Kuwarna Co-Captain Sarah Allan will make her return from a quad strain in Sunday’s 2024 Preliminary Final rematch against Brisbane at Norwood Oval.
Allan was a late withdrawal from the Club’s Round Two clash against Geelong after reporting quad soreness - and missed last week’s trip to Sydney after it was revealed she had a minor strain.
The three-time premiership defender was able to get through training this week, and will take her place at full back for the critical clash against the Lions.
Kuwarna AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke said Allan’s return would provide a massive boost to his team.
“Sarah is one of our Captains, so she’ll bring some great leadership and composure to the squad,” Clarke said.
“Her defensive intent has been at a high-level throughout her whole career and she’s just a really important cog in our team.
“She will be a good addition for us on Sunday.”
Allan is one of four inclusions to the extended squad of 24.
Dynamic utility Teah Charlton returns to the line-up, having missed the past two games with hamstring awareness.
Rachelle Martin and Lily Tarlinton have also been included in the squad, and take their place on the extended bench alongside Grace Kelly, Stevie-Lee Thompson, Keeley Kustermann, Amy Boyle Carr, Brooke Boileau and Kiera Mueller.
The eight-player bench will be trimmed to five when the final team is confirmed on Friday at 4.30pm ACST.
Sunday’s clash serves as a chance at revenge for Clarke’s side, which will be looking to avenge a preliminary final loss to the Lions in their last meeting.
He said the battles against Brisbane were always fierce, and expected nothing less this time around.
“It will be a huge game, obviously Brisbane and us have some history and they’ve gotten the better of us in recent years, but the games are always tight and have a lot on the line,” Clarke said.
“This one will be no different I’d imagine, Brisbane are coming off a loss and they generally respond pretty strongly.
“And we’ve started the season okay but are certainly looking to find another gear in the next couple of weeks - and would love to put in a very strong performance on Sunday.”
Kuwarna will have the advantage of a home crowd behind it on Sunday, having played three of its past four games against the Lions on the road.
He said the home support gave his side a great boost, and hoped a victory on Sunday would cap off a successful weekend for the Club.
“It was a great atmosphere at Unley in our last home game, and we are hoping to have the same at Norwood, we’re lucky to have two great home grounds to play out of,” Clarke said.
“It’s an amazing environment for us to play in when the crowd is loud and engaged, and it’s a huge weekend for Crows supporters with the qualifying final tonight, the SANFL team playing on Sunday and AFLW team playing as well.
“It’s an exciting time of the year if you’re Crows fan and we hope as many as possible get along on Sunday to bring that energy which drives us.”
Kuwarna takes on Brisbane at Norwood Oval on Sunday afternoon, with the first bounce at 12.35pm ACST.
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Kuwarna Round Four Squad is:
