Adelaide AFLW Captain Ebony Marinoff has become the last player left who has featured in every game possible since the competition started in 2017.

Upon reaching the unmatched streak, Marinoff spoke to the media on how that record almost didn’t happen, while touching on the win against the Lions and what that means in the context of the season.

Read what she had to say.

Last inaugural player standing

Marinoff said she only learned of the milestone after Adelaide’s win against Brisbane on Sunday night, with teammates letting her know on the team bus.

“I didn't actually know. We were on the bus on the way back to the hotel on Saturday night and the girls told me, and then obviously I saw it.

“It's just obviously a pretty cool achievement. I pride myself on consistency and being able to get out there, so I'm pretty proud I've been able to do that since day one.”

The injury that almost ended the run

The streak could have ended back in 2023, however, but Marinoff continued to play through a syndesmosis injury before eventually having surgery.

“I did that for about five or six weeks, and then had surgery, so I probably should have missed the game.

“(Former coach) Matthew Clarke still tells me to this day they should have rested me, but apparently syndesmosis doesn't heal on rest, they heal with surgery, so I think I won that battle.”

Built on consistency

For Marinoff, the durability record reflects a year-round approach to preparation and a refusal to settle.

“(There’s) no real secrets, just be consistent. The way I prepare 12 months of the year is pretty similar year-on-year, don't ever be satisfied and continue to strive for the best. 

“I know that I'm still nowhere near the complete player and I think just being consistent with what I do has really always held me up in good stead.”

Finding their feet under a new coach

At the halfway mark of the season, Marinoff said Adelaide was beginning to settle into a new game style under first-year Coach Ryan Davis.

“It's six weeks gone in a flash, but it's been exciting. It's been an adjustment - a new coach, new game style. We had the Australian v Ireland game, we had a few injuries and things like that. 

“We had a huge win on the weekend against Brisbane, that really holds us in good stead to really push for that eight, but it's been six weeks of learning, growing, and we're seeing some girls really starting to excel in their roles on game day.

Brisbane breakthrough could prove pivotal

The win against Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday carried extra weight for Adelaide’s season, with Marinoff saying the group understood exactly what was at stake.

“Ryan's come in and he said we haven't really travelled well, and then we looked at our win-loss record, and we certainly do win more games at home. 

“So it was a massive win. I was actually sitting on the plane with Keeley Kustermann on the way home, and I said it'd be naive to think if we didn't win that game that it was going to be hard. 

“If you're sitting here as an athlete and you don't look at what that means, I know every single one of those players knew that that was a must-win game. 

“We hadn't beaten them in five-odd years as well to add that up, so, it was a massive, massive win in terms of where our season is at.”

Ryan Davis’ early impact

Marinoff said the side was still adjusting to Davis’ style, but had already taken confidence from the way he had challenged the group.

“He's very energetic and powerful in the way he sets up the team to execute their roles.

“I think we really responded to what he challenged us on, and we really went and courageously come up against a pretty tough inside mid, and we won the contested numbers.”

Momentum and belief after Brisbane win

The Crows’ breakthrough win against Brisbane - its first against the Lions in 1717 days - has given the group a platform to build from, with Marinoff pointing to two key takeaways.

“Two things that come to my mind are momentum and belief.

“Our next six rounds are important, but we’ve got Freo this week to look forward to.”

Keeping the focus week to week

Despite the finals race tightening, Marinoff said her leadership focus remains on action rather than overplaying the stakes.

“My mentality was to lead and action what we did on the weekend, and I'll continue to do that just to focus on what's at hand.

“You can't get too far ahead in this competition.”

Adelaide returns to Unley Oval where it will face Fremantle on Sunday at 12.35pm.

Get your tickets here.