Crows in favourite territory
DARWIN- BASED Adelaide Crows senior assistant Andrew Hodges was as measured as ever after his AFLW side rocketed into flag favouritism on Friday night.
Seven Territorians helped the Crows back up their season-opening win over GWS Giants with a 25-point victory over the much-fancied Western Bulldogs in Melbourne.
Wanderers product Sophie Armitstead debuted alongside second-gamers Ange Foley, Sally Riley, Tayla Thorn, Stevie-Lee Thompson, Heather Anderson and Abbey Holmes.
Anderson starred early with five first-quarter possessions, but it was Holmes (12 disposals) and 18-year-old Thorn who eventually made the biggest impression in Round 2.
Armitstead was on crutches yesterday after receiving a game-ending kick high on her left calf in the third term and will have scans tomorrow.
Thorn was one of three Top End players – along with Foley and Anderson – who spent time quelling Bulldogs marquee player Katie Brennan.
She said during the week she hoped to get the chance to match-up on the star Bulldog.
“Tayla had a role on Katie at times to make sure she was covered,” Hodges said.
“It was not a run-with role as such ... the girls did a fantastic job not just on Katie, but a number of Bulldogs.
“Abbey was really active right throughout the night, and I thought she played well last week, too.”
Hodges said to ignore the fact vice-captain Foley – the NT’s most decorated female footballer – had gathered only a combined 12 possessions in the first two rounds.
Foley was used in a defensive role in Round 1 and parts of Friday night, as well as playing as an outside midfielder.
“You can’t underestimate the pressure acts she puts on – her chase and perceived pressure,” Hodges said of Foley. “She did a great job and the beauty with Ange is she’s really flexible and can play anywhere on the ground.”
The Crows return to Adelaide’s Thebarton Oval next Sunday to meet fellow unbeaten side Carlton, who Hodges and coach Bec Goddard watched in Melbourne yesterday.
“They’re a quality side; very quick and use the ball really well,” Hodges said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge of taking them on.”