The return of three-time premiership star Chelsea Randall headlines Adelaide’s extended squad of 24 for its Round 12 clash against Fremantle at Norwood Oval.
Randall comes back into the side after missing the past six matches with concussion, following a head knock in the Crows’ Round Five win against Hawthorn.
Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said Randall had got through a solid two-week block of training, and was ready to return.
“It’s really important for her to not only be playing footy, but feeling better and healthy and that’s the main thing we want for Chels,” Harper said.
“She’s a very handy inclusion into our side, she’s been training with the group for the past two weeks with no symptoms at all.
“As long as she pulls up well tomorrow from what was a pretty solid session today, she’ll be in the side on Sunday.”
Ruck Jess Allan also returns to the line-up after being left out of last week’s Showdown against Port Adelaide.
“Jess performed well in the scrimmage last Saturday and with Mim Strom being a very polished ruck performer for Fremantle, we felt it was the right call to bring her back into the team,” Harper said.
“She’ll have her hands full no doubt, but she’s had great battles against Strom in the past and we feel this will be no different.”
Irish duo Kayleigh Cronin and Amy Boyle Carr, as well as veteran Stevie-Lee Thompson have also been included in the squad, and have been named on the extended bench.
They are joined on the eight-person interchange by Teah Charlton, Brooke Boileau, Keeley Kustermann, Lily Tarlinton and Rachelle Martin, which will be cut to five when the Crows confirm their final team on Friday afternoon.
As confirmed on Tuesday, Niamh Kelly will miss the game with concussion, while Brooke Smith has been omitted.
Sunday afternoon’s match will be a celebration for the Crows, as Anne Hatchard becomes the second player in the Club’s history to reach 100 games.
Harper spoke glowingly of the four-time All-Australian’s impact on not only the Club, but the competition as a whole.
“Her first couple of years she was in and out of the team and as a young 18 year old she probably wasn’t at her fittest, but since then she’s got super fit, is a beast in the midfield and goes forward and kicks goals,” Harper said.
“To play 100 games is a great feather in her cap, and hopefully we can get the job done for her as it would be a good way to celebrate someone that has a tremendous impact on women’s football.”
Adelaide faces Fremantle in a do-or-die Round 12 clash at Norwood Oval on Sunday at 4.35pm.
Tickets available here.
Adelaide's Round 12 extended squad is:
