The stage is set for an electrifying AFLW preliminary final as perennial powerhouses, the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows, prepare to lock horns at Brighton Homes Arena. With a coveted spot in the championship match on the line, expect sparks to fly when these bitter rivals take the field in a win-or-go-home playoff grudge match.
Legacy of Dominance
The Lions and Crows have been the gold standard of women’s football in Australia over the league’s nine-season history. Between them, they boast an impressive eight grand final appearances and five premierships. Brisbane is the reigning champion seeking a mind-boggling sixth trip to the big dance, while Adelaide’s three titles are the most of any AFLW club.
Momentum vs Rest
The two teams enter this blockbuster battle on different paths. Brisbane earned a week off by narrowly edging the Hawks in a qualifying final thriller. Meanwhile, Adelaide took the long road, bouncing back from a qualifying loss to the Kangas with a convincing 37-point dismantling of the Dockers to reach this moment of truth against their nemesis.
“Both sides will be absolutely primed for this. The extra rest could help Brisbane, but the Crows have serious momentum after that massive win last week. It’s going to be on from the opening bounce.”
– AFLW pundit Kelly Underwood
History of Nail-biters
If recent clashes are any indication, buckle up for a heart-stopping finish. The last three meetings between the Lions and Crows have been decided by less than a goal, with a scant seven points in total separating the sides over that span. Brisbane has had the edge of late, prevailing by two points in each of the past two matchups to push their head-to-head record to a dominant 9-3.
- Thirteen all-time meetings (most in AFLW)
- Five finals encounters (tied for league high)
- Nine Brisbane wins vs three for Adelaide
- Last three decided by under a goal each
While Brisbane holds the historical upper hand, it would be foolish to discount the proud Crows. Adelaide’s big game pedigree is unquestioned with their AFLW-leading three premierships. They also have added motivation to avenge those two razor-thin losses to the Lions that ended promising campaigns in recent years.
Winner Meets the Roos
Regardless of who emerges victorious from this epic duel, a date with the mighty North Melbourne Football Club awaits in next weekend’s Grand Final at the iconic Ikon Park. The Kangaroos, this year’s minor premiers, stamped their ticket in emphatic fashion by jumping all over Port Adelaide en route to a 57-point rout.
But before thoughts can drift to a shot at the ultimate glory, there is the small matter of a semifinals clash for the ages to be settled. Will the Lions roar into another decider, burnishing their dynastic legacy? Or can the Crows take flight back to the biggest stage, driven by the tantalizing prospect of a record-setting fourth flag? By late Saturday night, the footy world will have its answer – and an AFLW Grand Final for the ages in the making.
