Brisbane have pulled off one of many greatest upsets of the AFLW season, handing defending premiers Melbourne a 25-point loss to seal a top-four spot.
Brisbane have toppled AFLW heavyweights Melbourne by 25 factors to clinch a double likelihood within the finals, denying the Demons the minor premiership within the course of.
A 12 months after Melbourne walked away with the premiership flag, the Lions avenged their upset grand remaining loss by besting the defending premiers 8.5 (53) to 4.4 (28) at Brighton Houses Enviornment on Saturday.
Having been vulnerable to slipping from the highest 4 after a 21-point loss to St Kilda, Brisbane have completed fourth to keep away from a sudden-death elimination remaining and rejoice coach Craig Starcevich’s seventy fifth recreation in fashion.
“Once they’re disillusioned after not acting at their peak, they often reply fairly nicely,” Starcevich stated.
“There have been some issues they needed to atone for, they’re a very good group like that.
“They really do circle the wagons and say ‘proper, it’s us in opposition to the world’ and away we go.”
In the meantime, Melbourne have ceded the minor premiership to Adelaide and dropped to second spot.
The Lions placed on a present throughout the park, with powerhouse duo Ally Anderson (22 disposals) and Jade Ellenger (22) going to work within the midfield whereas Dakota Davidson (two targets) led the cost within the ahead line.
Captain Bre Koenen was very good in defence as she performed on Melbourne’s chief Kate Hore, amassing a game-high 12 intercept possessions and limiting the prolific goalkicker to only one objective.
Brisbane acquired the sport on their phrases early with 5 repeat entries into the attacking 50m within the opening 10 minutes of the sport.
Davidson and Ellie Hampson drew first blood earlier than Casey Sherriff kicked Melbourne’s opening objective.
Tayla Harris, Tyla Hanks and Hore slotted a objective every within the second time period to place their facet forward.
However Davidson spoiled the Demons’ celebration along with her second main, making a two-point lead at halftime.
Crumbling below the Brisbane assault, the guests conceded 4 unanswered targets from Taylor Smith, Sophie Conway (two targets) and Ruby Svarc whereas remaining goalless within the third time period.
With either side unable to fit one other objective within the remaining quarter, the Lions went house with the 4 factors.
Midfield stars Olivia Purcell (14 contested possessions) and Tyla Hanks (11) confirmed their mettle as they tried to pull their facet over the road, however the Demons have been outclassed and sorely lacking Paxy Paxman (hamstring).
Melbourne could possibly be with out Maeve Chaplin of their finals marketing campaign, after the defender sustained a concussion within the third time period.
© AAP
