Adelaide has made one change to its team for its Pride Round clash against West Coast at Norwood Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Club revealed earlier on Thursday that its newest recruit, Christina Leuzzi, would make her AFLW debut against the Eagles.
Leuzzi, a former Woodville-West Torrens product, joined the Crows as a replacement player in June following outstanding form in the SANFLW.
Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said the 22-year-old deserved an opportunity after working hard to earn selection.
“Christina has been in really good form in the scrimmages for a month now, so she deserves her chance,” Harper said.
“She’s come from a fair way back, she was a train-on player with us last year, and went away and got really fit and played really well in the SANFLW.
“Now she’s worked really hard since she’s been here over the past few months and she now gets her chance.
“It will be exciting for everyone, her and her family in particular who are pretty mad Crows supporters.”
Harper said Leuzzi’s strengths would add to the side.
“We can expect her to defend well, to be able to get to the ball quickly when it’s on the ground, and then when we get the ball, to be able to burst out of defence with speed,” Harper said.
Adelaide veteran Stevie-Lee Thompson has been omitted.
“Stevie has had a couple of weeks where she hasn’t quite been at her best, she just needs to find some confidence and I’m sure she’ll be back in the side,” Harper said.
The Crows will be looking to bounce back after going down to Richmond last weekend.
“It’s only a 12-game season, so every game is important,” Harper said.
“What we do recognise is that West Coast has improved a lot, they’re in really good form, they’re in front of us on the ladder, so you’d suggest it’s going to be a really good game.”
Thompson joins Brooke Smith and Kayleigh Cronin on the emergency list.
Adelaide faces West Coast at Norwood Oval on Saturday at 12.35pm.
The Crows will don their rainbow guernsey in celebration of the AFLW’s Pride Round.
Tickets available here.
IN: Leuzzi
OUT: Thompson (omitted)
Adelaide's Round Nine team is:
