Adelaide Crows midfielder Deni Varnhagen looks to win a second AFLW flag

Crows star Deni Varnhagen is riding a wave of excitement as she stares down the prospect of winning a second AFLW premiership.

Crows AFLW midfielder Deni Varnhagen is looking forward to the grand final against Carlton at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

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Crows star Deni Varnhagen is riding a wave of excitement as she stares down the prospect of winning a second AFLW premiership.

But if someone asks the midfielder how she feels the day before the grand final against Carlton on Sunday, her answer is likely to be a little different.

“At the moment, I’m really excited,” Varnhagen, 26, said.

“But ask me again on Saturday and I’ll probably be pretty nervous.

“I’ve been known to be really nervous before games, but I’ll just try to push that to the back of my mind.

“It’s such an accomplishment as it is to make the grand final, so hopefully we can get the job done, it’ll be really sweet.”

Deni Varnhagen celebrating kicking a goal during the Crows’ AFLW clash against Melbourne earlier this month. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media

Varnhagen played an integral role in the Crows’ flag win against Brisbane at Metricon Stadium in the competition’s inaugural year, kicking a crucial goal from close to the boundary line.

But this year’s grand final will be different because the Crows will have hometown advantage, with the game to be played at Adelaide Oval.

“It’s going to be really special, we are really lucky to play at Adelaide Oval,” Varnhagen said.

“We played the semi-final there and the crowd was phenomenal.

“My parents travelled (to Queensland) for the first grand final and it’s great they won’t have to travel this week.

“I can get more friends and family there (and) it will be such a highlight for them.”

Deni Varnhagen hugging Crows AFLW teammate Jenna McCormick after Adelaide beat Geelong in the preliminary final last week. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Adelaide last faced Carlton more than a month ago and only won by 13 points.

But the Crows will enter the grand final as red hot favourites after a 66-point victory against Geelong in the semi-final.

Varnhagen said players refused to let that tag get to their heads.

“We won’t be taking Carlton lightly,” she said.

“We played them in round two and that was a really, really tough game.

“Everyone is going to come out firing and both teams might even be a bit messy at the start, that’s what finals footy brings.

“Carlton has got a few really big name stars but I have complete trust in all of our players to get the job done.”