Crows V Demons: Why the AFLW grand final shapes to be an epic encounter

History is up for grabs in the 2022 AFLW Grand Final at Adelaide Oval.

The season decider pits the competition's most successful club, the Adelaide Crows, against Melbourne. The Crows will be shooting for their third flag in six years, while the Demons aim to become the first club to simultaneously hold the AFL Men's and Women's premierships.

The Crows have long been known for their attacking footy, but this year they've added defensive steel. They suffocate opposing teams by dominating possession and territory.

The Crows employ a true team defence, and have faith in each component.

Adelaide likes to play the game in its own half, making it hard for the opposition to score, while also creating opportunities for repeat attacks from turnovers.

ABC Sport AFLW expert Gemma Bastiani says the Crows' ability to control the ball and field position is critical to their success.

 «They create attack from an abundance of opportunities,» Bastiani said.

«Because they're able to keep the ground for opponents really small, it's almost like a war of attrition — wearing down their opponents' defences.»

The Crows are also equipped to launch quick counter-attacks through their skilled ball users such as Chelsea Randall, Sarah Allan and Chelsea Biddell. They're able to intercept the ball both in the air and on the deck, with Allan's ground defence in particular proving to be a highlight this season.

The Crows also have one of the best inside 50 differentials in the competition, giving them more effective scoring opportunities. This puts pressure on opposing teams.

In their match against Melbourne earlier this year, three of their four goals came from turnovers in their attacking half. The other came from a turnover in defensive midfield. This pattern