New Crows AFLW Senior Coach Ryan Davis addressed the Adelaide media ahead of his team opening its 2026 season against Sydney at Unley Oval on Sunday afternoon.

Davis touched on a range of topics, including selection, given the Crows have nine new players in the squad, expectations for the upcoming season, the team’s playing style and more.

Here is Ryan’s Rundown.

Selection calls

The Crows will announce a squad on Thursday night, before the final Round One team is revealed on Friday afternoon, with the match being hosted on Sunday.

Davis remained tight-lipped on how many debutants could feature in the team, but with nine new players shining during pre-season, said competition for spots was high.

“We're going very well at the moment, we’ve just about got a really healthy list,” Davis said.

“Match committee will be after main training on Thursday, and we'll get into picking our best side.

“There’s been a fair bit of change with the playing group (and) with nine new players, but those new players have really elevated our playing style and the competition for spots on the list.

“It's tough to take into account what the pre-season form is, a lot of different clubs were playing different players in different positions, as we were. 

“But in terms of the way we were playing and the way we applied ourselves, it was very pleasing.”

What fans can expect this season

As the Crows enter a new era under Davis, there is a growing sense of optimism around the Club, with an emerging group and exciting crop of recruits helping shape its next chapter. 

Davis said Adelaide was embracing a new identity, while maintaining its ambition to remain competitive and in the finals conversation throughout 2026.

“The playing group has really bought into more of an aggressive, fast style of play, and the players that we've brought in have really leaned into that as well. 

“I think the fans will really see an aggressive, fast style of football.

“It's really really exciting. I think we've seen some evidence of those draftees playing in the last month. They've been able to come in and just impact at a really quality level. 

“This is a very proud group and a very proud Club, so without putting expectations on it, it is to play finals football. 

“Whether or not we can do that, the proof will be in the pudding, but certainly, we want to be challenging each and every week.”

Davis on the Crows’ Round One opponent

Round One has been a long time coming for the Crows, who will begin their season against Sydey at Unley Oval on Sunday, in what is shaping as an exciting opening challenge.

After a long off-season and pre-season, Davis says there is a strong sense of belief and readiness within the playing group.

The Swans are also entering a new chapter under fresh leadership, with new coach Colin O'Riordan at the helm, setting the stage for an intriguing season-opening clash, according to Davis.

“They’re quality, they've got a lot of quality across all lines, with a new coach at the helm as well,” Davis said.

“I believe they'll be bringing some of that Irish speed and Irish flair to their game.”

“There's a lot of excitement around the playing group. We've been working towards this for quite some time, and I think we are ready.

Crows new-look leadership group

The Crows recently unveiled a new-look AFLW leadership group ahead of the 2026 season, with Ebony Marinoff as sole Captain leading the way, alongside Eloise Jones, who was elevated to Vice-Captain.

Recruit Grace Egan, Irish pair Niamh and Grace Kelly, premiership defender Chelsea Biddell and number one ruck Jess Allan were also voted in, following an extensive process involving players and coaches. 

Davis said the exercise helped establish a clear set of standards and behaviours, while ensuring the group's leaders were well placed to guide the team into a new era.

“We’ve spent a whole bunch of time - five, six weeks, really working through what the leadership looks like for this group, what the playing group needs from their leaders, and what the standards and behaviours we want to be known for. 

“The players have a really strong understanding of what the group requires, and we've been leading that quite strongly through the last sort of four, five, six weeks.

The Crows face the Swans at Unley Oval on Sunday at 12.05pm.

Tickets available here.