When Adelaide AFLW defender Maddi Newman became a victim of the Crows’ selection squeeze ahead of last season’s Grand Final, it fuelled a fire within her.

Newman lined up in six minor rounds during Season Six, before featuring in the Preliminary Final win but was left out of the side that eventually beat Melbourne in the flag decider.

That omission made the 21-year-old determined to work harder on the aspects of her game she knew she needed to improve.

Now, Newman has not missed a beat, after she was not only selected to play Round One but has lined up in all four games so far in Season Seven.

In the thrilling one-point win against previously undefeated Collingwood, Newman starred with a career-best 17 disposals, to go with four tackles and two clearances.

“That’s (missing out) something that really fuelled me coming into pre-season and this season,” Newman said.

“I kept working on my craft and running as well, just trying to stay fit in the off-season.

“I also worked a lot on my repeat speed and my sprint technique.

“Then also body-work craft in the contest - that’s been a massive level up in my game - just to win my own ball and be in and around the contest and be strong.

“Come pre-season, I was just focused and ready to go and that’s why I was able to put my best foot forward in the trial games and then be selected for Round One.

“I’m really proud of that so far this year.”

Adelaide will be searching for a fourth win in a row when it takes on GWS at Unley Oval on Sunday.

Newman, who made her debut in Round One, 2020, expected it to be another tough contest.

“We love playing at home and it would be great to see as many fans as possible there on Sunday,” Newman said.

“It’s always a pretty tough game against GWS so I think it’ll be a good spectacle.

“Playing four-quarters of footy and hopefully replicating that first half against Collingwood.

“If we can do that for four quarters, hopefully we’ll get the win.”

The Crows v GWS clash kicks off at 2.40pm.

Tickets available here.