Adelaide coach Bec Goddard has encouraged her players to take risks as they bid to steer their premiership defence back on track

BEC Goddard has taken the shackles off the Crows as they travel for a season-defining clash against GWS.

The Adelaide Crows sing the club song after their first win of the season against the Western Bulldogs at Norwood Oval last weekend. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images)

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ADELAIDE women’s coach Bec Goddard has asked her players to use the confidence gained in their win against the Bulldogs to play with greater freedom and creativity in what she calls the blockbuster of the week against GWS on the road.

The Crows season had been slipping away but four goals from Erin Phillips and two from Jenna McCormack — coupled with upsets elsewhere — mean the Adelaide is now only one win behind the top of the ladder Brisbane.

Goddard felt the players had lifted in positivity from the win, which was attributed just as much to resilience in the face of having the season slip away and the brilliance of league best and fairest Phillips.

The Crows have also been given a massive boost this week, with All Australian Courtney Cramey returning for her first game this season after a hamstring injury and experienced defender Angela Foley back from suspension.

“I think we’ve got some resilience, some really resilience in the group,” Goddard said. “It was exciting to have lucky 13 (Philllips) back again but everybody came up around her and played their role.

“She’s recovered really well and is looking forward to have another cracker.

“The girls have been instructed over the week to play with a bit of freedom and a bit of confidence.

“We don’t mind them making mistakes if you’re taking a really positive risk.

“That’s what we continue to talk about this week.

“Every game in the AFLW is a must-win, really.”

Jenna McCormick booted two goals in the game against the Western Bulldogs at Norwood Oval. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Goddard had noted a sense of the noose being loosened around the players’ loss after starting their premiership defence with losses to Brisbane and Melbourne.

But she warned not to lose any of their urgency — the season can slip as quickly as it has been restored.

“It makes it a little bit easier coming to training after you’ve had a win, but we’ve approached everything we’ve the same,” Goddard said.

“I think this will be the match of the round because GWS have been in some really good form.

“They had a really close game against Melbourne and probably should’ve got over the line.

“They’re No. 1 in the competition in hard ball gets and they’ve been bringing in some really good pressure.

“They’ve got some unreal players.”

Originally published as Adelaide coach Bec Goddard has encouraged her players to take risks as they bid to steer their premiership defence back on track