Adelaide faces Port Adelaide at Norwood Oval on Friday night
The return of All-Australian forward Caitlin Gould headlines two changes for Adelaide’s Round 11 clash against Port Adelaide on Friday night.
Gould returns to the side having missed the past five matches with a broken wrist.
Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said she would provide a welcome boost to the Crows’ forward line, for what is set to be a pivotal Showdown.
“She’s always been a huge part of our team, she was All-Australian last year and it’s good to have her back,” Harper said.
“With Caitlin back in the team, it gives us a big presence ahead of the ball we’ve lacked a bit in recent weeks, which will help our structure immensely.
“She’s been marking the ball really well at training this week and she should go in full of confidence that she can make an impact on Friday night.”
Rachelle Martin will return to the side for the first time since Round One, following a solid bout of form at training and in the scrimmages.
“Rachelle has produced some really consistent performances in the scrimmages and gets a go this week, which is great for her,” Harper said.
“She’s been a great presence around the group all season, and we’re hoping she can give us a boost with her pressure up forward.”
Ruck Jess Allan comes out of the side, in what Harper revealed was a tough decision for the coaches, as she looked to regain her best form.
“It was a really difficult decision for the coaches (to leave Jess out), they thought she hadn’t quite been giving what they were looking for and she came out,” Harper said.
“She will have a chance to bounce back in the scrimmage this weekend, and hopefully it’s only one week for her and she’s back next week.”
Veteran Stevie-Lee Thompson is the other omission from the team that faced North Melbourne.
“It’s a real difficult one for Stevie, she’s been in and out a bit this year and not playing at her very best,” Harper said.
“But in the end the weight of performances from Rachelle in the scrimmages has given her the nod this week.”
Adelaide faces Port Adelaide in Showdown IV at Norwood Oval on Friday night, with the first bounce at 7.05pm.
Tickets available here.
IN: Gould, Martin
OUT: J Allan, Thompson (omitted)
Adelaide’s AFLW Showdown team is:
