Adelaide’s AFLW Head of Development Jack Hombsch says the side will draw on its experience ahead of this weekend’s big game.
The Crows have played in every finals series except in 2018 and 2020.
They will take on Fremantle in a Preliminary Final at Adelaide Oval this Saturday.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Hombsch said with the majority of the squad having been involved in at least one finals series, they were no stranger to the build-up.
That includes Stevie-Lee Thompson and Sarah Allan who are set to notch their 50-game milestones on Saturday.
Those who were finals-hardened would also provide plenty of support to the younger players who may find themselves lining up in a Prelim for the first time.
“The girls have so much experience in this group - so many finals series and players like Chelsea (Randall), Stevie-Lee (Thompson) EJ (Eloise Jones) and Sarah Allan - girls who have been here from the start.
“We’ve got a lot of experience playing against these teams but finals footy can turn up a lot of different scenarios so fingers crossed we can knock it over this weekend.”
Hombsch said he would provide extra skill sessions throughout the week, like he had done all season, and believed the Crows were ready for the challenge of playing the Dockers on the big stage.
“I’m around the Club during the week for skill development and a bit of structure stuff,” Hombsch said.
“We’ve got a pretty good process here around the Club where the girls are off Tuesday but I’m around the Club so they can come in and get some extras in.
“Then pre and post training on Monday, Wednesday and Friday as well.
Hombsch, who had his own 116-game AFL career with GWS, Port Adelaide and most recently Gold Coast, said he was constantly awed by the women’s work ethic.
“It’s been a really eye-opening experience for me this year just to see the balancing act the girls have to do with their full-time jobs and then they come into training and get their extras in and training,” he said.
“It’s been a great experience for me to see how hard they work and getting that balance right.”
Entry into the final will be free and Hombsch hoped to see as many Crows fans as possible at the game.
“Home ground advantage is huge, especially at Adelaide Oval,” Hombsch said.
“It’s going to be an unbelievable experience and there’s no better feeling than playing in front of your home fans, screaming and supporting you.
“If we can get off to a good start as a home and the crowd starts to let Freo know about it, it’s certainly advantageous for us, for sure.
“We’ve got a heap of Crows footy this weekend with the SANFL and the AFL Friday night and then come down to the Prelim on Saturday.
“It’s a great weekend for the Crows and hopefully we can get as many there.”
Adelaide takes on Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, April 2 at 2.10pm.
