ADELAIDE has easily accounted for Greater Western Sydney by 36 points in front of a bumper crowd of 9,250 at a wet Thebarton Oval on Saturday.
The Crows dominated the game from start to finish to run out comfortable winners, 7.6 (48) to 1.6 (12).
Olympic basketballer Erin Phillips booted three goals for the Crows in her first game of competitive football, while midfielder Ebony Marinoff picked up a game-high 20 possessions.
The Giants, who were without both of their marquee signings Emma Swanson and Renee Forth, and priority signing Louise Stephenson, finally received a much-deserved reward for their effort when Phoebe McWilliams kicked the club's first goal early in the last quarter.
"For a first hit-out, I was really pleased with their effort," GWS coach Tim Schmidt said.
"That was the thing going in, making sure there were no weak efforts, and they gave it their all.
"Overall picture, playing in front of 9000 people, first-ever AFLW game, being away ... I thought the girls handled themselves very well and I couldn't be more proud of them."
ADELAIDE 1.3 3.6 6.6 7.6 (48)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 0.1 0.2 0.3 1.6 (12)
GOALS
Adelaide: Phillips 3, Randall, Gibson, Varnhagen, Perkins
Greater Western Sydney: McWilliams
BEST
Adelaide: Marinoff, Randall, Phillips, Gibson, Varnhagen, Mules
Greater Western Sydney: Barr, Farrugia, McWilliams, Dal Pos
INJURIES
Adelaide: Rachael Killian (quad) replaced in the selected side by Abbey Holmes
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 9250 at Thebarton Oval.
The first blow
Marquee signing Kellie Gibson wrote herself into Adelaide history, booting the club's first goal with a sensational long-range effort. The Crows worked the ball beautifully out of defence and along the wing before finding Gibson. The West Australian gave the ball a mighty heave as it bounced through the big sticks to the delight of the large local crowd.
The difference
The Crows had winners all over the ground. Hard-running midfielder Ebony Marinoff was everywhere, picking up a game-high 20 possessions. Marquee players Chelsea Randall and Kellie Gibson were both excellent, while Olympic basketballer Erin Phillips was dangerous up forward booting three goals.
Work in progress
It was always going to be a tough ask for an undermanned Greater Western Sydney team, which was without injured marquee players Renee Forth and Emma Swanson. Priority signing Louise Stephenson was also sidelined with a knee injury. Jess Dal Pos was outstanding for the Giants laying nine tackles, while Nicole Barr and captain Amanda Farrugia led from the front.
What's next?
The Crows will look to make it two straight wins to start the season whey they take on the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval next Friday night. Meanwhile, the Giants have another big task when they face an impressive Carlton side at Ikon Park next Saturday.
Say what?
"She's an unbelievable athlete and she showed a glimpse of what she's capable of today."
- Adelaide coach Bec Goddard talking about basketball star Erin Phillips, who booted three goals.
"We matched them right from the start, our first five minutes were sensational, but they probably utilised their opportunities a little bit more."
- Greater Western Sydney coach Tim Schmidt.
