THE 2018 AFLW grand final places have been decided in thrilling fashion after an exciting end to the regular season. Brisbane will get a chance at redemption after a big win against fellow finals hopefuls GWS on Friday night. Joining them will be the season’s hot favourites in the Western Bulldogs, who were able to prevail against the second-seeded Demons. Around the grounds, Fremantle handed Carlton the wooden spoon after a win at home, and Collingwood crushed Adelaide’s chances of going back-to-back.

Greater Western Sydney vs Brisbane

In a do-or-die match for both teams, the Brisbane Lions gave themselves every possible chance of finals redemption in a huge victory on the road. After the Giants got out to an early seven-point lead, the Lions went on to kick the next seven goals, including six in the first term. This lead Brisbane to producing the highest score in its short history, and a huge 40-point win that would put them ahead of Melbourne in percentage. All external factors ended up falling into place, with a loss to the Demons and a Collingwood victory over Adelaide on Sunday enabling them to snare the snare the second grand final spot. The Lions forwards dominated the GWS defenders with an incredible 71 per cent conversion rate in comparison to the Giants’ mere 33 per cent. The goal-kickers put on a clinic and Sabrina Frederick-Traub (18 disposals, four goals) and Jess Wuetschner (11 disposals, three goals) were unstoppable. Ally Anderson (25 disposals) and Emily Bates (21 disposals) were the standout ball-getters of the match for Brisbane while for the Giants, it was Alicia Eva (18 disposals, six tackles) who got a lot of the footy. 

Fremantle vs Carlton

Despite both teams being out of contention for finals positions, there was still pride on the line on Saturday. It was a heated affair between the bottom sides and with a tackle count of 113 (65-48), physicality was on full display. The Blues dominated in the hit-outs (41- 12), including 32 of those by Breann Moody. However, they were unable to capitalise when it came to conversion with 12 points and a conversion rate of just 33 per cent, so consequently, they were left to regret missed opportunities. On the other hand, Fremantle was able to take advantage of the Blues’ mistakes. With 23 rebound 50s to 12, the Dockers were able to set up their attack from the half-back line. Dana Hooker starred with an equal round high in touches (25 disposals), and she was complemented by captain Kara Donnellan (15 disposals, nine tackles), Ebony Antonio (15 disposals, 10 tackles) and Lisa Webb (16 disposals) with all four kicking a goal each. Despite a great performance on the weekend,  former Brisbane goal-kicker Tayla Harris (15 disposals, two goals) will have to watch this year’s grand final from the stands.

Western Bulldogs vs Melbourne

The battle of the powerhouses saw the Bulldogs and the Demons fight it out for the number one position, and a guaranteed finals birth. The Demons looked hot from the get-go as they controlled the ball for the majority of the opening term. Unfortunately, their inability to convert on the scoreboard resulted in just one goal to show for their 11-2 inside 50 advantage. As the game went on, the Dogs got on top of them in that department, ending up leading the inside 50 count 33-19. The Bulldogs were able to bring themselves back into the game with three straight goals in the second term, but then the Demons dominated the third term, taking the lead once again. However, is was a clutch goal inside the last two minutes by leading league goal-kicker Brooke Lochland that sealed the game for the Dogs, and their first ever grand final appearance. It was a tight contest and the numbers were not any different with similar stats in all categories. However, the conversion rate of 63 per cent to 36 per cent in favour of the Dogs ended up being the key to a win and a chance to play in the grand final. Emma Kearney (20 disposals and a goal) and Jenna Bruton (18 disposals, 10 tackles) lead the way for the Western Bulldogs, producing the goods all night. The Demons were able to keep themselves in the game thanks to wonderful performances from star midfielders Karen Paxman (22 disposals and a goal) and Daisy Pearce (17 disposals).

Collingwood vs Adelaide

In a game where Adelaide had everything on the line, it was Collingwood that came away with a huge victory, showing plenty of positive signs for the 2019 season. The Magpies dominated in almost all stats and looked much cleaner in front of goal with a 62 per cent conversion rate, compared to Adelaide’s 33 per cent. Early on, Adelaide looked hungry for a chance to go back-to-back, kicking 4.6 in the first half. But after half time, the Crows never really came out to play, as they were unable to kick a goal in the second half and were scoreless in the final term. Jaimee Lambert (19 disposals, seven tackles), Jess Duffin (18 disposals, five tackles) and Jasmine Garner (16 disposals, three goals) were the standout players for the Pies, while Erin Phillips (17 disposals) and Ebony Marinoff (17 disposals, eight tackles) were the best for the Crows.