like nothing happened,” she said.
After progressing through the Suns Academy, Adamson made the call to stay in Australia.
“I had to sit down with Dad and have a few hard conversations and eventually decided to pick up a funny-shaped ball and run around a funny-shaped oval instead,” she said.
That decision eventually led her to Bond University, where she is now studying a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science and found a strong sense of belonging within the AFL program.
“I genuinely think that I would not be returning to sport if I wasn't in Bond's environment,” she said.
“The people that I’ve met and the connections I’ve made are second to none.”
But just as her football career was beginning to build, injury struck.
An ACL tear in early 2025 ruled her out for the entire season. After months of rehabilitation, she was back just in time for Round 1. Only to suffer another ACL injury the following week.
“It was a bit up in the air for a second there,” she said.
Further complications with her meniscus meant a third surgery, prolonging her time on the sidelines and restarting the recovery process.
“I had to go back under in November and didn’t start walking again until Christmas Day,” she said.
Rehab quickly became a full-time commitment.
“Rehab’s sort of a twice-a-day, everyday kind of gig… It’s definitely been a hard juggle,” she said.
Despite the setbacks, Adamson remained connected to the team, taking on a coaching role and staying involved around the club.
That is what kept her motivated to return.
“Anyone who’s been through what I’ve been through kind of wants to throw in the towel,” she said.
“But just the idea of being able to put on the Bond jersey and play with the girls again, it’s pretty exciting.”
Now, after everything she has endured, Adamson will finally get that chance.
“I feel like you go through stuff for a reason,” she said.
“I’m definitely a better player and a better person because of it.”