Adelaide’s AFLW side is bracing for a “fierce, contested battle” when it plays GWS at Unley Oval on Sunday, according to Senior Coach Matthew Clarke.
A victory against the Giants will be the Crows’ fourth in a row and likely lead to a rise into the top four.
The Giants have endured a slow start to the season with one win from four matches, but Clarke assured they would not be taken lightly.
“They’re playing an aggressive style, so the game will certainly be up-tempo,” Clarke said.
“They got beaten by Brisbane and Bulldogs, both undefeated sides and recorded a really strong win over Sydney in Round Three.
“Historically the contest has always been strong, so we envisage a fierce, contested battle and we’ll need to match them in that area.”
On Friday, Clarke confirmed new recruit Jess Waterhouse would make her AFLW debut against the Giants.
An explosive 157cm forward, the 25-year-old was a standout at SANFLW level in her first year with South Adelaide after switching from soccer.
The former junior Matilda and Adelaide United representative showed great goal sense, kicking 16 majors to finish equal-second in the League goalkicking.
“Jess Waterhouse will play her first game for the footy Club, which is really exciting,” Clarke told the media on Friday.
“I think our fans will love watching her play.
“The soccer background means she's a really adept left foot, right foot, and there’s some genuine skill and goal-sense there.
“What’s been really pleasing is she’s just trained really hard, lifted her pressure in our training sessions.
“We are really confident she’ll come in and play her role.”
Waterhouse was signed as a replacement player for Premiership utility Jasmyn Hewett, who was moved onto the inactive list in July due to work commitments.
The Crows will name their final team on Saturday at 5pm.
Adelaide will face GWS at Unley Oval on Sunday at 2.40pm.
Tickets are available here.
