Phillips made for the moment
After trailing for the entire contest, the Crows needed something special to snatch victory in a thrilling final term, and it was Erin Phillips who provided it. The 31-year-old marked a quick kick from Heather Anderson at centre half-forward then turned and bombed a stunning 60-metre goal to give the Crows the lead for the first time in the match. It topped off another brilliant four-quarter performance from the Crows co-captain, who finished with a team-high 19 possessions including 12 contested, six inside 50ms and five marks. An Olympian and a dual WNBA champion, there’s no doubting Phillips’ pure athleticism, but she’s also proving to be one of the most gifted and skilful ball-users of the inaugural AFL Women’s competition.

“That’s something that I think everybody will enjoy watching later!” - Crows women’s coach Bec Goddard on Phillips’ amazing goal.


Cramey shows mettle
The Crows had to absorb a Carlton onslaught early as the Blues kicked with the aid of a strong breeze in the opening term. Marquee Blue Brianna Davey was the architect off half-back for the visitors. The Australian Matildas goalkeeper cut the Crows off regularly to collect nine disposals, four rebound 50ms and two marks for the quarter. But at the other end, veteran defender Courtney Cramey was cool under pressure and kept the Crows in the contest. The SA state skipper put her body on the line to claim three marks and three rebound 50ms in the opening term alone. She continued to set the tone after quarter-time with a bone-jarring tackle on Gabriella Pound and another on Isabella Ayre moments later, with both efforts earning holding-the-ball calls. Cramey finished with seven tackles for the match and was well-supported by co-captain Chelsea Randall (17 possessions, four marks) and the run of Stevie-Lee Thompson (nine disposals at 89 per cent efficiency) out of defence.

“She’s the general down back. She’s used to being a midfielder in South Australian state footy so she’s had to change the way that she prepares and how she measures her performance each week, and she’s doing such a great job.” – Crows women’s coach Bec Goddard on Courtney Cramey.

Heat turned up in cool conditions
Both teams went in at full steam with top spot on the line in Sunday’s clash at Thebarton. There was no shortage of niggle off the ball and neither side took a backwards step in the blustery conditions. Things only got more heated as the rain started to fall late in the third term. Imposing Crows ruckwoman Rhiannon Metcalfe enforced herself at the three-quarter time break and it seemed to spark her teammates leading into the final quarter. The home side smothered the Blues, dominating the inside 50m count 11-2 and holding Carlton scoreless for the rest of the contest. The Crows registered 70 tackles for the match - the most by the Club in all three of its AFLW games this year – to help the home side continue its unbeaten run.


Crows find a way without goalkicker Gibson
There was a collective gasp from the stands when marquee forward Kellie Gibson went down nursing her right leg in the opening seconds of the match. The dynamo goalkicker rolled her ankle awkwardly while chasing a Carlton opponent at half-forward and had to be helped from the field by trainers, who took her straight into the rooms for further assessment. Gibson was put through a mini fitness test at quarter-time but took no further part in the match. Her absence was significant. The Crows struggled to link up and score freely in the difficult conditions and the speed and class of ‘Gibbo’ could’ve been just the tonic. But the Crows still managed to dig deep and find a way to win without the livewire West Australian. A fierce competitor, Gibson will do everything in her power to recover in time ahead of next Sunday’s clash with Fremantle.

“Kel’s a trooper. She wants to play in her home town next week. I know that she’ll do her rehab right this week and hopefully get it back up.” - Crows women’s coach Bec Goddard.

Eddie’s everywhere
Crows men’s star Eddie Betts, a new inclusion into Adelaide’s senior leadership group, provided some words of wisdom in the rooms pre-match ahead Sunday’s AFLW clash with his former club. Chelsea Randall seemed to be particularly inspired, taking flight in the fourth quarter for an ‘Eddie-like’ speccy attempt on centre wing that wowed the crowd despite the missed marking attempt. Betts was among several men’s players who were eager to support the AFLW Crows at Thebby on Sunday. Young gun Riley Knight lent a helping hand on the bench, while Tom Lynch, Rory Atkins and draftees Jordan Gallucci, Myles Poholke and Elliott Himmelberg were all among the 9,000-strong crowd.