With the upcoming AFLW season set to unfold once again under a cloud of COVID, Senior Coach Matthew Clarke says Adelaide’s new recruits could have the chance to shine. 

One of those recruits, McKenzie Dowrick, was named as the final piece in the Crows’ list puzzle on Tuesday. 

A skilful 172cm left-footer from Western Australia, Dowrick lined up in 12 AFLW games for Brisbane and West Coast before joining the Crows this pre-season.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Clarke said Dowrick would bring an exciting weapon to his side - and would likely have the chance to show it off in 2022. 

"The reality is that the probability is that some of our players and staff will be impacted (by COVID) and therefore we’ll have to be adaptable and flexible and really lean on our whole squad,” he said. 

“We’ve had a train-on squad over the summer of 10 players - one of those players (McKenzie Dowrick) is now on our list.

“She’s got some weapons which, if she gets an opportunity, will excite some of our fans.

“(McKenzie has) got a great kick on the ball… she can kick that ball 50 to 55 metres which is pretty unique in the AFLW.

“She’s made a big call to come over to South Australia, she was originally going to play with the Eagles with an eye to head there next season but that opportunity’s come a bit earlier for her.”

Clarke said despite looming COVID challenges, his squad would throw everything it had at the upcoming season. 

“We’ve had an unbelievably positive preseason, as enjoyable a preseason as I’ve been involved with,” Clarke said. 

“If you want preparation to give yourself a chance (at success), we’ve done that"

“I couldn’t have been happier or more proud of the group over the way they conducted themselves… the players themselves put it upon themselves to maintain the standard.

“If you want preparation to give yourself a chance (at success), we’ve done that.

“(COVID is) going to be a challenge that will be presented and I’m pretty confident we’ll be able to overcome it.”

The Crows take on Brisbane at Flinders University Stadium (SA) on Sunday January 9, with first bounce at 1.40pm.

Tickets will go on sale Thursday morning.