Adelaide defender Dayna Cox could not have been happier to get back in front of fans for her first game of 2021. 

The two-time premiership player spent most of the season on the sidelines hampered by a complicated hamstring injury but made her comeback in Sunday’s win over Collingwood. 

Cox said she couldn’t have picked a better game to get back on the ground. 

“To come back to a home game with the crowd that we had was awesome… it was a really great feeling and I’m stoked to be back,” she said. 

The Crows sealed the deal as Minor Premiers with a hard-fought 14-point win over the Pies. 

“I’ve missed it a lot, I’ve missed the contest and being out there with the girls - being part of the ‘Team D’ (team defense) as we call ourselves,” Cox said.

“It was very contested, high pressure… Collingwood really brought it.

“(The defenders) were under the pump a bit, but to get through and get the win that gets us into the prelim was amazing to be a part of.”

Cox said while the Crows’ winning performance was sweet, the Club’s Members and fans made it all the more special. 

“We’ve got the best fans in the business and that was shown today,” she said. 

At one stage, Cox said she looked up to see fans giving a standing ovation for the girls’ performance. 

“We can’t wait to have a home final with as many people out as possible to support us - which I’m sure they will.”

The Crows secured a week off leading into the preliminary final, which will be held in Adelaide on the weekend of April 10.