Adelaide AFLW Captain Chelsea Randall has opened up about the Preliminary Final collision which ruled her out of the Grand Final, saying it’s not about her. 

The skipper was involved in a heavy collision with Eliza McNamara in the opening term of Saturday’s clash with Melbourne. 

“It’s renowned for the way I play my football - I saw the footy and knew I could get there before her,” Randall told AFC Media regarding the clash.

“I remember taking the footy and was hoping to just receive the contact but unfortunately we both collided in a nasty way.

“I just remember being on the floor - my mouth was pretty bloody because I hit the floor - I jogged off and, I guess, the rest is history from that point.”

Under the AFL’s concussion protocols, Randall was ruled out for selection for 12 days - meaning she would miss Adelaide’s home Grand Final. 

Despite the agony of missing out on the decider, Randall said she knew how important the rules were. 

The courageous skipper also has no doubt her side will fill the hole left by her absence. 

“As much as I am gutted, devastated, sad that I won’t be taking the field with my teammates in the Grand Final this weekend, the last six months - the last 10 games - haven’t been about me,” she said. 

“It’s about this group and just how special they are.

“I feel incredibly proud with just how far this group has gone… they’ve proven that to themselves on the weekend they can get the job done without me.”

Randall led the Crows to the inaugural Grand Final win in 2017, co-captaining with Erin Phillips, and again in 2019. 

She believed the girls were ready for the challenge ahead. 

“I don’t have kids, but I can imagine what it would be like watching a young son or daughter driving off as an 18-year-old and going off into the world, knowing you’ve done everything you possibly can to support them,” she said. 

“That’s how I feel - like a proud parent.

“One thing I’m proud of in our group is that, when an opportunity arises, they embrace it and they don’t take it for granted.

“They’ve shown that all season, so I have no doubt they’ll do just that (on the weekend).

“That’s how I feel - like a proud parent."

“They’re a damn good bunch and I’m super proud of them.”

Randall was characteristically humble when asked how she felt about watching the decider from the sidelines. 

“It’s not about me this week, it’s a bloody exciting time for our Club - we’re going into our third AFLW Grand Final and it’s going to be an amazing game of football,” she said. 

“You’re going to be a part of history if you come to this game, that’s for sure.”