Stevie-Lee Thompson pulled into the forward lines to fulfil the Crows’ need for speed

Stevie-Lee Thompson even shocked herself that she kicked four goals in the Crows first win of AFLW03. But it’s no surprise that she’s been named back in the forward lines for the Geelong clash

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Stevie-Lee Thompson was feeling comfortable down back. But as most footballers know: the moment you get comfortable, things are usually shaken up.

And that’s just what happened to the Crows’ quick-running ball magnet last weekend, when she was surprised with a move into the forward lines.

It proved a matchwinning masterstroke after she kicked four impressive goals that were vital to the Crows’ 13-point win over Carlton on Sunday.

Thompson said the move away from the backlines was purely the decision of head coach Matthew “Doc” Clarke.

Crows defender-turned-forward Stevie-Lee Thompson lines up for goal during Adelaide’s win over Carlton at Ikon Park on February 10, 2019. Picture: Adam Trafford/Getty Images

“Doc just had the confidence in me to give it a crack up the front with my speed,” she said. “He just said that we need some speed in the forward line so we’ll see how you go.

“I didn’t even know I ended up getting four goals, I just knew that I got a couple and the girls told me afterwards.”

Thompson’s four goals have significantly increased her AFLW goal tally, which prior to last weekend stood at the solitary one.

“Now that I know I can kick a goal, I suppose they might keep me there or they might put me back, wherever he wants me, I’ll play in that position,” she said.

“As long as I’m on that field, I’m happy.”

Crows Stevie-Lee Thompson of the Crows (right) celebrates one of her four goals with teammate Deni Varnhagen in the Crows win over Carlton. Picture: Adam Trafford/Getty Images

But it should come as no surprise that on Thursday night the club named her in the forward lines for this Sunday’s clash against Geelong at Norwood Oval.

In announcing the Crows 23-player extended squad, Clarke welcomed back co-captain Chelsea Randall from a twinged hamstring.

“She’s still got to get through one more session, but provided she gets through that we’re confident she’ll show up on Sunday and play a good game,” he said.

Midfielder Sally Riley has been named in the squad, as did Jenna McCormick who has returned from W-League commitments with the Brisbane Roar.

Maisie Nankivell is omitted while being managed.

Geelong will have midfielder Richelle Cranston back after a two-game suspension for a sling tackle, and their captain Melissa Hickey will make her debut in Geelong colours after recovering from an ACL injury.

But the Cat’s star No. 1 draft pick Nina Morrison is out for the season after rupturing her ACL at a training mishap earlier this month and ruck Aasta O’Connor is also a big out for them.

Thompson is expecting a hard contest despite Geelong’s ins and outs.

“No matter who we play, it’s a tough match,” the 26-year-old said.

Adelaide v Geelong, Sunday, February 17, Norwood Oval, 2.05pm. Entry is free.

ADELAIDE

B: D.Cox 31, S.Allan 39, M.Rajcic 32

HB: A.Foley 3, A.Hatchard 33, C.Cramey 22

C: C.Randall 26,

HF: C.Scheer 4, D.Varnhagen 9, E.Jones 2

F: A.Considine, S.Thompson 14, R.Forth 27

Foll: J.Foley 24, E.Marinoff 10, E.Phillips (c) 13

I/C from: H.Martin 6, S.Li 19, S.Perkins 28, J.Mules 23, D.Ponter 15, J.McCormick 5, S.Riley 8

In: C.Randall, J.McCormick, S.Riley

Out: M.Nankivell (managed)

GEELONG

B: A.Teague 40, R.Goring (c) 44, G.Clarke 17

HB: M.Hickey (c), M.McDonald 11, R.Webster 21

C: R.Cranston 30

HF: D.Taylor 28, M.Boyd 26, S.Van De Heuvel 27

F: K.Darby 8, P.McWilliams 23, J.Ivey 5

Foll: E.Hoare 46, J.Crockett-Grills 6, O.Purcell 16

I/C from: D.Orr 2, M.Clifford 7, M.McMahon 24, R.Garing 12, M.Keryk 45, M.Fogas 13, C.Blakeway 4

In: M.Hickey, R.Cranston, M.Fogas

Out: A.O’Connor

Brisbane v Melbourne at Hickey Park, 3.35pm AEST