Adelaide forward Eloise Jones says a showdown is the perfect opportunity to start the Crows’ 2023 AFLW campaign.
With interest in women’s sport at an all-time high following the success of the Matildas Women’s World Championship, a large crowd is expected at the Norwood Oval this Saturday afternoon to see the rivals from across the city battle it out for the second time.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Jones said she was looking forward to playing on such a big stage and taking on the challenge that a much-improved Port side would bring.
“It’s really exciting to start the season with a showdown in front of all our family and friends on home soil,” Jones said.
“I think it’s going to be a massive thing for South African sport as well. We’ve seen the success of the Matildas and hope we can share a little of that and create a great women’s sport in our state.
“We have a lot of respect for Port and believe they will be quite competitive this year so we expect quite a physical challenge from them which we are all looking forward to.”
The Crows will be without vice-captain and key defensive player Sarah Allan after scans showed that would be the case miss at least eight weeks with a hamstring injury.
Jones said that while Allan’s injury was a blow, it also gave a number of Adelaide’s youngsters a chance to step up and fill the void.
“It’s definitely quite upsetting for Sezzy (Sarah Allan), she’s been a key player for us and has been for a long time,” Jones said.
“But on the other hand, it also opens up the possibility for someone else to step in and fill that role.
“The strength of our squad is probably the most exciting thing this season. We have many young girls who can blend in and play in many different lines. So I can’t wait to see who we’re going to use for us in defense.”
After completing two seasons in one year in 2022, the off-season offered players an opportunity to step back and refresh.
Jones said the side are reaping the rewards of the extended layoff and can’t wait to start a new season.
“Obviously we had two seasons in one last year, so it was a really big off-season and it’s exciting to get back in there now,” Jones said.
“It was a bit strange to have so much football in one year and then not do anything for a while after that, but it gave us time to rethink and have quality time with friends and family.
“We all feel very fresh and full of energy now. That’s a good start to the season.”
But as the landscape of AFLW continues to change, Jones said the team is confident they can maintain their status as one of the competition’s frontrunners.
“Obviously we want to stay on top every season and I think the top three is an ideal goal that we want to achieve,” Jones said.
“Everyone is changing, opposing teams are getting better and better which makes it a challenge but we would like to stay consistent and keep challenging.
“The strength of our squad is really exciting and hopefully that will lead to a good level of football.”
Adelaide meets Port Adelaide at the Norwood Oval this Saturday, first clash at 2.35pm. There is still time to join the Crows family, AFLW memberships are available Here.
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