Kuwarna has sent a reminder that it remains among the leading contenders with a ruthless 32-point victory over a brave GIANTS side in blustery conditions at Henson Park.
The Crows made a blistering start with a stiff breeze behind their backs and broke the game open with a four-goal blitz that set up a 7.12 (54) to 2.10 (22) win over the GIANTS on Saturday afternoon.
The GIANTS stayed within touching distance with a pair of goals during their first turn kicking with the strong wind but were unable to close in on the Crows as the breeze died down in the final term.
Danielle Ponter booted a stunning early goal to celebrate her 75th match in style and help her side pile on the pressure as the Crows ultimately had more firepower and polish in the forward half.
The Crows used the wind and open spaces to their advantage while also dominating the stoppages with 31-17 clearances that helped unleash Anne Hatchard (25 disposals) in the midfield.
Ebony Marinoff (17 disposals, 13 tackles) took time to get going before having more of an influence when the game was on the line in the second half.
Caitlin Gould booted two goals while Niamh Kelly (16 disposals, one goal) was a livewire in the forward half and Ponter (15, game-high five clearances) won plenty of ball at the contest as both sides found it difficult to slot their shots on goal.
"(Ponter) had a great game last week and a really solid game again today. But across 75 games, we watched her highlight reel during the week and it was quite spectacular to be honest," Crows coach Matthew Clarke said.
"She's done some amazing things out on the field for us, so great for her to get to that milestone."
Zarlie Goldsworthy was the key to the GIANTS' better moments as the hosts looked to get the ball in the hands of their more skilful players and the young gun finished with a career-high 25 disposals
Eilish O'Dowd (20) battled hard around the stoppages and Emily Pease (19) added run out of defence, while the highly touted Sara Howley (16) impressed again in just her third game.
The GIANTS suffered a huge blow when former captain Alicia Eva was ruled out of the match early in the second term after being taken to ground heavily in a tackle and injuring a hamstring.
"I think it was some chasing down. She's just so quick, sometimes those players can do those hammies," GIANTScoach Cam Bernasconi said.
"We'll get it reviewed and hopefully it's only a light one, ideally it might only be a week. But we'll just wait and see. Unfortunately she knew straight away it was a hamstring strain."
With the GIANTS lacking Eva's experience and the depth of the main contenders, the Crows gradually pulled away in the second half as they fine-tuned their ball movement with tougher tests to come.
Up Next
The GIANTS continue their search for a breakthrough victory when they face the Gold Coast at People First Stadium on Saturday at 1.05pm AEST.
GIANTS 0.1 2.5 2.7 2.10 (22)
KUWARNA 4.7 4.8 6.10 7.12 (54)
GOALS
GIANTS: O'Dowd, Garnett
Kuwarna: Gould 2, Ponter, Boyle-Carr, N.Kelly, Hatchard, Thompson
BEST
GIANTS: Goldsworthy, O'Dowd, Beeson, McCormick, Howley
Kuwarna: Hatchard, Goodwin, Marinoff, Biddell, Ponter, N.Kelly, Newman
INJURIES
GIANTS: Eva (hamstring)
Kuwarna: Nil
