As the AFLW finals heat up, the Adelaide Crows and Fremantle Dockers face off in a crucial semi-final at Norwood Oval this Saturday. With no more second chances left, both teams understand the stakes: one more loss and their season is over. This highly anticipated match will be a test of skill, composure, and the battle in the ruck — an area that could prove decisive in determining who advances to the preliminary final.
A Key Ruck Match-up
One of the standout features of this clash will be the battle in the ruck between Adelaide’s Jess Allan and Fremantle’s Mim Strom. Both players are in fantastic form, with Strom coming off a record-breaking performance in the previous round, registering an AFLW-high 55 hitouts along with 26 disposals and a goal. For Fremantle to have any chance against the experienced Crows, Strom will need to repeat that performance and find a way to get her midfield involved. Allan, on the other hand, leads the league in hitouts to advantage and is a key figure for Adelaide, setting up her midfielders for success. Her exceptional connection with players like Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard will be crucial in helping the Crows control the tempo of the game.
Tactical Differences and Defensive Strengths
The game will also be defined by contrasting playing styles. Adelaide excels in contested marking and fast-paced ball movement, averaging 6.6 contested marks per game, the highest in the competition. In contrast, Fremantle focuses more on intercepting the ball in their forward half, looking to generate scores from turnovers. Defensively, both teams have been among the best in the competition this season, with Adelaide conceding just 25.9 points per game and Fremantle allowing 27.0. These tight defensive units will make scoring a challenge for both sides, meaning every inside-50 entry will be crucial.
While Fremantle’s goal-scoring accuracy has sometimes been inconsistent, they have managed to step up in key moments, as demonstrated by Gabby O’Sullivan’s match-winning goal in the elimination final. Adelaide, however, is a tough team to reel in once they build momentum, making it vital for Fremantle to start strong and stay within touch early in the game. If they give the Crows too much of a head start, it could be hard to recover.
The Key to Success: Conversion
For Adelaide, the biggest challenge will be converting their opportunities into points. While they generate plenty of forward entries, they have struggled at times with accuracy and efficiency in front of goal. This has been a persistent issue for the Crows in recent weeks, and if they are to progress to another preliminary final, they will need to make the most of every opportunity. Fremantle, with their solid defensive structure, will likely try to stifle Adelaide’s attacking efforts and force them to take low-percentage shots.
Prediction: Crows to Advance
With a strong defensive record and a midfield that has consistently dominated throughout the season, Adelaide enters this semi-final as the favorites. Fremantle will certainly make it a tough contest, but the Crows’ balanced mix of defensive pressure and attacking potency should see them over the line. Expect a close game, but Adelaide is likely to edge out Fremantle by a narrow margin, securing a spot in their fifth consecutive preliminary final.