Crows co-captains Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall tell teammates to embrace being the hunted

ADELAIDE’S AFLW co-captains Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall have told their teammates to embrace the pressure of being the hunted when they open their season against Brisbane on Saturday night.

Adelaide’s AFLW star Erin Phillips ahead of the Crows’ season opener against Brisbane on Saturday night. Picture: Brenton Edwards (AAP).

• What you need to know ahead of AFLW openers
• Goddard says Crows will improve
• Tears, but Erin leaves basketball with no regrets

ADELAIDE’S AFLW co-captains Erin Phillips and Chelsea Randall have told their teammates to embrace the pressure of being the hunted when they open their season against Brisbane on Saturday night.

The Crows are hoping for a 15,000-strong lockout crowd at Norwood Oval for the grand final re-match which is almost 10 months after they won the inaugural AFLW title.

“I tell the girls it’s a fantastic title to have (the hunted), enjoy the challenge because you’re going to get everybody’s best game,” Phillips said.

“I’ve spoken to my brother-in-law and dad who have been in that position and they say being the hunted makes you push that bit further, it’s definitely not something to shy away from, it’s something to embrace and be better.”

Phillips took all before her last season, winning the league and club best-and-fairest awards as well as goal-of-the-year but she’s not feeling any more personal pressure.

“I think the target is on everyone’s back, we are the reigning premiers and that’s great, but it starts back at the start line now and I’m up for any challenge,” she said.

“If they put attention (a tag) on one of us then there are other players who will get the job done.”

Adelaide Crows player Jessica Allan gets a snapped kick away in their trial game against Fremantle. Picture: Keri Megelus

Adelaide Crows Jemma McCormick and Fremantle Dockers player Belinda Smith compete for the ball. Picture: Keri Megelus

Randall said the Crows were also embracing the hype surrounding the start of season two on Saturday and thinks the standard of football will improve.

“It’s a big grand final rematch, Norwood Oval, we’re hoping for a massive lockout of 15,000 people,” she said.

“It’s a big day, we have the SANFLW playing a game beforehand and our high performance Crows girls playing in a curtain-raiser.

“Then there’s a coaching clinic with only a 200 spots and within 24 hours that (was full) so it shows the kids are keen to come down and be a part of it.

“The skill continues to grow and develop and all the players are coming back bigger, faster, stronger and that’s going to continue.

“Young girls at five and six are now kicking a football so by the time they get to my age — I’ll be a bit worried about my position on the field.”

Adelaide Crow Deni Varnhagen passes the ball while being tackled by Fremantle Docker Cara Filocamo. Picture: Keri Megelus

Phillips and Randall were rested from Adelaide’s last trial game but are right to play against the Lions this weekend.

“There are obviously quite a few players, 30 on the list, so it’s about giving everyone a chance to have a run and us older ones can have a rest and watch the new talent unfold,” Randall said.

“Everyone is up for selection this week which is fantastic, here are some hard decisions to make but we have a quality list from top to bottom so it will be good to see young girls get an opportunity to run out and play some footy.”

In an ominous warning for her rivals, Phillips, who last week announced her retirement from international basketball, said she was feeling refreshed and ready to go.

“It’s been pretty unique because I haven’t played basketball in the off-season so I spent a lot of time working on my aerobic fitness which is never easy,” she said.

“But it’s been nice to have some downtime as well so there’s been plenty of time to freshen up after a big year.

“We’ve improved across the board with strength results, PBs in running and they happen with another season of experience.”

[e-mail]