Adelaide needs Sarah Perkins to return from a back injury after season opening loss

The focus has sharpened on Sarah Perkins’ recovery from a back injury after Adelaide managed 1.11 in a season opener decided by a point against reigning premier Western Bulldogs.

Ellie Blackburn of the Western Bulldogs tries to find some space against the Crows on Saturday. Picture: AAP Image/Mark Brake

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The focus has sharpened on Sarah Perkins’ recovery from a back injury after Adelaide managed 1.11 in a season opener decided by a point against premier Western Bulldogs.

Adelaide United’s thrilling 4-3 A-League win against Brisbane Roar more than doubled the total goals scored in Saturday night’s AFLW battle of the champions at Norwood Oval.

Bulldogs co-captain Katie Brennan’s two second-term goals in three minutes decided the contest, making the return of cult figure “Tex” Perkins a prescient topic at West Lakes.

Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke revealed 2017 AFLW premiership spearhead Perkins didn’t face the Bulldogs due to lack of condition.

Marijana Rajcic of the Adelaide chases down Kirsten McLeod of the Western Bulldogs. Picture: AAP Image/Mark Brake

“She was underdone coming into this game. She’ll get another week’s training to be in a position where she’s available for selection,” said Clarke with the Crows playing Carlton at Ikon Park on Sunday.

“Sarah will be an important part of our squad going forward. Essentially, after Christmas she didn’t train, had three weeks of rehab then ultimately played 25 minutes which didn’t set her up to be successful when she did come in.”

Chloe Scheer looms as a potent forward option but Adelaide couldn’t add to the debutant’s first-quarter goal. Jenna McCormick’s cross over from Brisbane Lions hit a frustrating note with her shot to win the game was smothered by a desperate Tiana Ernst.

In the absence of a dominant target, the Crows were forced wide to low-percentage scoring positions.

Adelaide superboot Sarah Perkins at training. Picture SARAH REED

“Ultimately, if you kick inaccurately it’s a result of the opposition’s pressure and they had us kicking from areas where we possibly shouldn’t have been,” Clarke said.

Erin Phillips (18 touches) made an impressive return in a brilliant combination with Adelaide’s best, Ebony Marinoff (24 touches), as the Crows led the clearances 25-9. Clarke may have kept Phillips forward in hindsight but the 2008 Olympian can’t be everywhere.

“That’s her go. She’ll spend time up forward and in the midfield,” he said.

“We thought it was a good opportunity to get her in the game to make an impact. Maybe we robbed Peter to pay Paul and she would have been able to jag one forward.

“We went that way, lost by just a point so probably it was a bad call.”

Clarke was satisfied with the defence but lamented Ellie Blackburn’s centre break set up Brennan’s pivotal first goal for the Bulldogs.

“Our midfield was strong all night but that stoppage wasn’t the way we wanted it to be,” he said.