THERE are "no concerns" around the fitness of Adelaide star forward Erin Phillips ahead of a NAB AFLW Grand Final rematch against the Brisbane Lions at Norwood Oval on Saturday evening, says coach Bec Goddard.
Phillips, the reigning AFLW League best and fairest, barely trained at the club's main session on Thursday night and reporters were quick to quiz Goddard at her press conference on Friday as to the reason why.
"You only take your Rolls Royce to the bush if it's entirely necessary, so that's what we do with Erin each week," Goddard quipped.
"She's an expensive car and we want her playing her best footy so we look after her.
"She's a great athlete so she comes into the group when she needs to and pops out and does her own stuff when she needs to."
Pressed on the matter and asked whether Phillips was carrying an injury, Goddard said there were no doubts she would take her place for the Crows in the opening round of the season.
"There's no concerns over Erin," Goddard said.
However, premiership Crows Courtney Cramey (hamstring) and Abbey Holmes (knee) have been ruled out for the clash against the Lions.
Jenna McCormick, who has soccer commitments with W-League club Adelaide United, was also not selected.
Goddard said the club was hopeful the injured duo would be ready to play against Melbourne at Casey Fields in round two.
"Courtney was really unlucky just to miss out, but she was very close so we're confident she'll be available for round two and same with Abbey," Goddard said.