As the Crows look towards their second game of 2026, Senior Coach Ryan Davis speaks about what it’s going to take to beat Carlton this Sunday, Hannah Munyard’s upcoming milestone, a defender’s devastating injury and more.
Here is Ryan’s Round Two rundown.
Round One review
]The Crows held their own for three quarters in Round One against Sydney before going down by eight points.
Despite the loss, there was plenty to like, according to Davis.
“We went through that (the review) with the players, and there’s so much to like with what we've been working on throughout the pre-season with our offensive ball movement,” Davis said.
“(There’s been) some personnel changes, so in terms of how we went about it, certainly for that first half, it was really really pleasing.
“Clearly, there’s some things in the second half that we needed to address.
“For example, some of our contest methods we're getting a little bit too skinny in transition, so making sure we're holding and sealing that perimeter.”
Hannah Munyard’s upcoming milestone match
Premiership Crow Hannah Munyard will take to the field for her 50th AFLW game when Adelaide faces Carlton at Ikon Park this Sunday afternoon.
It’s been quite the journey for Munyard, who returned home to line up with the Crows after starting her career with the Western Bulldogs in 2020.
Munyard, who played a role in Adelaide’s 2022 (Season Six) Grand Final win, also claimed the League’s goal-of-the-year award in 2024 after an incredible kick from the boundary sailed through during a game against St Kilda.
Her career hasn’t been without setbacks, however, with the utility missing all but one game last year after breaking her ankle during the team’s opening round match against the Saints.
Although Davis had only coached Munyard for a short period of time, he said her journey deserved to be celebrated and was pleased to see her be set to reach the milestone.
“It’s fantastic to see her back, she's a great character, a much-loved member of the group,” Davis said.
“Obviously sitting out last year was very tough for her, but her ability to impact defensively, offensively, her speed, her pressure, and attributes are awesome.
“It's a great milestone for Hannah to reach after a little bit longer than she might have liked, but we'll get our arms around her and go out and try to win it.”
Kiera Mueller’s injury
The Crows will be without defender Kiera Mueller for this weekend's clash against Carlton after the 23-year-old injured her knee in the first quarter of the Round One game against Sydney
Scans revealed extensive damage to the patella tendon in her right knee, requiring surgery.
Davis said it was disappointing for Mueller and the team and someone would need to step up in her absence.
“It’s very disappointing for Kiera,” Davis said.
“She had a really good pre-season and is a promising young player.
“But in terms of what we need to do going forward, it's the next player up.
“We've got a very strong squad. A lot of players can play in multiple positions, so that'll probably come out into match committee (discussions). There's certainly players that are ready to step up to fill that role.”
Looking ahead to Carlton
The Crows will face Carlton at IKON Park this Sunday afternoon and will be searching for their first win of 2026.
Davis was confident the team would turn its form around, with a few little tweaks to last week’s performance.
“Moving forward into Carlton, they play a very fast style of football, where they can also change gears with their kick mark as well,” Davis said.
“Our ability to locate and snap defensively to seal them in and force them back into that long down the line game will be imperative.
“They’re a very good transition football side, so being able to negate that on the outside of the contest, but they're also very strong inside, so we need to make sure we get it done on the inside of the contest.”
A young gun’s stellar debut
First-year Crow Chloe Bown made her AFLW debut against the Swans last week and her strong performance was a highlight for Adelaide.
Bown, who was selected with Pick No.5 at the 2025 AFLW Draft, recorded 18 disposals, eight score involvements and five marks in her first game as a Crow.
Davis said she was impressed with Bown’s first showing, believing it was a glimpse of what’s to come.
“I think some snippets of Chloe Bown’s game were outstanding,” Davis said.
“Her ability to show up in the contested aerial situations against seasoned veterans was really really good and exciting for Crows fans.
“Being able to get a couple of shots at goal as well, albeit wasn't able to salute, but it's a very promising sign from her.”
Adelaide take on Carlton at IKON Park on Sunday at 2.50pm (ACST).
The match will be broadcast live on 7Mate and Kayo.
