Abbey Holmes’ first AFLW goal capped off an inspired third quarter from the Crows in Sunday’s come-from-behind win over the Dockers.
The visitors, who trailed by as much as 13 points, reduced the deficit to a goal at half time before taking complete control in the third term at Fremantle Oval.
Holmes was instrumental in a match-defining 15 minutes of play, collecting seven possessions, assisting in two scores and slotting her first goal.
The lifelong Crows fan also laid two important tackles in the third term as her team kicked away to a 15-point lead at the last change. The Club extended its lead in the final quarter to record a spirited 23-point win on the road.
Holmes said Senior Coach Bec Goddard had demanded a response from her team, who were out-tackled by the Dockers 21 – 4 in the first term.
“In the first half, we really let them (the Dockers) dictate terms,” Holmes said.
“Bec came in at half time and really asked us to start playing our brand of footy – our tough and relentless, uncomfortable to play against brand of footy. That was very evident in the third quarter.
“I’m so proud of the girls and the way that they went about it.”
After a scoreless first quarter, the dangerous Crows forward line kicked six unanswered goals up until the halfway mark of the final term.
Dual-sports athlete Jenna McCormick (two) was the Club’s only multiple goalkicker. Sarah Perkins, Erin Phillips, Jess Sedunary and Holmes, who finished the game with a season-high 15 disposals, also hit the scoreboard in an even performance.
“You look at our forward line and we share the load. That’s what I love so much,” Holmes said.
“Even our midfielders can push forward and kick goals, it’s not just one or two individuals. It’s a big group effort.”
It wasn’t just the forwards who worked well together.
Co-captains Phillips and Chelsea Randall won plenty of the ball, Rising Star nominee Ebony Marinoff laid a game-high 11 tackles, and the defence, marshalled by Courtney Cramey, held the Dockers to three goals for the game.
“Each individual within our team knows their role, they know what their weapon is, they know what they bring to the team,” Holmes said.
“We’ve got so much speed within this group of girls.
“If we can get it on the outside, I’ll back anyone of us in that we will beat our opponent and win the one on ones.”
It was a happy homecoming for marquee players Randall and Kellie Gibson, who lined up against former teammates at Freo Oval.
Families and friends of both Western Australian recruits were part of a strong Crows contingent in the crowd of 4,578.
“Chels and Gibbo came back to play in front of their friends and family, so the Freo girls were getting into them a little bit,” Holmes said.
“I’m very proud of them and the efforts that they put out in front of their home crowd.
“We’re in Perth. We’re thousands of kilometres away from Adelaide and we’ve got such loyal fans all across the country.
“We could definitely hear them!”
The Crows’ fourth-straight win sits them on top of the AFLW ladder, and sets up a mouth-watering clash with the also undefeated Brisbane on Saturday night.
The match starts at Norwood Oval starts at 6:40pm (local) and entry is free.
It will be broadcast live on Channel 7. Check local guides for times.
“I expect Norwood Oval next weekend is going to be absolutely chockers!” Holmes said.
“We’ve got to look at the Lions and what they do well, but also just focus on our game and really concentrate on doing the one-percenters and playing our roles.”
The Club’s form is particularly impressive considering the squad is split between South Australia and the Northern Territory, with the Darwin-based players travelling for six weeks of the seven-week season.
Holmes was born in Adelaide but now resides in the Top End.
“We’re doing everything right in terms of our recovery and ensuring that we’re looking after our bodies and our minds as well,” Holmes said.
“Last week, we were back to 36 degrees and 80-90% humidity (in Darwin). You walk outside and you just sweat.
“I’m so proud of all nine of the Darwin girls that are on the Adelaide list.
"It’s wonderful the relationship that we have built with the Adelaide Footy Club.”