The Brisbane Lions have stormed into their third straight AFLW grand final, as Lions vs Crows delivered another triumph for the maroon, blue and gold with Brisbane overwhelming Adelaide by 18 points at Brighton Homes Arena.
The 7.8 (50) to 4.8 (32) triumph sets up a blockbuster rematch with undefeated North Melbourne at Ikon Park on Saturday, 30 November.
Read: Springfield E-Scooter Trial Wraps Up
A rematch on the cards
The defending champions will face their biggest test yet against North Melbourne, who demonstrated their premiership credentials with a dominant preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide. The clash presents Brisbane with an opportunity to defend their crown against the season’s only undefeated team, in a replay of their memorable 2023 grand final triumph.
Lions vs Crows
Brisbane’s midfield dominance was led by Orla O’Dwyer and Ally Anderson (24 disposals each), while Dakota Davidson proved dangerous up forward with 2.3 from 14 possessions. Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff (30 disposals), Anne Hatchard (25), and Chelsea Randall (18 disposals, two goals) fought hard in defeat.
Dakota Davidson’s influence proved pivotal in shifting momentum during the second quarter. The dynamic forward’s strong contested marking and unconventional falcon assist to set up Courtney Hodder’s goal sparked Brisbane’s revival when they needed it most.
After trailing at half-time, the Lions unleashed a devastating four-goal assault in the third quarter that transformed the contest. Brisbane’s increased tempo and precise ball movement proved too much for Adelaide in humid conditions, with Cathy Svarc emerging as the catalyst. Svarc doubled her disposal count and contributed directly to two crucial goals that broke the game open.
On the brink of history—again
The victory marks Brisbane’s sixth consecutive win over Adelaide and continues their remarkable run of reaching six AFLW grand finals in nine seasons since the AFL Women’s inception—missing the finals series just once in that span. Another grand final victory would secure their third premiership, matching Adelaide’s record and cementing their legacy as the AFLW’s most successful club.
Read: Christmas Beetle Swarms Surprise Residents in Springfield and Camira
As they prepare for next week’s decider, the Lions’ ability to overcome early adversity and finish strongly, alongside their winning legacy, positions them as worthy challengers to North Melbourne’s perfect season.
Published 25-November-2024
