SNAPSHOT OF THE AFLW PRELIMINARY FINALS
THEY SAID IT: “It’s more fun when you’re winning … but the reality of our season is that we haven’t been as consistent as we were last season.” – Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke was left upset as his facet’s premiership defence got here to an finish.
PLAYER OF THE ROUND: Former competitors MVP Emily Bates gathered a team-high 22 disposals for the Brisbane Lions and performed with function in her first outing since a controversial snubbing from the 42-strong All-Australian squad.
THE MOMENT: Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce stepped up when her staff wanted her most, kicking the sealer in opposition to North Melbourne with lower than three minutes left on the clock. Pearce gathered the ball and disregarded a tackler earlier than turning and snapping an excellent purpose round her physique from 30 metres.
INJURIES: T Smith (Bris, ankle), T Harris (Melb, shoulder).
STATS THAT MATTER: North Melbourne ball magnet Ash Riddell grew to become the quickest participant in AFLW to achieve 1000 profession disposals. She did so in simply 43 video games, comfortably beating the earlier file held by Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff (48). Riddell had 17 disposals within the Kangaroos’ season-ending loss to Melbourne.
TALKING POINT: There’s an in depth watch on the freshly laid taking part in floor at Brisbane’s model new Springfield base, with the ten,000-capacity Brighton Homes Arena been cleared by AFLW officers to host the grand last. The choice ended weeks of conjecture, with the Gabba and Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium each unavailable for the season decider. The grand last would be the first aggressive match on the venue.
TRIBUNAL WATCH: There have been no main incidents for the match evaluation officer to have a look at.
WHAT’S NEXT: Brisbane host Melbourne in a becoming grand last match-up between the 2 heavyweight sides that completed a sport away from all challengers on the prime of the ladder. The Lions are right into a fourth grand last and can be aiming for his or her second premiership, having beforehand saluted in 2021. The Demons have by no means gained an AFLW flag regardless of constantly hovering close to the highest of the ladder.
