AFLW: Squad Selection Round Five
Adelaide has added three players to an extended squad for its Round Five match against Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon.
The Crows will be eyeing a fifth-straight victory upon their return to Unley Oval when they take on the Suns, with Stevie-Lee Thompson, Lisa Whiteley and Hannah Munyard named in the squad.
Three-time Premiership utility Thompson missed Adelaide’s victory against GWS last weekend with a back injury sustained during Round Three.
Season Six Premiership midfielder Munyard, meanwhile, is in line to play her first game for 2023, after injuring her hip during pre-season.
Whiteley lined up in Adelaide’s Round Three win against Essendon but a selection squeeze led to her missing out last week.
Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said the inclusions made for a strong squad.
“Stevie-Lee has recovered well from hurting her back and it will be good to get her back, if she gets through our final training OK,” Harper said.
“Lisa Whiteley, who played against Essendon, but missed last week's game, returns to the squad, and Hannah Munyard has been training really well and pushing for selection.
“We look forward to playing Gold Coast, having only ever played them once in the competition’s history.
“They are in good form, having won their past three games, so it should be a great match for our Members and Supporters to get to, as we try to maintain our unbeaten record.”
The match will be extra special for two-time Premiership forward Danielle Ponter, who is set to notch her 50th game.
Adelaide selected Ponter at the 2018 AFLW Draft, giving the skilful forward a chance to follow the footsteps of her uncle, Essendon legend Michael Long, and cousin, Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli.
The classy ball winner made her debut in Round Two 2019 and received a Rising Star nomination in Round Four of that year.
She then went on to line up in the Crows’ 2019 and Season Six Premierships.
“We are very proud of Danielle and her achievements, she can always be relied upon in the big games, which is a trait that seems to run in her family,” Harper said.
“Our Members and supporters have seen her outstanding performances in our 2019 and Season Six Premierships.
“Her ability to create highlights is uncanny and she is a regular in Goal of the Year and Mark of the year nominations.
“But, above all, she has an extremely close bond with her family and has helped educate all Adelaide AFLW players and staff about her Aboriginal heritage, which we are all extremely grateful for.”
The Crows will name their final team on Friday at 4.30pm.
Adelaide takes on Gold Coast at Unley Oval on Sunday at 435pm.
Tickets available here.
IN: Thompson, Munyard, Whiteley
OUT:
Adelaide’s Round Five Squad is:
