After a long and challenging preseason, connection and trust were front of mind for Adelaide’s AFLW side heading into Round One. 

The Crows took down reigning premiers Brisbane in an impressive 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9) show at Noarlunga on Sunday. 

Livewire midfielder Teah Charlton said the definitive win came down to one thing: Adelaide’s team-first mentality. 

“The girls knew we had the capacity to win and we showed that,” she told AFC Media after the game. 

“We were already pretty connected before the start of pre-season but that extra time gave us some more time to connect and relax.”

Charlton revealed that the players’ connection went well beyond the field, with a pre-season focus on the personal bonds within the side. 

“We had a session with Bec, one of our mental health officers, and everyone really was very open and honest with each other… we trusted each other with our deepest problems in life and everything we’ve gone through,” Charlton said. 

“That was the (defining) moment in our preseason and we’ve just gone up from there.”

Returning to her SANFLW home turf for Round One, the South Adelaide product said she felt she’d come a long way since her 2021 AFLW debut. 

“Because I’ve got more time in the midfield I’d say I’m a bit more confident this year… I’m ready to rumble,” Charlton said. 

The Crows return to Norwood Oval for Round Two to take on North Melbourne on Sunday, January 16. 

First bounce will be at 2.40pm ACDT, secure your tickets here.