ADELAIDE has won its third AFL Women’s flag in six seasons, defeating Melbourne by 13 points at Adelaide Oval today. Star midfielder Anne Hatchard capped off a superb season with a best on ground performance in the 4.5 (29) to 2.4 (16) win. Hatchard picked up 26 disposals, nine marks, six tackles and five clearances in the win, as the Crows dominated the first half, then held off a determined Demons outfit to win the last premiership before the remaining four teams entered the competition.

TALKING POINTS

Crows fast start sets them up

The first goal on the board was always going to be important, and it went the way of the Crows with ruck inclusion Jasmyn Hewett marking and slotting a goal on the goal line. Though the Crows were wayward – kicking five behind – they settled with a major through Erin Phillips and lead by 17 points. The game was looking eerily similar to the last time these sides met back in Round 4 with Melbourne held goalless for three quarters, but luckily the Demons got on the board late in the first half through young gun Alyssa Bannan.

Demons fail to convert disposal numbers into goals

Despite having six more disposals, nine more marks, six more clearances and only two less inside 50s, Melbourne could not quite turn their ball-winning ability into goals, only kicking the two for the match, as the Crows defence was up to the task. Melbourne actually had 41 per cent of the possession too, but never took the lead in the match.

Hatchard rises to the occasion

After a sensational year, and another All-Australian gong, it was fitting that midfield dynamo Hatchard stood up on the biggest stage and won the AFLW Best on Ground Medal. Not only did she record a game-high 26 disposals and nine marks, she also had six tackles, five clearances, two inside 50s and critically, 600m gained and four score involvements from 100 per cent game time. She shared the big occasion with usual big-game players Ebony Marinoff, Phillips and Chelsea Randall.

Ponter seals the match with ripper

Just when it looked like Melbourne might catch the Crows with a strong second half – getting to within seven points – it took Northern Territory talent Danielle Ponter to steal the show – and the win – with a remarkable goal. The major came in the 10th minute of the last quarter and just put the result beyond doubt. She outmarked defender Gabby Colvin, saw her opponent had lost her footing and took off. With the help of a teammate’s block Ponter slotted one on the run and gave the Crows an unassailable lead.

ADELAIDE 1.1 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 (29)
MELBOURNE 0.0 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 2.4 (16)

GOALS:

Adelaide: D. Ponter 2, J. Hewett, E. Phillips
Melbourne: A. Bannan, K. Hore

BEST ON GROUND MEDAL:

14 – Anne Hatchard, Adelaide Crows – 33332
6 – Ebony Marinoff, Adelaide Crows – 222
5 – Danielle Ponter, Adelaide Crows – 311
2 – Sinead Goldrick, Melbourne – 2
1 – Gabrielle Colvin, Melbourne – 1
1 – Karen Paxman, Melbourne – 1
1 – Chelsea Randall, Adelaide Crows – 1