AFLW

Erin Phillips keeps Adelaide Crows' season alive, and proves she is the gamechanger of the AFLW

If it wasn't already apparent how important Phillips is to the fledgling league, not just her Adelaide Crows, it was made crystal clear against the Western Bulldogs this weekend.

Yes, she's a dual sport star — she is a two-time WNBA champion, an Olympic silver medallist and world championship gold medallist with the Opals.

Her performances for the Crows in the AFLW, however, are re-emphasising her star power.

Last season she kicked eight goals in the regular season, six less than the top scorer, Carlton's Darcy Vescio. But that was only one element of her game.

AFLW not lady-like enough for ex-Swan

Hopefully no-one is listening though, as the women’s aggressive approach to the game has been one of the league’s main attractions. 

“This is uncharted ground and it takes time and a lot of coaching to get used to protecting the head,” Kennelly said. 

“There are a lot of girls who haven’t played a whole lot of AFL football at the top level and not as full time professionals.”