The Crows played their first match simulation of the 2026 AFLW pre-season, going down by 15 points to Fremantle at South Fremantle Oval. 

With scores level at quarter time, and Fremantle two points ahead at half time, a three-goal to one third term helped set up the Dockers’ 10 7 (67) to 8 4 (52) victory.

Caitlin Gould – who kicked a goal in each of the quarters – provided good aerial presence, while eight new players donned the Adelaide guernsey for the first time. 

Coaching his first competitive game, Crows AFLW Senior Coach Ryan Davis said overall he was happy with what he saw from his team.

“It was a pleasing start, there were a lot of really good passages of play with our offensive ball movement, which we’ve been working on over pre-season, defensively, there are areas we can sharpen up on, we went end-to-end a fair bit,” Davis said.

“It was a hot, highly contested game, but we saw a lot of good growth in our ball movement, looking to be aggressive.”

New faces take the field

The Crows had eight new players take the field on Friday afternoon. 

First year Crows Chloe Bown (drafted with Pick No.5), Lucy Waye (Pick No.21), Liv Gorman (Pick No.25), Alicia Blizard (Pick No.39), Ava Stewart (Pick No.63), Grace Egan who was traded from Richmond and injury replacement players Juliet Kelly and Alice Tentye all donned the tri-colours against the Dockers. 

Davis said it was exciting to see the injection of youth have an impact. 

“One of the things that will really excite our fans are the eight new faces we had running around out there today,” Davis said. 

“Chloe Bown played a terrific game, very clean, and her contest and aerial work were a highlight; she played a great contested game and looked at home. She also managed to hit the scoreboard after a strong contested mark. 

“Liv Gorman also looked right at home on the half back and set up a number of really good passages of play – she didn’t look out of place at all. 

“Lucy Waye, too, was very strong in a half-forward role putting in a lot of high-speed pressure moments and was strong in the contest, locking the ball in the front half.”

Munyard makes her return

Utility Hannah Munyard returned to the field on Friday afternoon after she missed most of last season with a broken ankle. 

She played the first half of the match simulation, and had an impact across half forward.

“She was electric early and set up a few turnover goals for us, which was what we were after,” Davis said. 

“It was a fantastic first game back, which is really exciting for her.”

Gould provides a forward presence 

Key forward Cailtin Gould starred in the forward line kicking four goals – one in each quarter – and showed her prowess in the air, taking a number of contested marks. 

Davis said he was impressed by Gould’s work rate both at ground level and in the air. 

“I liked the way she was able to get up the ground and hit the wings and be able to work back. Kicking some really nice set shots and taking some really good contested marks. 

“She had a really nice day out.”

A chance to shuffle the magnets

New coach Ryan Davis took the opportunity to shuffle the magnets around in his first match against an opposition.

He said giving players a chance to show their versatility was a key focus coming into the match. 

“We went into the game wanting to explore players in different positions and roles, which is important since we have eight new players on the list this year and being able to have a look at them against quality opposition like Fremantle is the biggest tick for us,” Davis said. 

For example, at one point in the second half, the Crows had three newcomers in Chloe Bown, Alice Tentye and Juliet Kelly running through the midfield together. 

“We were able to expose players to a number of positions early and see what various combinations might look like, with different players in different positions in different roles. We’ll continue to explore that over the next month moving forward into Round One to find our best mix,” Davis said.

“All in all, it was a successful day, albeit not on the scoreboard, but we learnt a lot of good things on both sides of the football and certainly a lot about the players we’ve got to work with.”

Adelaide faces West Coast in its next match simulation clash at West Lakes on Saturday, July 18.