Squad depth gives Crows options

IF MIDFIELDER Anne Hatchard passes a concussion test, the Crows will take an unchanged – and in-form – side into Sunday’s preliminary final against Geelong at Adelaide Oval.

The ball-winner took a head knock in last week’s 10goal drubbing of Melbourne and was on light training duties this week. But the club is confident Hatchard will suit up on Sunday and play for the right to contest March 31’s AFLW grand final.

Coach Matthew Clarke said the 21 players involved in last week’s win were being rewarded for that strong performance, but selection remains tough, considering the good SANFLW form of fringe players, including the likes of Nikki Gore, Sarah Perkins, Maisie Nankivell and 2017 premiership player Jessica Sedunary, who has now recovered from a foot injury that has sidelined her for the season so far.

“(Sedunary’s) done everything she could and has rehabed amazingly well from a really challenging injury and got herself available and has now played an SANFLW game (for Central District), but ultimately she’s still on the fringe,” Clarke said. “Hopefully there’s another week and she’ll get another opportunity.”

Clarke praised the hard work his fringe players as vital pieces of the overall success of the team. “Ultimately, any success or failure we have is dependant on the whole squad, and the squad’s been amazing since day one, so we’re very mindful not just the players that are running out, but everyone has contributed,” he said.