Adelaide went down to North Melbourne by two points in an AFLW practice game at West Lakes on Saturday.

There were, however, plenty of positive signs from the side’s final hit-out before its Premiership defence kicks off.

Defence holds up early

Adelaide proved it is still one of the best defensive sides in the competition as North Melbourne was held scoreless in the first quarter.

North was quick out of the blocks and was able to find repeat inside 50, however Adelaide’s back six held strong, pleasing Crows AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke.

“The start was good, we had the game in our half,” Clarke told AFC Media.

“Defensively we were good but we probably didn’t take our chances offensively.

“Our skills were probably 20 percent off where we would want them to be.

“That meant while we were holding up pretty well defensively, we didn’t take our chances forward of the ball.”

Marinoff brings the pressure

Three-time premiership midfielder Ebony Marinoff set the tone from the first bounce, laying big and winning lots of the ball.

The four-time All-Australian was dominant in the middle of the ground, able to remain calm under pressure and make the right decision to help push Adelaide forward.

“I thought her game was really strong,” Clarke said.

“(She) won a lot the ball, was able to bring her teammates into the game by driving her legs out of contests, so that was really good.”

Marinoff played three quarters in the practice match.

Skipper stands up

Adelaide Captain Chelsea Randall was one of the Crows’ standout performers against North Melbourne.

Randall was instrumental in keeping her side in the match and showed why she was one of the best defenders in the competition in the second quarter when she dived to smoother a North kick, keeping the ball in Adelaide’s forward half.

The three-time Premiership Captain was rarely beaten in the contest, having an impact on the game both aerially and on the ground.

“That was Chelsea’s first game for the year,” Clarke said.

“Obviously she is a pretty good player, she usually goes pretty well for us.

“Her leadership is second-to-none.”

Jones' versatility on show

Eloise Jones continued to be a versatile asset for the Crows, playing multiple positions and having an impact across the ground.

Jones was one of Adelaide’s premier ball movers, with her smart ball use being an asset.

The two-time Premiership star also hit the scoreboard, kicking a goal from the boundary line during the third quarter.

“(I was) really happy with her game,” Clarke said.

“She had a bit more of an interrupted pre-season, she is just managing a foot injury from the Grand Final.

“For her to get pretty much a full game out was really important.

“I thought she played well in all three lines.”

Prowse progressing well

Adelaide youngster Zoe Prowse showed promising signs heading into Season Seven season with a solid performance in the ruck.

Prowse effectively worked her way into the game, competing hard and taking some nice marks.

Her ability to follow up her ruck work was a highlight of her game, according to Clarke.

“She is coming along really well,” Clarke said.

“Zoe’s ability to compete and her follow up is really impressive.

“She is making good progress.”

Adelaide will kick off its premiership defence with a Grand Final rematch against Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Friday, August 26, with the first bounce at 7.10pm.

Season Seven memberships are available now: https://weflyas.one/3mwCrAl

ADELAIDE: 1.1  1.2  2.4  2.6 (18)

NORTH:      0.0  1.0  3.2  3.2 (20)

Goals:

Adelaide: Whiteley, Jones

North: Eddey, Bruton, Randall