DETAILS:  Adelaide v Melbourne  

DATE: Saturday 29 January

TIME: 3:10pm (AEDT) | 2:40pm (local time)

LOCATION: Norwood Oval, South Australia    

BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports

GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here

LAST TIME WE MET: Preliminary Final, 2021 | Adelaide v Melbourne | Adelaide Oval  
It was the end of Melbourne’s 2021 campaign when these two sides last faced each other. The Preliminary Final match saw the Crows book their spot in the 2021 AFLW Grand Final with an 18-point victory over the Dees at Adelaide Oval.

It was a slow start on the scoreboard for both teams, with just two goals kicked in the first half, both to the home side. Melbourne didn’t manage to convert a major score until the final term, where they fought hard to get back the 21-point deficit left at the three-quarter break.

Despite scoring more than Adelaide during the final term (1.4 to 1.1), Melbourne’s efforts were unfortunately too late with the Crows finishing the day with a ticket to the Grand Final.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Melbourne
Maddi Gay  
With Gay likely to return following her stint on the sidelines under the AFL’s Health and Safety protocols, the Dees will hope to benefit from some added energy through their midfield. The 25-year-old’s attack on the ball is a defensive asset through the centre, demonstrated in the side’s Preliminary Final game against the Crows where she collected seven tackles.

Sarah Lampard
Lampard made her return last week after missing Round 2 under the AFL’s Health and Safety protocols and did not disappoint when she took to the field, producing a 17-disposal game. Once again, the team were able to rely on her work rate down back and will look to do the same for Saturday’s match. Lampard provides clean skills and composure out of the defensive 50, something that will be particularly valued this weekend as they head into the opposition’s territory. 

Tyla Hanks
Hanks will be coming off consistent performances that have her heading into Round 4 averaging 17.7 disposals and 7.3 tackles per game. Last season, the gutsy midfielder was in the best on both occasions when Melbourne and Adelaide faced each other, proving she is a threat during this match-up. With an experienced midfield a strength of Adelaide’s game, Hanks will be an important player come Saturday’s clash.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Adelaide
Ebony Marinoff
Marinoff lit up Adelaide Oval when Melbourne last faced the Crows, with an outstanding display that saw her collect 35 disposals and 13 tackles. The midfielder was also impressive when the sides met in Round 7 with 24 disposals and seven tackles. Marinoff, who has a number of accolades under her belt since debuting back in 2017, will bring energy and experience.

Ashleigh Woodland
Woodland is currently leading the league in goals kicked for the season with 10 kicked over the three rounds, showing just how much of an impact she can have on a game. The forward can compete in the air and will be a tough competitor for the Demon defence.

Eloise Jones
Jones is heading into Saturday’s game having had a solid performance in the side’s Round 3 win over West Coast. Jones is a known threat along Adelaide’s wing, with strong aerial skills and her ability to snap a quick goal a bonus to her game. She’ll no doubt be trying to back up her strong efforts from last weekend.

MELBOURNE VIEW: Marcus Wagner – GM of AFLW
“Being our first interstate trip for the year, this will provide a really interesting challenge – one that we’re very excited about it.

“It’ll be a great opportunity to test ourselves against one of the benchmark sides in the competition.

“We go into the game really confident with our start to the season and look forward to the challenge Adelaide presents.

“We encourage all of our SA-based members and supporters to come along. Hopefully we get a great crowd and a great atmosphere at Norwood Oval, for what is going to be a high-quality game of football.”