Crows AFLW coach Matthew Clarke concedes Carlton was just too good at the contest
The Crows are known for being a hard, contested team but they were beaten at their own game in the AFLW grand final rematch against Carlton on Sunday. Coach Matthew Clarke says improvement is a must for the side to defend its crown.
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Adelaide AFLW coach Matthew Clarke says his side must get back to playing hard, contested football for it to return to the winners’ list next weekend.
The Crows lost to Carlton by eight points in the grand final rematch at Richmond on Sunday and were well beaten in the contested possession count (95-72).
“It was well-deserved from the Blues,” Clarke said.
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“We worked hard and at times had the extra number but just weren’t able to win that contest.
“Not only did they move the ball effectively but at the critical moments they won the contest and that means you’ve got to run again.
“Every game is high pressure and with an eight-game season there’s no margin for error.
“Ultimately the contested possession number fell out of whack — minus 20-odd.
“Any time it’s in that vicinity, you’re going to be in a fair bit of trouble.
“We’ve had a pretty strong record in that space but that’s not a given, that’s history, that doesn’t give any right to own it going forward.”
Despite the result, which now left the Crows with a 2-2 record, Clarke was pleased stars Erin Phillips and Rhiannon Metcalfe navigated a smooth return to top-level football.
Phillips ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in last year’s flag decider, while Metcalfe injured hers in January 2019.
Two-times premiership star and dual best and fairest winner Phillips ended Sunday’s clash with 13 touches and four clearances.
Metcalfe, meanwhile, booted Adelaide’s first goal and was forced to shoulder the ruck from midway through the third quarter after Jess Foley injured her ankle.
“As a first up after a fairly lengthy lay-off I thought she (Phillips) was pretty impressive,” Clarke said.
“Rhiannon started really strongly as well.
“Our intent was for her to play probably 50 per cent game time but unfortunately with Jess (Foley) going down, she had to play about 80 or 90 (per cent).
“That took its toll a little bit but both girls got through and contributed which was really positive.
“Obviously they are disappointed with the outcome but it was good for them to get through a full game and have that confidence that their body is all right.”
Clarke said Foley would have her ankle scanned on Monday (after presstime) but with just a six-day break was looking unlikely to play against the Kangaroos.