Dual Olympic basketballer Erin Phillips has been hailed as an incredible athlete after her starring role in Adelaide's 36-point trouncing of Greater Western Sydney in their AFL women's game.
Phillips had 14 disposals and kicked 3.3 as the Crows opened their campaign with a resounding 7.6 (48) to 1.6 (12) win at Thebarton Oval on Saturday.
Before a crowd of 9250, Olympic silver medallist and WNBA player Phillips was the dominant force in a rain-marred match.
"She's an incredible athlete and she showed a glimpse of what she's capable of," Crows coach Bec Goddard said.
Phillips had four scoring shots and another attempt fall just short in a commanding opening half that laid the platform for Adelaide's triumph.
"She's a good player for someone who hasn't played the game too much," Giants coach Tim Schmidt said.
"She was fantastic up forward ... she obviously did give us a few headaches."
Schmit was satisfied with the Giants' opening minutes but Adelaide then took control - the visitors didn't kick a goal until early in the last quarter.
Adelaide's Rhiannon Metcalfe controlled the rucks - she had 10 opening-half hit-outs while the entire Giants team managed just one - and gave gold-played service to industrious midfielders Ebony Marinoff, who had a game-high 20 disposals, and co-captain Chelsea Randall (16 possessions).
Phillips, in a roaming forward role, was the main beneficiary in attack, while Kellie Gibson, Randall, Sarah Perkins and lively winger Deni Varnhagen also kicked majors.
The Crows held a telling 3.6 to 0.2 lead at halftime.
In difficult conditions - rain fell throughout the match - the Giants never challenged their hosts, with Phoebe McWilliams scoring their only goal early in the last term.
Nicola Barr (13 disposals), Jess Dal Pos (12 possessions), Amanda Farrugia and Renee Tomkins battled gamely for the visitors, and coach Schmidt saw some positives.
"For a first hit-out, I was really pleased with their effort," he said.
"That was the thing going in, making sure there were no weak efforts, and they gave it their all.
"Overall picture, playing in front of 9000 people, first-ever AFLW game, being away (from home) ... I thought the girls handled themselves very well and I couldn't be more proud of them."
