It was a far cry from the weekend drive from Coomandook to Adelaide, but Saturday’s flying trip to Melbourne was Abbie Ballard’s most exciting travel day yet.  

Ballard, who used to make the trek to the city every weekend before being drafted to the Crows with pick No. 34, made her debut against West Coast in Round Three. 

The youngster managed 10 disposals and two impressive tackles in Adelaide’s 33-point win over West Coast, with her family watching from the sidelines. 

AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke said Ballard had shone in her first game at AFLW level. 

“Abbie had a great day, her family was able to get over to the game which was awesome,” Clarke said. 

“She played really well, crunching tackle, had a couple of opportunities at goal so a really good debut for her.” 

Ballard's debut, alongside the return of Jasmyn Hewett and Ailish Considine to the side, boded well for the squad’s depth in a COVID-affected season, Clarke said.  

“To get three players into the squad and to give them some game time is really important because obviously it’s that sort of season where everyone’s having to use their full squad,” Clarke said. 

“We’re really pleased that they all came in and contributed and had good days.”

The Crows now look ahead to a blockbuster clash against Melbourne, where the side will again wear the Pride Guernsey. 

“Hopefully we’ll be bringing a big crowd, it’ll be great to be back at Norwood… we’ll also be wearing the Pride Guernsey next weekend so it’s a great opportunity for our fans to get along,” Clarke said. 

“We’re in reasonable nick and Melbourne’s probably been the pace-setter up to this point so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The Crows take on Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Saturday 28 Jan, with first bounce at 12.40pm ACDT. 

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