The stage is set for an exciting weekend of AFLW semi-finals, with key updates on team line-ups and injury reports. Fremantle heads into its crucial semi-final match against Adelaide with a major boost, while Hawthorn remains unaffected by injury concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the teams and the latest developments.
Fremantle has received good news ahead of their semi-final clash with Adelaide, as star player Ash Brazill returns to the team after a week off to recover from an ankle injury. Brazill, who last played in Fremantle’s round-nine victory against Greater Western Sydney, will be a crucial addition to the Dockers’ line-up on Saturday. In addition, coach Lisa Webb has brought tall utility Ariana Hetherington back into the squad, replacing Amy Mulholland, who has been ruled out due to a concussion. Joanne Cregg has also been omitted. With these changes, Fremantle is hoping to capitalize on its full-strength squad as they battle Adelaide for a spot in the grand final.
On the other side, Adelaide’s adjustments are minimal. The Crows have made just one change to their line-up, bringing in small forward/midfielder Abbie Ballard in place of Lily Tarlinton, who has been omitted. This move highlights Adelaide’s confidence in their current squad as they prepare for the challenge posed by Fremantle, who are expected to come out strong with Brazill back in action.
Hawthorn, despite suffering a loss in last week’s qualifying final, is breathing a sigh of relief after both Jasmine Fleming and Ainslie Kemp passed their fitness tests. Fleming, who had been struggling with a calf issue, was cleared of any major injury, and Kemp, who underwent a head injury assessment, showed no signs of delayed concussion. Both players are set to feature in the Hawks’ semi-final match against Port Adelaide. With no additional injury concerns, Hawthorn will line up with the same squad, hoping to bounce back from their earlier defeat and make a strong push for the finals.
Port Adelaide, meanwhile, enters their semi-final match against Hawthorn with an unchanged line-up, having come through their first finals win without any injury setbacks. The Power will be aiming to maintain their momentum as they face off against a determined Hawthorn team. With both sides at full strength, this promises to be a highly competitive match.
As we look ahead to the semi-finals, the line-ups for Saturday, November 16 are as follows:
Adelaide v Fremantle (Norwood Oval, 3:05pm ACDT)
Adelaide: In: Abbie Ballard; Out: Lily Tarlinton (omitted)
Fremantle: In: Ash Brazill, Ariana Hetherington; Out: Amy Mulholland (concussion), Joanne Cregg (omitted)
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide (Ikon Park, 7:30pm AEDT)
Hawthorn: In: Nil; Out: Nil
Port Adelaide: In: Nil; Out: Nil
With so much on the line, both matches are set to be thrilling contests. Fans can look forward to intense action as the teams battle for a place in the grand final.