AFL WOMEN'S Rankings: Round 3 SEASON 7

Three-time AFL Women’s premiers the Adelaide Crows were expected to have some difficulty sustaining their success once the other AFL team from South Australia – Port Adelaide – entered the women’s league. This was mainly due to losing two-time league best and fairest Erin Phillips to be the Power’s inaugural captain, although they otherwise did reasonably well in holding on to their premiership players.

The Crows’ start to the season though has been somewhat below what might have been expected. They have so far lost to last season’s runners-up Melbourne at home by three goals, beat Richmond – but only by nine points, and beat North Melbourne at home by 14 points. This sees them sit just inside the top eight at this point.

They were also well beaten by the Demons and Tigers in particular areas (see table above). Melbourne amassed an astonishing 73 more uncontested possessions than Adelaide in their match, which is an area (one of the many) that the Crows have dominated in the past. Then Adelaide were well beaten in the territory battle by Richmond, having 18 less inside 50s, but managed to get over the line through some late goals. They were a bit more convincing against North Melbourne – although the score was close until the fourth quarter, the final score was probably a fair reflection of the difference between the two sides.

The Crows are still one of the better teams though. They have another tough match this week against Collingwood, but it may be when their fixture becomes easier they can deal out some convincing wins again. For now Brisbane looks to be the new power side, but there would still be some uneasiness for any team that has to face the Crows this season.