In a fiery AFLW preliminary final clash, the Brisbane Lions have mauled their way past the Adelaide Crows and into the grand final with an emphatic 18-point victory. The reigning premiers weathered an early storm from the Crows before unleashing a second-half surge to prevail 7.8 (50) to 4.8 (32) at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday night.
The Lions, chasing back-to-back titles, will now face the undefeated North Melbourne in next week’s decider at Ikon Park. It marks a record-extending sixth grand final appearance for the powerhouse Brisbane women’s side.
Slow Start, Strong Finish
Adelaide came out breathing fire in the first half, dominating possession and field position. However, the Crows could only manage three behinds in the opening 10 minutes despite locking the ball inside their forward 50.
Against the run of play, Brisbane managed to stay in touch, before a Caitlin Gould goal extended Adelaide’s lead to 13 points in the second term. But the Lions found a quick reply through star forward Dakota Davidson and crafty work from Courtney Hodder to trail by just seven points at the main break.
Lions Roar to Life
Brisbane flipped the script in a scintillating third quarter, matching Adelaide’s intensity around the contest while finding damaging run on the outside. Jade Ellenger gave the Lions their first lead of the night before goals to Cathy Svarc and a second to Davidson put the reigning champs in total control.
From that point on, Brisbane slammed the door shut on Adelaide.
ESPN match report
Isabel Dawes’ electric stoppage goal early in the final term iced the win for Brisbane and consigned the Crows to a third straight preliminary final exit.
Lions’ Stars Shine
Irish sensation Orla O’Dwyer and bullocking midfielder Ally Anderson led the way for Brisbane with 24 disposals each. Up forward, the dynamic Dakota Davidson finished with 2.3 from her 14 touches in a commanding performance.
For Adelaide, the usual suspects in Ebony Marinoff (30 disposals), Anne Hatchard (25) and Chelsea Randall (18 and two goals) battled hard but couldn’t will their side over the line.
Crows Crash Out
The shattering loss marks a disappointing end to Adelaide’s campaign. The Crows, one of the competition heavyweights, have now fallen at the penultimate hurdle three years running after making the first three AFLW grand finals.
Questions will inevitably be asked of the Crows’ big game capacity and ability to handle the pressure of knockout football. But take nothing away from this lions outfit – they are a force to be reckoned with and will take some stopping next week.
Mouth-watering Grand Final Awaits
Brisbane’s reward for this heart-stopping win is a clash with the high-flying North Melbourne for the ultimate prize. The Kangaroos are unbeaten this year and many pundits’ tip for the flag.
But if any side can halt their march, it’s this battle-hardened Brisbane lineup. With superstars across every line and a wealth of big game experience, the Lions will be confident of claiming a second straight premiership.
One thing is for certain – with the two best teams this season going head-to-head, it promises to be an epic decider. Women’s football fans are in for an absolute treat. Let the countdown begin!
