Adelaide has powered its way into a sixth preliminary final with a commanding 37-point victory over Fremantle in a scorching semi-final at Norwood Oval. The Crows demonstrated their class throughout the match, outplaying the Dockers to secure a 7.7 (49) to 1.6 (12) win. Despite Fremantle’s impressive season, injuries to key players Kiara Bowers, Ange Stannett, and Aine Tighe left them with an uphill battle.
The opening quarter saw both teams grappling with nerves, evident in Caitlin Gould’s early missed opportunity when her set shot was smothered. Fremantle worked tirelessly to disrupt Adelaide’s rhythm, but their inability to capitalize on scoring chances left them trailing. Chelsea Randall eventually broke the deadlock with a determined goal, giving the Crows the momentum they needed.
A lengthy quarter-time break under the AFLW’s heat policy provided both sides a reprieve from the sweltering 35-degree conditions. However, it was Adelaide that emerged re-energized, displaying their trademark dominance. Their relentless forward pressure paid off in the second term, as they added four crucial goals to build a commanding 29-point lead at halftime.
Fremantle faced additional challenges, with acting captain Hayley Miller requiring treatment for a knee issue and Gab Newton battling discomfort from a first-quarter fall. Despite their efforts, the Dockers struggled to find cohesion in attack, often undone by the resilience of Adelaide’s defensive duo, Zoe Prowse and Chelsea Biddell. The Crows’ backline proved impenetrable, turning Fremantle’s rare forward entries into quick counterattacks.
Adelaide’s victory was a testament to their well-rounded team performance. Players like Taylah Levy, Maddi Newman, and Chelsea Randall stepped up in pivotal moments, while Ebony Marinoff consistently found the ball and dictated play. For Fremantle, Gabby O’Sullivan and Aisling McCarthy showed immense work rate, and Emma O’Driscoll held firm under relentless pressure in defense. Despite their valiant efforts, the Dockers were outclassed by a relentless Adelaide side determined to advance in the finals.
The Crows now look forward to their next challenge, brimming with confidence after a clinical display that showcased their depth, discipline, and championship pedigree.