Crows star Hatchard overcomes illness for AFLW finals

Adelaide star Anne Hatchard has shaken off illness and is ready to strike fear in her Fremantle rivals.

Three-time premiership player Hatchard had missed training earlier in the week in the lead-up to their AFLW semi-final at Norwood Oval on Saturday, but coach Matthew Clarke has guaranteed her fitness.

Clarke has made just one change in the aftermath of their bitter seven-point qualifying final defeat to North Melbourne, dropping Lily Tarlinton for forward Abbie Ballard.

"(Hatchard) will train today and is ready to go so no problem there," Clarke said on Friday.

"It was a really strong performance (against North) but ultimately, you know, one quarter, we probably just came off.

"It wasn't as though we didn't show up. We certainly gave ourselves every chance, but ultimately we couldn't finish it."

An unavailable Hatchard would have been a massive blow to the Crows, after the explosive midfielder put on a devastating performance in their last meeting with the Dockers to clinch victory.

Forming a formidable partnership with fellow ball magnet Ebony Marinoff, Hatchard kicked two goals and claimed 29 disposals to help hold the home side scoreless for a 33-point win in round two.

Her prowess around the ball will be needed given Dockers ruck Mim Strom's outstanding performance against Essendon.

The 23-year-old tallied a league-record 56 hitouts to go with 11 clearances, 26 possessions, 441m gained and a goal in last week's elimination final against the Bombers.

Fremantle have also been bolstered by the return of All-Australian defender Ash Brazill.

Clarke admits his side are far from the finished product, but they at least have history on their side.

Both AFLW inaugural teams, the Crows have lost only once - in 2021 - across seven meetings with Freo.

"I don't think we're quite there yet," Clarke said.

"There's lots and lots that we like about our performance but we haven't been able to have that complete performance where we say, 'that's it'."

Adding to the challenge will be the extreme heat forecasted for the match, with temperatures expected to reach 37C.

"From a game-style perspective, we just play the way we play," Clarke said.

"It's a final. I don't think either team will be saying, 'oh, (we lost) because of the weather' so we'll just get on with business."