ADELAIDE has sent an ominous warning to their NAB AFLW rivals, opening its 2022 campaign with a powerful 30-point defeat of reigning premier Brisbane.

Sunday's Grand Final rematch was a tight contest in the first half, but the Lions ran out of steam after injuries to key duo Kate Lutkins (knee) and Dakota Davison (ankle). With the Lions All Australian defender, and 2021 Leading Goal Scorer out, it left the Lions a touch exposed at both ends of the ground.

The Crows took full advantage, electric forward Ashleigh Woodland booting four goals to lead her side to a comfortable victory - 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9) - at Flinders University Stadium to the delight of coach Matthew Clarke.

"(The Lions) are a high-quality opponent and suffered two significant injuries in the first half, which impacted the game," Clarke said.

We saw glimpses of the Lions pressure game through the second and third quarters, but the Lions were unable to capitalise with points on the board.

Greta Bodey kicked the Lions only goal of the afternoon. Greta has kicked the Lions first goal of the season every year she's played at the club.

04:45

AFLW How It Unfolded: Round 1 v Adelaide

The Crows and Lions clash in round one of the NAB AFL Women's competition.

Ally Anderson (22 disposals), Orla O'Dwyer (21) and Emily Bates (20 disposals, 12 contested) tried hard for the Lions, who were missing only retired duo Emma Zielke and Lauren Arnell from last year's premiership side.

"I thought our people stuck at it reasonably well, but the opposition set the game up early from a pressure perspective and got us out the back with some scoring opportunities as well," Lions coach Craig Starcevich said.

"But the chaos that comes with losing two key players goes a fair way to trying to steady the ship and manage a team with 19 fit players.

"It became a little bit difficult from that point onwards."

Starcevich said the injuries "didn't look good", with both Lutkins and Davison getting caught in the ground and suffering non-contact injuries.

00:43

Dakota Davidson Helped Off The Ground

Dakota Davidson had to be helped off the ground after she suffered an ankle injury late in the second quarter.

The Lions will now host Carlton at Maroochydore next Saturday.
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ADELAIDE    1.0     2.1     3.1     6.3     (39) 
BRISBANE    0.2     0.2     0.3     1.3     (9) 

GOALS 
Adelaide: Woodland 4, Gould, Martin
Brisbane: Bodey

BEST  
Adelaide: Woodland, Hatchard, Marinoff, Jones, Phillips
Brisbane: O'Dwyer, Bates, Conway, Anderson, Campbell   

INJURIES  
Adelaide: Nil
Brisbane: Lutkins (knee), Davidson (ankle)

Reports: Nil