It was a last-minute Grand Final rematch that ended in glory for Adelaide, but Senior Coach Matthew Clarke says his team was just excited to get back to footy.
The Crows took down reigning premiers Brisbane in an impressive 30-point defeat at Noarlunga on Sunday, taking full advantage of an injured Lions side.
Live-wire forward Ashleigh Woodland put up a four-goal haul, while midfield stalwarts Anne Hatchard (26 disposals) and Ebony Marinoff (23 disposals) made their impact.
Eloise Jones also impressed down back, alongside youngster Chelsea Biddell and All-Australian Sarah Allan.
Clarke conceded that the opponents’ injury list helped the Crows to victory, but praised his side’s all-in effort to push the game over the line.
“(Brisbane) suffered two significant injuries in the first half which impacted the game… but obviously we were just a little bit more efficient and took our chances,” Clarke said.
The senior coach said while last year’s Grand Final was disappointing, it was the excitement of Round One, not the lure of redemption, that invigorated the Crows.
“In terms of motivation from last year, that day’s been and gone,” Clarke said.
“We didn’t discuss it at all, we’re very focused on what we’re trying to achieve this year.
“It’s such a long preseason and such a long time ago, the reality is that they’ve just been itching to play footy so, in some ways, it’s probably good that we had (the rematch) first up.
“The focus on Round One is always just, ‘Let’s get back out there and enjoy playing the game’.”
Adelaide’s pre-season practice match was scrapped last year due to Covid-19 and Clarke said there was some uncertainty heading into Sunday’s clash.
“I was really confident off the back of the preseason that we would be in good shape, but we didn’t get a practice match… so you’re never 100 per cent sure,” Clarke said.
“We’re really happy with our performance. A number of players who’ve been on the edge of the team for previous seasons were able to get out there and play their role really well for the group.”
The Crows will return to Norwood Oval on Sunday to host the Kangaroos for Round Two, with first bounce at 2.40pm ACDT.
Clarke said the side couldn’t wait to get back on their home turf and welcome even more fans to the ground.
“We can’t wait to get back to Norwood and get our fans back amongst it… they’ve had a little taste of it but hopefully we can get them there in big numbers.”
“But it’s really good for us to start our season strongly and have a great win… we’ve got some tough games all the way through and they don’t come much harder than the reigning premier first up.”
