Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide in a match simulation on Saturday morning
Crows fans will get their first glimpse at five new AFLW recruits this weekend, as they begin their pre-season campaign with a match simulation against Port Adelaide.
India Rasheed, Hannah Ewings, Kayleigh Cronin, Grace Kelly and Christina Leuzzi will run out in Crows colours for the first time against the Power at Alberton Oval on Saturday morning.
Speaking to AFC Media in the lead-up to the pre-season opener, Adelaide AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke said it was exciting for the Club to have so many new faces join the ranks.
“All five of our new players that are fit will run out and play their first game in Crows colours which is very exciting,” Clarke said.
“They are already very much a part of our group, but it feels a bit more like it when you are out on the field wearing the guernsey.
“We are excited to see them in action, and hopefully Crows fans will be excited by what they bring to our side.”
The clash is a match simulation, with the Clubs deciding on four, 22-minute quarters, with no restrictions on interchanges or players used.
Clarke said the format would give his team a great opportunity to hone their craft.
“It’s a bit of match simulation, so there aren’t any real defined rules when it comes to rotations and things, so it’s up to the two teams to work out how we go about it,” Clarke said.
“We’ve landed on playing four 22 minute quarters, and we’ll play our entire fit squad which shakes out to us having 27 run out on the weekend.
“It’s been a long pre-season, so it’s exciting for us to go out and have a competitive hit-out against an opposition.”
The players are likely to be greeted with less than ideal conditions on Saturday morning, with heavy rain and wind forecast.
Clarke explained how his players would be challenged in a variety of different ways.
“We’ll wait and see what the conditions have in store for us, it might be a little bit wet and wild so if that’s the case the major focus will be around our pressure and contest,” Clarke said.
“If the weather is reasonable, hopefully we get to see some good offensive play as well, and knowing the way Port play they will challenge our defenders as well.
“It’s a good chance to see our squad come together and execute some of the stuff we’ve been practicing in a game situation.”
Adelaide takes on Port Adelaide in an AFLW match simulation at Alberton Oval on Saturday at 11am.
All fans are welcome, free of charge.