Adelaide has made one change to its line-up ahead of its match against North Melbourne on Sunday, naming three-time Premiership defender Sarah Allan in the side.
The Vice Captain has been forced to watch from the sidelines this year after suffering a hamstring injury during pre-season in August.
Allan trained strongly this week, proving her fitness ahead of the top-four clash with the Kangaroos at Norwood Oval.
Utility Brooke Tonon has been omitted.
Tonon joins wing Deni Varnhagen and utility Lisa Whiteley as the emergencies.
Adelaide AFLW Senior Coach Matthew Clarke said Allen’s inclusion would provide a huge boost to the backline.
“That’s (Allan’s inclusion) massive, she’s our Vice Captain and has been such a reliable player over such a long time,” Clarke said.
“She hasn’t played footy for 11 months, so we have to temper our expectations to some degree, but ultimately she’s a high quality player.
“She’s got through a heap of preparatory work in the lead up to this game and she’s done absolutely everything right to make it back in time before the end of the season.
“We are rapt for her, we are rapt for the team and while we understand she may not be at her absolute best on the weekend, we’re certainly a better team with her in it.”
The Crows will be looking to bounce back from a loss against Brisbane and solidify their top-two standing in the penultimate round of the season.
North Melbourne, meanwhile, is in third place on the ladder, one win behind Adelaide.
Clarke said the Crows were “a little off” their best against the Lions but was confident his side had learnt a lot from the defeat and was ready for North.
“While we certainly didn’t enjoy losing, the reality is it’s one game of the season and we have to move on pretty quickly,” Clarke said.
“We were disappointed but we’ve got another big challenge this week.
“It’s certainly a big game - two v three - and only two rounds to go… the reason you’re in the competition is to try and win the competition.”
The match will mark the Crows’ Toyota Good for Footy Round, celebrating Toyota's significant contribution to Australian football, from the grassroots to the elite level.
Adelaide takes on North Melbourne at Norwood Oval on Sunday at 2.35pm
Tickets available here.
IN: Allan
OUT: Tonon
