Adelaide midfielder Abbie Ballard will make a long awaited return to the AFLW competition after being named in the Crows’ team to face Brisbane on Sunday afternoon.
Ballard ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during Adelaide’s Round Seven match against the Western Bulldogs last year, with the injury forcing her to miss the remainder of the season.
The 22-year-old’s recovery progressed well and she featured in the Crows’ past two scrimmage matches.
Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said Ballard had worked hard with her rehabilitation.
“Abbie’s attention to detail and the effort she put in during her rehab set a new standard amongst the group, hence the reason we were prepared to pick her,” Harper said.
“She’s probably fitter than what she was when she injured her knee and we can’t wait to watch her play again.”
Ballard is joined in the side by Keeley Kustermann, who is back in the team after an ankle injury kept her on the sidelines for last weekend’s win against Essendon.
“Keeley impressed us in our first three games and given she’s now overcome her ankle injury, she fits straight back into our side,” Harper said.
Brooke Smith comes out of the side after injuring her collarbone against the Bombers, while Jess Waterhouse has been omitted.
Waterhouse has been named on the emergency list, alongside Brooke Boileau and Deni Varnhagen.
The Crows, who are vying for a fifth-straight win, play the Lions at Brighton Homes Arena, Queensland, on Sunday at 2.35pm (ACST).
IN: Abbie Ballard, Keeley Kustermann
OUT: Brooke Smith (injured), Jess Waterhouse (omitted)
Adelaide’s Round Five team is:
