Adelaide AFLW Assistant Coach Courtney Cramey says the battle of the midfield will be a determining factor in Sunday’s blockbuster clash against North Melbourne. 

The Crows on-ball brigade will have their work cut out for them this weekend, as they face a star-studded Kangaroos unit led by in-form duo Jasmine Garner and Ashleigh Riddell. 

Speaking to AFC Media, Cramey, who looked after the Crows' midfielders, said she could not wait to see her group take on one of the biggest challenges in AFLW football. 

“We know that they are a strong stoppage team and have some gun midfielders, as do we,” Cramey said.

“It is going to be a really good battle between two great midfield groups.

“Jasmine Garner is obviously having an outstanding year, but she is well complemented with Ash Riddell, Jenna Brunton and Mia King.

“The battle is going to be hot and we are really looking forward to it.”

Pressure around the ball has been a key focus for the Crows in the lead-up to Sunday’s clash, after they faltered in that area against Brisbane last week, and subsequently fell to their first loss of the season. 

Cramey said a season-low 48 tackles, well below their season average of 71.8, was the area the group was particularly keen to address this weekend.

“I think that we just need to get back to that level of pressure we know we can bring in and around the contest,” Cramey said.

“That has been a real focus during the week, but we understand that North Melbourne is a really good side too, so it’s going to be a great contest.

“(Last week) that pressure factor was certainly down and there probably was a period in the second quarter where we lapsed a little bit of concentration and pressure in and around the contest which led to us falling away from what we are good at.

“Going into this weekend it will be about maintaining that for four quarters.”

As well as mentoring the midfield group, Cramey has also taken on a development coaching role in 2023.

She said the extra responsibility has significantly benefited her coaching development and has loved seeing the younger players on Adelaide’s list blossom. 

“It has been fantastic being able to work across the whole squad, looking to develop the girls in their skills and game sense by doing a heap of additional craft sessions, which has been really useful,” Cramey said.

“I have been enjoying working with a lot of the girls that I haven’t worked closely with previously.

“Teah Charlton keeps getting better and better, and the more work she puts in the better player she is becoming.

“Our young players like Zoe Prowse coming through have really held down our backline and it has been impressive to see her skill development across the offseason, preseason and in-season period.”

Adelaide takes on North Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Sunday afternoon at 2:35pm.

Tickets available here.