Adelaide has named two changes for its Round Four clash with GWS in Canberra on Saturday.
Wing Deni Varnhagen and ruck Montana McKinnon have been included in the side, as the Crows look to maintain their undefeated start to 2023.
Varnhagen last featured with Adelaide during Season Five’s Grand Final win against Brisbane, after being on the inactive list for the past two seasons.
Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said Varnhagen’s selection was proof of her determination to return to competitive football.
Harper said the 31-year-old’s addition would provide experience to a relatively young midfield, with Stevie-Lee Thompson out of the line-up due to a back injury.
“We are really pleased for Deni to get a chance,” Harper said.
“She has worked extremely hard and has had to really earn her spot.
“Deni gave birth to her daughter at the end of October last year and wasn’t allowed to run until January, so to be playing AFLW in September is a truly remarkable effort.
“She replaces Stevie-Lee, who was quite sore early in the week but her back is now on the mend and we are hopeful that she will return to training next week.”
McKinnon, meanwhile, will replace Utility Lisa Whiteley, who has been omitted.
“Montana returns to the team after performing strongly in our last two trial games,” Harper said.
“She replaces Lisa Whiteley, who performed well last week, however it was decided a different mix of player strengths would be helpful this week against the Giants.”
Harper said players were keen to travel to the nation’s Capital for the first time, as they looked to make it four wins from four games.
“Our team has never played in Canberra, so we are very much looking forward to the challenge of taking on the Giants on one of their home grounds at Manuka Oval,” Harper said.
Recruit Taylah Levy, joins Whiteley and Keeley Kustermann as the emergencies.
Adelaide takes on the Giants at Manuka Oval, Canberra, on Saturday at 10.35am (ACST).
IN: Varnhagen, McKinnon
OUT: Thompson (injured), Whiteley
Adelaide’s Round Four AFLW team is:
