Fremantle Dockers AFLW coach Lisa Webb never felt horror start to season would stop them from playing finals

Fremantle coach Lisa Webb is adamant she always believed her team would recover from their horror start to play finals as they prepare for their day of destiny against Adelaide.

The Dockers will run on to Norwood Oval on Sunday knowing a victory over the Crows will see them playing in an elimination final, while a loss will have them watching on from the sidelines next weekend after missing the top eight.

Fremantle were 1-3 at the start of the season with a percentage of just 43.3 following a 70-point belting by Brisbane and 114-point hiding from North Melbourne.

But they recovered, dragged themselves back up the ladder and a win over the Crows will see them finish the season with a 7-5 record. Webb said she’s not shocked by the mid-season revival.

“Not at all. The girls are really good at reviewing,” she said.

“Obviously we had a couple of games there where we were off with North and Brisbane but we’ve shown we can be in some really close games against some really good opposition and beat some good opposition as well.

“We’re pretty measured in the highs and the lows and how we can stay anchored. I’m really proud of the way we’ve fought back this season.”

The Dockers named an unchanged line-up to take on the Crows. Adelaide made four changes with Amy Boyle-Carr, Jess Allan, Kayleigh Cronin and Stevie-Lee Thompson replacing Niamh Kelly, Rachelle Martin, Lily Tarlinton and Brooke Smith.

Adelaide were fourth on the ladder after round seven but have won only one of their last four games.

Webb is confident her squad has done everything possible to beat one of the AFLW’s traditional powerhouses on their own home ground.

She said the players would be ready to do whatever was needed to win.

“I’m so proud. I love this group. They’re terrific,” she said.

“They work incredibly hard and don’t get too caught up in those wins and losses. So for us to improve so much in-season (is great).

“I watched a couple of the game we played last year against Adelaide and we are a different team since then. We keep improving and growing which makes us a real chance this Sunday. I look forward to getting out there, having a look at the beautiful oval and then just getting to work.

“You look the girls in the eye and know how determined they are to beat a really good team.”