Tag: Aussie rules football

Lions vs Crows: Brisbane’s Masterful Second-Half Display Books AFLW Grand Final Spot

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.

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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.

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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

Lions vs Hawks: Brisbane’s Fifth-Straight AFLW Prelim Secured in Tight Contest Against Hawthorn

The Brisbane Lions vs Hawks qualifying final lived up to its billing, with the reigning premiers surviving a fierce challenge to claim a six-point victory away at Ikon Park.

Brisbane’s 6.2 (38) to 4.8 (32) triumph books their fifth-straight preliminary final appearance and secures crucial home ground advantage after a week’s rest.

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Lions vs Hawks, a tale of two halves

Following a challenging week marked by crowd incidents in round 10, Dakota Davidson made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with an impressive display of athleticism. The Lions’ all-time leading goalkicker gathered a ground ball and converted truly, setting the tone for her standout performance.

The Hawks controlled the early stages, building an 11-point advantage in the second quarter. However, their inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly, converting just two majors from seven scoring opportunities.

Brisbane’s trademark attacking flair ignited after halftime, with Ruby Svarc sparking the comeback. Her dynamic play created crucial scoring opportunities, leading to back-to-back goals from Cathy Svarc and Taylor Smith that shifted momentum in Brisbane’s favour. Davidson’s second goal in the final term, celebrated with a defiant hair ruffle, built a crucial 12-point buffer.

Brisbane’s defensive unit stood tall after a slow offensive start, with Bre Koenen, Nat Grider, and Jennifer Dunne proving impenetrable. Ally Anderson grew into the game despite close attention from Mattea Breed, while Orla O’Dwyer’s 17 disposals provided important drive.

Key moment under review

After the Lions vs Hawks match, Brisbane faces an anxious wait regarding midfielder Belle Dawes’s availability for the preliminary final after a second-quarter incident involving Hawk Ainslie Kemp.

Dawes, charging at full pace, attempted to pull out of a tackle but collected Kemp high. While Kemp passed her concussion assessment and returned to play, the incident’s impact on Brisbane’s finals campaign remains uncertain.

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The victory grants Brisbane a week’s rest before hosting either Adelaide or Fremantle at the Brighton Homes Arena. The Lions’ championship defence continues to gather momentum, with their ability to overcome adversity reinforcing their premiership credentials as they pursue a spot in their third consecutive grand final.

Published 10-November-2024

On the Prowl: Brisbane Lions Women Hold Second Place at Mid-Season

Photo Credit: Brisbane Lions AFLW/Instagram

The Brisbane Lions Women have bounced back impressively after a season-opening loss to North Melbourne. With five victories on the trot, including a nail-biting win against the previously undefeated Adelaide Crows, the defending champions have firmly established themselves as AFLW contenders once more.

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Lions vs Crows

In a thrilling match at Brighton Homes Arena, star forward Taylor Smith secured a crucial win for Brisbane with a last-minute goal. The Lions’ tight 5.5 (35) to 5.3 (33) triumph over Adelaide showcased the defending premiers’ ability to perform under pressure.

Smith’s accurate 25m set shot with just 100 seconds left secured the win, cementing her status as the AFLW’s most lethal goal-kicker this season.

The victory against Adelaide propels Brisbane to second place on the ladder, boasting a 5-1 record. Only the unbeaten North Melbourne (5-0-1) stands above them. With the season halfway through, the Lions are primed for another finals run.

The recent win came at a cost, with Orla O’Dwyer suffering a dislocated left shoulder. O’Dwyer is expected to be out for two to three weeks, and Brisbane’s depth will be tested as they navigate this injury setback.

What’s next for the Lions Women?

Fortunately, the Lions face a favourable schedule ahead with five games remaining in the season. Four of their upcoming opponents currently sit outside the finals series spots, presenting an opportunity to solidify their position.

In a short season, every match counts—one loss could mean a tumble down the ladder. The team must remain sharp, especially for their upcoming away clash against 13th-placed Carlton this Saturday, 5 October at 7:15 p.m.

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The Lions’ dominance mirrors the club’s overall positive trajectory, following the men’s team’s premiership victory. This dual success has energised the Lions faithful, fostering a palpable sense of optimism around the club.

As the AFLW season enters its second half, the Brisbane Lions women’s team appears poised for a strong finish. Their combination of skilled goal-kicking, midfield dominance, and clutch performances positions them strongly for another shot at glory.

Published 03-October-2024

Lions vs Bulldogs: Brisbane Host Footscray in Mid-Week Clash

The Brisbane Lions are gearing up for a crucial mid-week match against the Western Bulldogs this Wednesday, 18 September. Lions vs Bulldogs kick off 7:15 p.m. at the Brighton Homes Arena.

Coming off a dominant 52-point victory over Collingwood, the Lions are looking to maintain their momentum and secure their third consecutive win.

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Building on recent success

The Lions’ recent form has been impressive, with last week’s comprehensive 52-point victory over Collingwood showcasing the team’s highest capabilities.

Standout performances from Sophie Conway, Belle Dawes, and Taylor Smith contributed to the weekend trouncing and will be crucial in the mid-week match against the Bulldogs.

Lions vs Bulldogs

In an exciting development, the Lions have confirmed that Evie Long will make her AFLW debut against Footscray. Long, a product of the Lions Academy, becomes the second draftee to debut for the club this season, following Sophie Peters.

As the Lions enter a demanding period of three games in ten days, including a trip to Perth to face the West Coast Eagles, the coaching staff has made the decision to manage Shannon Campbell’s workload.

This strategic move highlights the team’s focus on long-term performance during this condensed fixture, reflecting their faith in the squad’s depth to compensate for any short-term setbacks.

Head coach Craig Starcevich and his team will be aiming to replicate the flair and joy that characterised their 2023 premiership-winning season. With a current record of two wins and one loss, the Lions have an opportunity to solidify their position in the league with another strong performance.

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As Brisbane prepares to face the Western Bulldogs, fans can expect an exciting contest that will test the defending premier’s ability to maintain their winning ways in the face of a challenging schedule.

Published 17-September-2024

Lions vs Magpies: Brisbane Look to Reclaim Dominance Against Collingwood in AFLW Clash

Reigning AFLW premiers, the Brisbane Lions, will take on the all-too-familiar Collingwood Magpies this Friday, 13 September. Both teams are eager to assert dominance early in the season, with the Lions aiming to maintain their strong record against the Magpies. Lions vs Magpies kick off 5:05 p.m. at the Brighton Homes Arena.

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Lions vs Magpies

Brisbane holds a 6-4 advantage in their head-to-head record against Collingwood, having won five of their last six encounters. The Lions’ recent dominance over the Magpies began with a narrow 3-point victory at Whitten Oval in 2021, a pivotal moment in their premiership-winning campaign.

This match marks the tenth time Brisbane has hosted Collingwood, a league record for home games against a single opponent. Curiously, these ten matches have been played across eight different grounds in six cities, reflecting the Lions’ nomadic existence in recent seasons.

Brighton Homes Arena is the only venue where Brisbane has yet to defeat Collingwood, adding extra motivation for the Lions to secure their first victory on this revamped home turf.

As Brisbane prepares to face Collingwood, their defensive pressure and ability to force turnovers will be key to securing a win. If the Lions can maintain their intensity in the forward half, they stand a strong chance of limiting Collingwood’s scoring opportunities.

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The Lions look to capitalise on their home ground advantage and build on last week’s success in this clash against Collingwood, another exciting chapter in their growing rivalry.

Published 12-September-2024