Kuwarna ruck Jess Allan cites the side’s ability to play with freedom as the catalyst behind its record-breaking final quarter goal blitz.
After trailing at all three breaks, Kuwarna produced a final quarter for the ages, booting a Club record 7.0 to record a critical 38-point victory.
Speaking to the media, Allan explained how the group overcame a shaky start to its campaign to produce the stunning seven-goal blitz.
“It’s obviously been a bit of a shaky start for us, and the biggest thing coming off the back of that disappointing St Kilda game was we needed to improve our entries inside 50,” Allan said.
“In the first half on the weekend we still didn’t quite get there, but after half-time you would have seen a shift in our ball movement and our pressure was way up, we really wanted to just play with freedom.
“We paved the way in that third quarter and then in the last we really unlocked the way we are trying to play - it was a great example of Crows footy.
“The way we played in that last quarter shows there is so much for us to look forward to this year, everything just clicked and we were having fun out there, which was just awesome to see for the girls.”
The clash against the Cats marked a special milestone for three-time premiership Captain Chelsea Randall, who played her 75th game.
And as she’s done throughout her career, Randall rose to the occasion, booting three second-half goals to will Kuwarna to victory.
Allan spoke of the influence Randall had on the Club, and how she inspired the team on Sunday.
“Chelsea Randall is one of those players that when you are out there playing you actually stop and you spectate - we are all just in awe of what she’s able to do,” Allan said.
“She has the ability to change the game and get everybody inspired, she constantly lifts the standards of everyone around her, and you would have seen that on the weekend.
“She really got us going when we really needed a spark, and you saw the energy she gave the group, as after she kicked that goal from 50 in the last quarter literally the entire team ran to get around her.
“It’s a credit to her to get to 75 games, but I think everybody will get to see a lot more of Chelsea Randall, and I hope so too.”
Along with the exploits of Randall, a vocal crowd at Unley Oval proved crucial for Kuwarna, as the group fed off its home fans’ energy.
“We love playing at Unley because it’s got that family atmosphere, and they’ve done really well to advertise that this year,” Allan said.
“You could feel it in the last quarter, the way the crowd got around us was incredible and really helped get us over the line.
“And to be able to have the fans around post game in the engagement zone, it was just fantastic, and we’re pretty lucky to have so many kids come up and ask for our signatures
“The vibe was just incredible.”
Kuwarna faces Greater Western Sydney at Henson Park this Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce at 12.35pm (ACST).
