Carlton’s Tayla Harris (left) and Adelaide’s Erin Phillips, two keys to Sunday’s AFLW grand final between the Crows and Blues.

Last week’s AFLW preview began with some notes about the outcome of the conference system as opposed to standard top-four qualification.

After the two preliminary finals, it could be said that both games emphasised the different dynamic that the 2019 finals system could have brought.

Adelaide topped the table on merit and after dominating in a wide range of categories, took it to another level with a thorough humiliation of Geelong, which had qualified second in Conference B with the worst percentage in the competition.

Meanwhile, Conference B winner Carlton stunned observers at Ikon Park with an energetic and complete four-quarter performance against a Fremantle side that, like the Crows, had suffered only one home-and-away defeat and came in warm favourite.

The results have set up an intriguing third AFLW grand final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. And for the last time this season, Jesse Robertson is here with his preview of the big game.

Saturday, March 30, 1:05pm: Adelaide vs Carlton, Adelaide Oval

Adelaide has been as close to perfect as is achievable, running through the competition with an average winning margin of almost seven goals, suffering just a single loss by a single point to the Western Bulldogs along the way.

The Crows’ biggest potential concerns as they attempt to win a second premiership in three seasons are the form of Carlton stars Tayla Harris and Madison Prespakis, both of whom shone last week in a superb team performance, the team spirit of the Blues obvious under the coaching of Daniel Harford.

But Adelaide’s win over Geelong last week employed a simply ferocious attitude and was full of midfield dominance.

Winning the clearance count 30-19 and laying a massive 83 tackles (the second-highest tally of any side in 2019), Adelaide ensured a four-quarter cakewalk at home. And with the grand final also on home soil, plus the mere presence of the Crows’ “Fab Four” (Erin Phillips, Ebony Marinoff, Anne Hatchard and Chelsea Randall) they go in a clear favourite.

Harford’s side has almost performed the ultimate in footballing turnarounds, finishing wooden spooner last year, losing the last five games straight side, but flying through the second half of this campaign to reach its first grand final a year later.

The handball-heavy style of the Blues’ high-possession tactics shone through in a smooth 36-point win over the Dockers last Saturday, Carlton registering two-and-a-half times more handpasses as well as 50 per cent more contested possessions (three more than Adelaide in its preliminary final), rounding off its efforts with a better response by foot and earning a 36-25 advantage in marks.

But how do the Blues stop the influence of the Crows’ midfield, which has waltzed through their challenges thus far?

Carlton average significantly more hit-outs through Breann Moody’s output, but its opponents are used to that.

Bringing the ball out of defensive 50 is a strength, and the Blues will consider themselves lucky Kerryn Harrington’s shoulder injury isn’t serious. But do they outperform Adelaide due to efficiency or simply the Crows’ lack of time spent defending?

Tip: Adelaide by 24 points. Both sides have kept their cards close to their chests with no confirmed omissions ahead of final team lodgements on Friday evening. The Blues have David and Goliath potential, and came closer to knocking the Crows over during the regular season than most sides could, but Adelaide has dominated for a reason, and the 2019 premiership is theirs to lose.

This article originally appeared at HATCH@MacleayCollege