Brisbane Lions players are still driven by their 2017 grand final loss to Adelaide and say the fierce rivalry between the two clubs will bring out their best in the AFLW preliminary final.
The grand final qualifier at Metricon Stadium on Friday night will be a showdown between two sides that have won four of the five AFLW premierships between them.
The Crows beat the Lions in the inaugural AFLW grand final in 2017 and the Lions got a measure of revenge in 2021 when they prevailed in the decider over their fierce opponents.
In-form Lions winger Jade Ellenger had not yet debuted in 2017 but the defeat is one she said still inspired the playing group.
"It is always good to try and get back at them for that first year," she said.
"We've definitely had some great contests with them in the past. They have got on top of us. We have got on top of them.I am expecting a tough competition."
The Lions were minor premiers and if they beat Adelaide there is still doubt over where they will play the grand final.
Cairns, Springfield or Melbourne are still possible venues.
"Anywhere would suit us," Ellenger said.
"We are ready to take on anyone at any stadium. It doesn't really bother us."
The Lions defeated the Crows by 22 points in round eight this year.
Lions captain Bre Koenen said any clash with the Crows was one she had marked in her diary.
"Adelaide have been contenders since day one and we lost our first grand final to them," she said.
"I enjoy playing them. I think it is a good challenge. They are a team you always look to on the fixture (list) and always put a big circle around it. If you are able to knock them off you are in good stead."
The Lions are well rested after beating Richmond in a qualifying final a fortnight ago while the Crows prevailed in a torrid semi-final against against Collingwood.
"We've had the week off so hopefully we feel nice and refreshed coming into the game. They have had a tough week against Collingwood and have to travel but it is finals footy," Koenen said.
"Anything can happen and they are going to be very good no matter what."
Ellenger said the Crows would be a tougher proposition than they were in round eight at Metricon Stadium.
"They will be bringing their A game," she said.
"(Metricon) is a fast deck and we love running. Any deck we can get on that is going to allow us to do that suits us. We are looking forward to getting back there."
