Randall hurt as AFLW Lions ease past Crows

Adelaide captain Chelsea Randall has suffered an ankle injury in the Crows’ comprehensive 22-point loss to Brisbane in the top-of-the-table AFLW blockbuster at Metricon Stadium.

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 and had her right ankle iced after landing awkwardly in a marking contest with Orla O’Dwyer.

When she was not in the hands of trainers, Randall (23 disposals, seven clearances) was inspirational, while Ebony Marinoff (33 touches) 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.

Adelaide 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 halftime.

Brisbane’s forward-half pressure was, according to coach Craig Starcevich, “quite inspiring” and “absolutely magnificent”, leaving the reigning premiers uncharacteristically helpless.

Elusive Courtney Hodder got the Lions rolling with a fine snapped goal, Greta Bodey converted a free, Conway slotted one in traffic and Dakota Davidson conjured a fine spin and hook over her shoulder.

Brisbane 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 Adelaide’s challenge as the Lions continued to leap from strength to strength, confirming their status as flag favourites.