REIGNING premier Adelaide has rewritten the record books with the biggest win in AFLW history, demolishing Greater Western Sydney by 96 points at Unley Oval on Sunday.
The massive victory – 15.7 (97) to 0.1 (1) - gave the Crows a much-needed percentage boost and lifts them to second on the ladder.
After starting their title defence with a loss to Melbourne in the Grand Final rematch, the Crows have now won four on the trot to reassert their dominance.
Forward McKenzie Dowrick led a well-rounded attack with four goals while Ashleigh Woodland and Anne Hatchard booted three each.
It was hard to split Hatchard, with 28 disposals and five clearances, and her midfield partner in crime Ebony Marinoff for best-on-ground honours.
Marinoff had a career-high 36 disposals including 22 contested possessions, 12 tackles, eight inside 50s, seven clearances, and a goal.
CROWS v GIANTS Full match coverage and stats
The Crows were red-hot from the start, kicking 5.5 in the opening term, their highest first-quarter score in their history.
They followed that up with three more in the second quarter, including a goal from Woodland after the halftime siren, to take an imposing 53-point lead – 8.5 to 0.0 – into the main break.
Late goals to Hatchard and debutant Jess Waterhouse ensured the Crows surpassed Melbourne’s 88-point victory over Fremantle from season six earlier this year as the biggest win in the AFLW.
The Giants – who have slumped to 1-4 for the season - got on the scoreboard with a behind in the third quarter to ensure they didn’t create unwanted history as the first scoreless team in the AFLW’s seven seasons.
But the inexperienced Giants were no match for a clean and polished Crows outfit that won the ball at the contest and worked hard in wet conditions.
It was over when …
You know it’s a good day for the Crows when Marinoff gets among the goals. It took the four-time All-Australian just two minutes to get on the board – just her sixth goal in 58 career games. That started a first-quarter procession, the Crows kicking 5.5 to 0.0 in the opening term on the back of a dominant 14-2 inside 50 count.
One to watch
McKenzie Dowrick provided a strong presence for the Crows in attack with four goals. The former West Coast Eagle also cleaned up her own work, crumbing a contest and showing smart instincts to snap at goal. The Crows had plenty of attacking options, even with livewire small forward Danielle Ponter missing her second straight game with a quad injury.
Up next
The Crows have a short five-day turnaround ahead of the inaugural AFLW Showdown across crosstown rivals Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. The Giants, meanwhile, will hope to rebound when they host Carlton at Henson Park on Saturday.
ADELAIDE 5.5 8.5 10.6 15.7 (97)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 (1)
GOALS
Adelaide: Dowrick 4, Woodland 3, Hatchard 3, Marinoff, Randall, Gould, Martin, Waterhouse
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
BEST
Adelaide: Marinoff, Hatchard, Randall, Dowrick, Newman, McKinnon
Greater Western Sydney: Parker, Eva, Evans, Lister
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
LATE CHANGES
Adelaide: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Reports: Nil