FROM MEEK KITTENS TO FEROCIOUS CATS
Last season the Cats let the Crows walk all over them in the preliminary final, going down by over 60 points and kicking only one goal. 
 
Today the Cats were ferocious and fought valiantly from the opening bounce. They threw themselves into every tackle and every contest, harassing and hounding the visitors all afternoon. 
 
The Crows had 40 inside 50s to 18. Last year that would have resulted in a thrashing, but not today, as the Cats refused to give in. 
 
Richelle Cranston symbolised the fight on display by her team. Despite hurting her shoulder in the second quarter, she refused to go off and kept on fighting till the final siren. 
 
She took brave marks, laid plenty of tackles, and contested every ball that came her way. She kicked a brilliant roving goal in the final term to keep her team in it.
 
Melissa Hickey and Meg McDonald fought hard down back all afternoon as they put their bodies between the ball and the Crow's forwards. Nina Morrison did her best to bring the Cats out of defence, always willing to go for the hardball. 
 
The Cats' first and third quarters were especially impressive, showing improved composure and better decision making. 
 
Paul Hood will be thrilled with the way his team kept at it. 
CLASS ALWAYS COME TO THE FORE
Adelaide faced a team that refused to give in. They didn’t have it their way like they have many times in the past. 
 
Despite dominating the field position, the Crows weren’t ever able to break away. 
However, every time the Cats looked like they may sneak in front, Adelaide’s best players stood up. 
 
Ebony Marinoff was superb with 25 possessions (16 contested), 11 clearances and 12 important tackles. 
 
Danielle Ponter kicked four crucial goals to ensure that Adelaide got enough return from their dominant forward 50 entry count. She kicked clutch goals that gave the Crows the breathing space they needed. 
DANIELLE HIGGINS IS A GEM
The 29-year-old stood up today for her team. She was everywhere. 
 
Up front she was creative, down back she was innovative. Across the ground she showed plenty of class to give the Cats the quality they needed to stay in the contest. 
 
Her 17 disposals, two goals and five touches kept the Cats within reaching distance. 
 
She became the first Cat at VFLW level to play 50 games. If she continues to play like this she will undoubtedly have many more AFLW games to play.
 
Higgins is the type of quality player the Cats need to make them competitive in this competition.