AFLW finals news: Healthy Adelaide primed for North Melbourne battle

North Melbourne got too close for comfort last month against the Crows, who are determined to advance to the AFLW Grand Final.

Jess Waterhouse (left) and Yvonne Bonner celebrate during the Crows’ comprehensive semi-final win over Sydney at Norwood Oval on Saturday. Picture: James Elsby / Getty Images

Adelaide forward Jess Waterhouse says the Crows are high on confidence after a consistent semi-final effort shook off any lingering doubt from a scratchy previous month.

The 67-point demolition of Sydney on Saturday came after a difficult four-game period which included two losses to Brisbane, and a tense clash with preliminary final opponent North Melbourne in which the Crows were pushed all the way.

Adelaide emerged from the bruising round 9 encounter with a three-point win, but Waterhouse said the side was fortunate to have taken the points and focused on not allowing the Kangaroos to gain a foothold at Ikon Park on Sunday.

“The stat sheet against North last time we played them … they probably should have got up, but we were lucky that we were able to manage it a little bit in the last couple of minutes,” Waterhouse said.

Jess Waterhouse kicked a career-high two goals after returning to the Crows’ side for the semi-final against Sydney. Picture: James Elsby / Getty Images

“It does give us confidence we can win in tough situations, which I guess the Crows’ brand of footy, and we just want to make sure we’re playing brave, exciting footy.

“If we can take the game on early … it gives us a lot of confidence being able to win tough games for sure.”

Waterhouse played eight consecutive games in their second season but was dropped after the narrow win over the Roos in round 9.

The dynamic forward won a reprieve when premiership midfielder Najwa Allen was surprisingly dropped for the Swans clash, and rewarded the Crows’ show of faith with multiple goals for the first time.

“(I was) relieved when we had selection earlier on in the week and Doc (coach Matthew Clarke) called my name out … I’m a pretty competitive person, so I used that (fortnight out) as a motivation to come out firing and do what I can,” Waterhouse said.

Kangaroos midfielder Jasmine Ferguson tackles Adelaide’s Chelsea Randall during the round 9 clash which the Crows won by three points at Norwood. Picture: James Elsby / Getty Images

“Coming back into the team after two weeks off, it was like, ‘what can I do to cement my spot?’ … especially if we are going forward to the prelim, Grand Final, whatever happens.

“I’m really glad that I was able to play my part, score a couple of goals and be in some plays that led to goals as well, just play my role as a pressure forward.”

Allen faces an uphill battle to squeeze her way back into the Crows’ line-up after the comprehensive semi-final win, with the side confirming a clean bill of health following the clash.

North Melbourne is in the same position after a week off, with Mia King (neck) and Lulu Pullar (head laceration) both successful in their returns from injury in the qualifying final demolition of Melbourne.

Roos forward Ailish Considine is training fully after completing her rehab on a hamstring injury, but the dual premiership Crow would be a surprise inclusion against her former side after not playing since round 3.

Originally published as AFLW finals news: Healthy Adelaide primed for North Melbourne battle