Sunday afternoon’s game against GWS behind closed doors provided a unique scenario to Adelaide and particularly co-captain Erin Phillips.
The globetrotting former basketballer and two-time AFLW premiership winner said the players did miss the crowd’s energy at Hisense Stadium.
“It was a little bit of an eerie feeling, but once the ball went up it was game on…you just focus on what’s inside the white line,” Phillips said.
“But we definitely missed the energy of our fans.
“That’s a great part of playing in the AFLW – the supporters we have that come out.
“Their voices almost act like another couple of players on the field for you.”
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Back for her second game of the season after soreness forced a week’s rest, Phillips picked up 13 disposals in the five-point loss.
A late goal to Courtney Gum closed the gap to just five points, but a Giants side led by Cora Staunton (two goals) and Alyce Parker (30 touches) were a step ahead all day.
“When you win [a premiership] last year you always become the hunted,” she said.
“Everyone wants to beat you, so you always prepare to get the best game from the opposition.
“You play to the final siren and we had our opportunities but GWS played a great game and had the better of us all day.”
Alongside Deni Varnhagen, Eloise Jones and Najwa Allen, Phillips returned from injury as the continued challenge of team cohesion played its part.
While there have been regular team changes each week, Phillips believes one of the benefits of that is the game time the newest Crows have received.
“The positive is we have been able to give our first-year players some real opportunities this season,” she said.
“You can’t blame injuries, although they do hurt us, but that’s just the way sport is.
“You’ve got to adjust, that’s what being a pro is.”
Uncertainty still surrounds Round Seven and the remainder of the competition, however Phillips remained confident about Adelaide’s approach.
“It’s an unusual time for everyone, not just us players,” Phillips said.
“It’s worldwide and we just have to roll with what we have.
“I’m not sure what next week looks like, and it seems to be changing all the time, but you just have to come in with great focus.”
