Analysis

Breaking down all the strengths of Adelaide’s game as the Cats prepare for another blockbuster clash in Round 2

Geelong’s start to the season does not get any easier this weekend, as they prepare to head to the City of Churches for a clash with Adelaide in Round 2.

In nine AFLW seasons, Adelaide have won three premierships, finished runners-up once and made another two preliminary finals, the most successful club in the competition’s history. 

The Cats have come close to toppling the Crows in recent clashes with the last three matches decided by a combined 17 points, but Geelong are yet to defeat Adelaide during their AFLW history.

Check out the main strengths of Adelaide’s game ahead of Sunday’s clash at Thomas Farms Oval.  

Round 1 Results 

Geelong 3.3 (21) def by Kangaroos 8.3 (51)

Adelaide 2.7 (19) def by St Kilda 6.5 (41)

Recent History – Geelong v Adelaide

GAME
HOME
AWAY
VENUE

2024 – Round 10
Geelong 4.4 (28)
Adelaide 4.8 (32)
GMHBA Stadium

2022 (S7) – Round 9
Adelaide 4.6 (30)
Geelong 4.4 (28)
Unley Oval

2020 – Round 3
Geelong 6.2 (38)
Adelaide 8.1 (49)
GMHBA Stadium

Deakin Performance Stat of the Week – Adelaide’s Efficiency Inside 50

The Crows were very solid during the 2024 season with their conversion rate inside 50, kicking a goal on 16.1% of their inside-50 entries throughout the year. 

In Round 1 however, the Saints were able to stifle that efficiency and held Adelaide to just two goals from 50 inside-50 entries, holding them to 19 points which played a big factor in the result. 

During Geelong’s most recent clash with Adelaide, the Cats conceded 12 scoring shots from 34 inside 50 entries, a facet of the game they will need to improve in on Sunday afternoon. 

Crows Player to Watch – India Rasheed

While most of the attention will typically go to Adelaide’s established AFLW stars, India Rasheed has immediately put her best foot forward as one to watch in the Crows line-up. 

In her AFLW debut last week, the young midfielder impressed collecting 16 disposals and five marks, while also registering a pair of score involvements to have a significant impact. 

Rasheed also pushed forward to kick a goal in Round 1, showing plenty of the potential that saw her selected with Pick No.13 in the 2024 AFLW Draft. 

Where Geelong Can Improve – Ball Movement

The Cats matched the Kangaroos in a number of statistics during their Round 1 clash, but one area they struggled in was their ball movement through the middle of the ground. 

Geelong matched their 2024 season average with a total of 237 disposals, winning the clearance battle (24-23) but they were only able to convert that into 26 inside-50 entries, 10 less than the Kangaroos. 

If the Cats want to mount a strong challenge against the Crows this weekend, they will need to find more effective avenues to goal and improve their ball movement in the forward half.Â