SA Blue v SA Red, Adelaide Oval
10.45am (ACDT), Saturday April 2
• WATCH the match live at AFLcommunity.com.au
• LISTEN to the live call at afl.com.au/womens or via the headphones icon on the AFL Live app
FOR SOUTH Australians, there are few bigger occasions on the footy calendar than a Showdown at Adelaide Oval.
On Saturday, 44 female players will get a taste of state-based rivalry football, with members of the South Australian women’s academy meeting in a curtain-raiser to the Adelaide-Port Adelaide game.
The match, between SA Red and SA Blue, is the second of the women’s exhibition series being played around the country this year in the lead-up to the start of the AFL’s women’s league competition early next year.
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Unfortunately, a hamstring strain will force gun South Australian forward Courtney Cramey to watch Saturday’s game from the stands. Dayna Cox will also miss the match because of a bulging disc in her back.
Cramey played for Melbourne in exhibition matches last year and is considered by many to be South Australia’s leading female player.
Despite the injury setback, the Morphettville Park star knows a cautious approach is the best option, given what lies ahead.
Following Saturday’s match, a final South Australian squad will be chosen to take on NSW at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, June 5.
Cramey said the chance to pull on a representative jumper was driving the girls to new levels.
"Earning the opportunity to represent the state is what the girls are really focused on, so they are all desperate to play well on Saturday," she said.
"The girls have trained incredibly hard over the off-season and the improvement in skills and fitness levels has been really impressive."
Cramey tipped big things from two emerging stars.
"Rachael Killian (SA Blue) is one player to watch after a big pre-season where she really improved her running capacity. She has a big presence on the field and will be dangerous playing as a centre half-forward," Cramey said.
"Ebony Marinoff (SA Blue) is another who has enjoyed a great summer after being named All-Australian at the youth girls' national championships last year. She is a really impressive contested ball-winner and has a big future in the game."
Cramey also nominated Danielle Goding and Bronwyn Davey (both SA Red) as those likely to set the standard on the field.
"Both have previously played in the AFL women’s exhibition matches and are really experienced footballers," she said.
The match starts at 10.15am (ACDT). Check AFL.com.au for a live audio broadcast of the match and a link to a live video stream.
Danielle Goding, pictured with Daniel Cross, was pick No 2 in the 2015 women's draft. Picture: AFL Media
