Swans’ fairytale run over as Crows run riot to book record fifth AFLW prelim

Adelaide are through to a record fifth straight AFLW preliminary final after demolishing Sydney by 67 points on Saturday night.

The Crows were back to their devastating best in the 12.10 (82) to 2.3 (15) win to set up a big clash with North Melbourne for a spot in what would be the club’s fifth AFLW grand final.

The result means it’s season over for the Swans, who bowed out meekly without a goal in the second half – and just 14 inside 50s for the entire match.

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Down the other end, the Crows ran riot as Sydney’s backline was simply under siege – and the damn wall eventually broke.

Crows veteran Chelsea Randall said the team were determined to bounce back from last week’s shock qualifying final loss to Brisbane.

“We were fairly disappointed last week – we really wanted to come out and get the win,” she said.

“We’ve worked so damn hard… we want to see how far we can take this.”

Anne Hatchard finished the overwhelming best on ground with 37 disposals, six tackles, 10 marks and two goals.

QUARTER BY QUARTER MATCH REPORT

The Crows went into the contest not having lost back-to-back matches since early 2020 in worrying signs for the challenging Swans.

And Sydney had issues early as young gun Montana Ham lasted less than two minutes before clutching at her ribs and making her way from the field.

“It’s actually her own player that pushed (the Crows’ opponent) into Ham,” commentator Kate McCarthy said.

“Checking out that rib region as well.”

As the Swans backline was under siege, it was Crows veteran Chelsea Randall who was able to get the breakthrough.

Randall soccerred through the first goal from the congestion in the goal square.

With Ham given the green light to return, the Swans got on themselves on the board at Norwood Oval.

But Adelaide had the immediate response to take a 14-6 lead into the first break.

The Swans tried to slow the game down in the second term, after conceding a 13-2 inside 50 count in the opener.

A ferocious tackle saw played stopped midway through the quarter as Swan Lisa Steade stayed down.

“Rachelle Martin’s leg just sort of lands straight on her as she comes down,” McCarthy said.

“I’m sure she was just winded like Montana Ham,” commentator Sam Lane added.

But just as Sydney looked to get themselves back into the contest, the Crows kicked two quick goals.

“If you let a player like Anne Hatchard run unopposed inside forward 50, she’s going to make you pay,” McCarthy said.

“There was no opponent anywhere near her.

“(Sydney) has had control of the footy but they need to get some territory.”

With the margin 23 points, it took a moment of Chloe Molloy brilliance to kick a “crucial” goal for her side. But that would be the Swans’ final goal for the semi final.

Right on the half time siren, Crow Yvonne Bonner landed a devastating blow after some ill-discipline from Montana Beruldsen to cough up a 50m penalty.

“The Crows starting to crack this game wide open,” commentator Kelli Underwood said.

“That late goal just a savage blow.”

“That is punishment of the cruellest fashion,” Lauren Wood added.

At the main break, it was Adelaide leading 35-12.

The Crows blew the game apart in the space of just seven minutes in devastating scenes in the third term.

Goals to Anne Hatchard, Danielle Ponter and Jones opened up a 41-point lead as the Swans looked simply shell-shocked.

The visitors could only manage seven inside 50s to the midway point of the third term as the Crows just ran riot.

Hatchard and Ebony Marinoff just did as they pleased to send the ball into attack for Adelaide.

By the final change, the Crows held a 53-16 lead.

Randall then put the match out of reach for the Swans with her second goal of the night.

Jess Whitehouse added the icing on top of the big win with a miraculous snap from the boundary.

While it’s season over for Sydney, Adelaide will now meet North Melbourne in next week’s preliminary final.

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