Adelaide vs Melbourne AFLW- Crows remain undefeated in battle of the unbeatens
Written by Tom Wyman
The Crowshave jumped to the top of the AFLW ladder, following a comprehensive 14-point victory over the previously undefeated Melbourne at Norwood Oval.
Despite making four changes to the side that dominated West Coast last weekend,Adelaide jumped out of the blocks and took control of proceedings to put the Demons defence on the back foot.
It took only a matter of minutes before superstar veteran Erin Phillips opened the scoring for Adelaidewith a classy snap;courtesyof a textbook piece of front-and-centre roving.
Proving ever-dangerous as the Crows continued to send the ball inside-50, Phillips would add her second of the quarter moments later to move ahead of Carlton’s Darcy Vescio and take the reins asthe AFLW all-time leading goalkicker.
The Crows engine room, led by reigning best and fairest winner Ebony Marinoff, dialled up the heat as Melbourne struggled to work their way out of their defensive-50.
The inside-50s continued to mount for Melbourne, conceding 16 entries and only managing just four of their own to head into the quarter-time break goalless.
Adelaide’s well-drilled defence stood tall as the game wore on, with Sarah Allan and Chelsea Randall able to nullify the impact of Melbourne spearhead Tayla Harris.
Looking to solidify her spot in the Adelaide side with several players placed in health and safety protocols, Madison Newman provided plenty of reboundfor coach Matthew Clarke’s girls as the Crows headed into the main break with a healthy lead.
As COVID continues to impact the competition, the Crows have continued to stand strong - Photo credit: Mark Brake
However, a promising first half was soured by injury to inspirational defender Chelsea Randall, who was ruled out for the remainder of the meeting after re-injuring her troublesome hamstring.
Demon duo Tyla Hanks and Eliza McNamara did their best to energise their side after half-time, but the visitors were forced to shuffle to deck chairs after ruck Lauren Pearce left the field with an apparent ankle complaint.
Melbourne’s hopes of a second-half resurgence were quickly put to restby Phillips, who slammed home her third goal in emphatic stylefrom long-range.
With midfielders Marinoff and Anne Hatchardproviding Adelaide with the ascendancy on the inside, livewire forwards Rachelle Martin, Teah Charlton and Abbie Ballard looked ominous in attack – although the Crows missed a handful of gettable opportunities to extend the margin in-front of the big sticks.
Although the contested ball dominance and forward-line flair was exciting, it was the Crows dour defence which laid the groundwork for the performance.
Sarah Allan, MarijanaRajcic and Najwa Allan all stepped up in the absence of dual-premiership captain Randall bydenying the Demons time and space.
Daisy Pearce gave the Demons some life, but her teammates lacked scoreboard support - Photo credit: Kayo Sports
An intelligent soccer from Daisy Pearce allowed Tayla Harris to run into an open goal to finally get the Demons on the board in the final quarter.
Melbourne was able to wrestle back control and momentum as the final siren drew near, with Pearce booting a goal of her own to inject hope into the hearts of the Dees.
Even after Pearce kicked her second of the term, it was too little too late for Melbourne as the Crowsjoined Fremantle as the onlytwo undefeated sides afterfourrounds of football; sending a message of intent to the rest of the competition in the process.
Adelaide 4.11 (35) def Melbourne 3.3 (21)
Adelaide Best: E. Phillips, E. Marinoff, A. Hatchard, S. Allan, M. Newman, M. McKinnon Melbourne Best: E. McNamara, T. Hanks, S. Lampard, D. Pearce, C. Sherrif Adelaide Goals: E. Phillips 3, R. Martin Melbourne Goals: D. Pearce 2, T. Harris