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Adelaide captain Chelsea Randall has sustained an ankle injury in the Crows' comprehensive 22-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in the top-of-the-ladder AFLW blockbuster in Carrara.
Key points:
- The Lions recorded a 8.5 (53) to 4.7 (31) win against the Crows
- Randall was forced from the field in the final quarter
- The Tigers triumphed over the Blues 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34)
After being treated for a split lip following a clash with Sophie Conway in the second quarter of the Lions' 8.5 (53) to 4.7 (31) victory on Friday night, Randall hobbled off late in the fourth term.
She had to have her right ankle iced after landing awkwardly in a marking contest with Orla O'Dwyer.
When she was not in the hands of the trainers, Randall (23 disposals, seven clearances) was inspirational, while Ebony Marinoff (33 disposals) was typically prolific.
But the Lions — who set up their win with a devastating 4.1-to-nil second term — had more contributors across the board.
Ally Anderson (22 disposals) was the chief ball-winner, Cathy Svarc (12 tackles) barged in all evening and Conway and Jesse Wardlaw (two goals each) kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The Crows held strong first-term advantages in inside-50s (14-6) and clearances (12-2) but only led by three points at the first change, thanks chiefly to Brisbane's desperate defending.
The visitors continued to dictate at the stoppages after quarter-time, but the Lions savagely turned the tables in the territory battle to move ahead by 22 points at the main break.
The Lions started the third term with 11 of the first 12 inside-50s but this time were unable to find the big sticks.
Against the grain — less than a minute out from three-quarter-time — Randall pulled down a strong contested mark against Dee Heslop and Conway and scored a goal, giving her side a sniff.
Conway's second major inside the opening 90 seconds of the fourth, followed by Randall's injury, put an end to the Crows' challenge as the Lions continued to leap from strength to strength, confirming their status as flag favourites.
Tigers fight back to beat Blues
Courtney Wakefield starred with a career-high haul of four goals as Richmond's hot streak continued with a 10-point comeback win over Carlton.
The Tigers coughed up the first four goals and trailed by 26 points before dragging themselves back into the contest, prevailing 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34) in a tight finish at Princes Park.
Wakefield and midfield gun Monique Conti (30 disposals) were instrumental for the Tigers, who are in contention for a top-four finish after reeling off six straight victories.
The Blues were left ruing a huge missed opportunity, with their top-eight hopes now in jeopardy with two rounds left to play.
Former Blues Sarah Hosking (18 disposals, one goal) and Grace Egan (18 disposals) were both strong performers against their old side.
Mimi Hill was Carlton's best with 20 disposals and a goal, with captain Kerryn Peterson (15 disposals, one goal) also prominent in her 50th match.
The Blues shocked the visitors in a hot start, dominating territory early and registering the first 11 forward entries.
They led by 19 points at quarter-time.
But the Tigers gradually worked their way back into the match, driven largely by Conti's work around the contest.
Three straight Wakefield goals put the Tigers in front for the first time midway through the third quarter before the Blues got a steadier through Keeley Skepper.
Wakefield bobbed up with a mark in the goal square to put the Tigers in front in the final quarter and captain Katie Brennan kicked the sealer with less than a minute left on the clock.
AAP