Crows triumph in AFL grand final rematch
Adelaide has sent an ominous warning to its AFLW rivals, starting the 2022 campaign with a powerful 30-point loss to AFLW Premier Brisbane.
Sunday's grand final rematch was a tough first half, but the Lions ran out of steam after injuries to Kate Lutkins (knee) and Dakota Davison (ankle).
The Crow took full advantage, with electric forward Ashley Woodland scoring four goals to lead her team to a comfortable victory - 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9) - at Flinders University Stadium to the delight of coach Matthew Clark.
"(The Lions) are a high quality opponent and suffered two significant injuries in the first half, which affected the game," Clarke said.
"It's really good for us to start our season with a great win.
"In terms of inspiration from last year, that day is gone and gone."
The Crows had six changes in the team that lost to the Lions at the Adelaide Oval last April.
Most notable inspirational was the return of captain Chelsea Randall, who had missed the Grand Final with an injury.
Youngster Chelsea Bidell was another addition, justifying her selection with an impressive performance at half-back.
Gun midfielders Anne Hatchard (26 disposals) and Ebony Marinoff (23 disposals) got plenty of ball, and superstar Erin Phillips was impressively shifting between midfield and up forward.
Ally Anderson (22 disposes), Orla O'Dwyer (21) and Emily Bates (20 disposes, 12 contested) fought hard for the Lions, leaving only the retired pair Emma Zilke and Lauren Arnell from last year's Premier side. Were missing.
The Lions' hopes were dealt a major blow when Lutkins, a three-time All-Australian and on-field best, injured his knee just five minutes into the game in the deciding 2021 match.
Things went from bad to worse with Davison suffering an ankle injury late in the second quarter.
Lions coach Craig Starcevich said, "I thought our guys were holding onto it pretty well, but the opposition started the game early due to pressure and got us out with some scoring opportunities."
“But the chaos that comes with losing two key players is a reasonable way to stabilize the ship and manage a team with 19 fit players.
"From that point on it got a little tricky."
Starsevich said the injuries "didn't look good", with both Lutkins and Davison stuck on the ground and suffering non-contact injuries.
Phillips put the icing on the cake early in the fourth quarter with a brilliant goal in the pocket of the right hand.
The Crows will try to make it back-to-back victories when they host the Kangaroos at Norwood Oval next Sunday, while the Lions host Carlton at Maroochidor on Saturday.
