In preparation for its Sunday match against North Melbourne, Adelaide has named three-time Premiership defender Sarah Allan to the starting lineup.
This year, the Vice Captain has been forced to watch from the sidelines due to a hamstring injury he sustained in August during preseason.
Allan put in a great week of training, demonstrating her fitness in front of the top-four match at Norwood Oval against the Kangaroos.
Brooke Tonon, the utility, has been left out.
As the emergency, Tonon joins utility Lisa Whiteley and wing Deni Varnhagen.
Allen’s presence will greatly strengthen the backline, according to Matthew Clarke, senior coach of the Adelaide AFLW.
“That’s incredible that Allan is in the team; she’s our vice captain and has been a consistent player for a very long time,” Clarke remarked.
“We have to lower our expectations a little bit because she hasn’t played football for 11 months, but she is still a very good player.
“She has put in a ton of preparation work before this game and has done everything perfectly to return in time for the season’s conclusion.
“We’re thrilled for her and the team, and even though we know she might not be playing at her best this weekend, we’re a stronger team with her on it.”
In the penultimate round of the season, the Crows will be trying to get over their setback to Brisbane and maintain their top-two position.
On the ladder, North Melbourne is currently ranked third, one victory behind Adelaide.
Clarke said the Crows were “a little off” their best against the Lions but was confident his side had learnt a lot from the defeat and was ready for North.
“While we certainly didn’t enjoy losing, the reality is it’s one game of the season and we have to move on pretty quickly,” Clarke said.
“We were disappointed but we’ve got another big challenge this week.
“It’s certainly a big game – two v three – and only two rounds to go… the reason you’re in the competition is to try and win the competition.”
The game will commemorate Toyota’s major contribution to Australian football, from the amateur ranks to the professional ranks, and the Crows’ Toyota Good for Footy Round.
South Melbourne and Adelaide play on Sunday at 2.35 p.m. at Norwood Oval.