The crucial cogs of AFL's Round 7: Which players need to be the difference makers?
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Adelaide are a step closer to an AFL Women’s grand final berth after shrugging off a scoreless first quarter to overwhelm the winless Fremantle Dockers in the last match of round four.
Displaying their trademark tenacity, the Crows recovered from a sluggish start to defeat the Dockers 6.10 (46) to 3.5 (23) at Fremantle Oval. It ensures the league leaders remain ahead of Brisbane on percentage with three games to play, while the Dockers’ have just one draw to their name to remain second last on the ladder.
The Crows scored only one goal in the first half to trail by six points at the long break but blew the match open with three straight goals in the third quarter before cruising to an all-important victory.
Fremantle were gallant but ran out of puff and they were unable to score goals in the second and third quarters when the game was up for grabs.
The visitors were led superbly by co-captain Erin Phillips (18 possessions and a goal), Chelsea Randall (17 touches) and Sarah Perkins (10 tackles and a goal).
Ebony Antonio (21 possessions) and Dana Hooker (20 touches) fought valiantly for the Dockers against the odds.
Kicking with the aid of a strong wind, the Dockers dominated the first quarter, highlighted by a 21-4 advantage in tackles. The ball was almost exclusively played in the Dockers’ forward half with the home team’s efforts being rewarded with early goals to Ashley Sharp and Amy Lavell.
Fresh off her match-winning heroics last week against Carlton, Phillips, who plays professional basketball in the WNBA, kicked a remarkable snapped goal near the boundary to finally get the Crows on the scoreboard early in the second quarter.
The match was an arm-wrestle for the remainder of the quarter before Adelaide stamped their authority on the contest after half-time when Jenna McCormick levelled the scores with a goal within the opening minute of the third quarter.
It was one-way traffic after that as the Crows continue to be the team to beat.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Adelaide's Taylor Walker has thrown his support behind a 'captain's call' in order to prevent umpiring blunders, which the Crows have been on the…
Controversy has erupted following Essendon's thrilling three-point victory over Adelaide, with an umpire under fire for his decision to not award the Crows a…
Over the next few days, all discussion of Essendon's three-point win over Adelaide will likely centre on the decision, in the final seconds of…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Former great David King has blasted Match Review Officer Michael Christian's decision to not suspend Port Adelaide star Zak Butters for his high bump…