IT is time. Time for the 2023 AFLW finals to begin, and it does not get much bigger than this with a qualifying final between two of the early pacesetters of the competition’s history.

Today at 3:05pm
Norwood Oval

How They Got Here

Adelaide finished the season top of the table after an almost perfect season, and earned not only the double chance, but also home ground advantage in the first week of the finals.

Brisbane had to fight for its double chance, but finished fourth off the back of an impressive performance against Melbourne last week.

History

As two inaugural teams of the competition, there is plenty of history between these two sides.

These two have played eight times across eight seasons, with Brisbane having won five times and Adelaide three. This includes a meeting earlier this season which the Lions won.

Key Stat Areas

Adelaide is more of a handballing side than a kicking one, while Brisbane is the opposite.

They say it all starts in the middle, and while Adelaide has done significantly better in the hitouts than Brisbane this season, the Lions have been doing slightly better in the clearances. Within that though, Brisbane is significantly better at centre clearances than stoppage clearances, while Adelaide is the opposite.

Key Match Up/s

Niamh Kelly vs Orla O’Dwyer

The battle of the two Irish wingers, a lot of attacking pace and flare for their respective sides comes from these two, so they are both crucial cogs in the success of their sides. Kelly in particular is in a rich vein of form this season, so O’Dwyer will have an extra important role keeping her quiet.

Sarah Allan vs Dakota Davidson

Davidson’s danger factor in attack is much talked about and Davidson continues to show it. Luckily for the Crows they have an extra weapon this time tackling the Lions in the form of Allan, who did not play last time these two sides play and will provide a huge asset in intercept and rebound work.

Chelsea Biddell vs Courtney Hodder

Hodder is another one who is super dangerous in Brisbane’s forward line. Adelaide do not necessarily have an obvious match up for her speed and agility, but Biddell may be the one that ends up on her based on her smarts.