Lions fall at last hurdle, Crows AFLW Premiers
The Brisbane Lions first ever AFLW loss has unfortunately come in the Grand Final against the Adelaide Crows. The game started with a bang and the crows kicking an early goal to put pressure on early. The Crows dominated possession but with the pressure on the ball immense from the Lions, they were able to hold off the early siege and kick a goal for themselves. Adelaide took a 7 point lead into the Quarter time break.
The Crows again started well in the Second and controlled the game around the middle. They were held extremely well by the Brisbane defense who restricted them to 6 behinds through good pressure and managing a goal against the flow themselves to sit 1 straight goal behind the Crows. Virgo and Bates had outstanding first halves despite their side struggling to get possession, both having 9 disposals for the half.
The Third quarter was tough and it seemed that the tag of the Premiership quarter was apt for the huge step up in intensity and skill from the first half. Both teams seemed to be over their Grand Final nerves and were hitting contests as hard as we have seen all season. Both teams looked good despite the immense pressure but the Crows managed to extend their lead kicking 2.2 to 1.2 going 12 points up at the 3 quarter time break.
The final quarter picked up were the third finished and was tough and contested. The Lions were able to finally get some clean possession and at times looked to have the better skills linking up through the centre of the ground. The Lions got within a goal and had the ball in their forward half but the siren sounded and the Crows became the first ever AFLW Premiers.
Emily Bates again lead the Lions from the front with 19 disposals (17 kicks), 3 marks and 6 tackles in an inspired Grand Final performance. Sam Virgo was again a rock across half-back, continuously cutting off the Crows forays forward and creating off the half backline with 14 disposals, 3 marks and 4 tackles. McCarthy also provided forward pressure with 4 tackles and gave the Lions good run and spread finishing with 4 disposals. Bates and Virgo both were named in Brisbane's best in the AFL match report.
The Devils in the Lions side played some outstanding footy throughout the game and the season and were extremely unlucky to miss out on the premiership this year. The girls will have gained invaluable experience from the season gone and will all be better players coming into the upcoming QWAFL season. We are all looking forward to have them back playing the the Red and Black!!
The QWAFL season begins on Saturday 1st April with an Away game against Coolangatta. The full fixture an be found here http://www.yerongafc.com.au/qwafl-2017, along with fixtures for all our other teams that can be found under the Results/Fixtures tab at the top of the page