THE AFLW grand final lived up to expectations, with a close encounter deciding who was to be crowned the 2018 AFLW Premiers. The Western Bulldogs prevailed in the wet, but Brisbane matched it up to them all game, going down by just six points. Former Calder Cannon, Monique Conti was the star of the day, winning Player of the Match. 

Western Bulldogs vs. Brisbane

#1: Monique Conti- Western Bulldogs

Capped off a spectacular debut season by being named best on ground. Stepped up when the Bulldogs needed it most, was fantastic in the second half. Clean with the footy all game and was able to find plenty of it. Had 13 possessions and kicked a goal which extended the Bulldogs’ lead heading into the final term.

#2: Ellie Blackburn- Western Bulldogs

The stand-in captain for the day. Got plenty of the ball early to set the tone for her team and continued her great play throughout the game. Ended with 17 possessions and was extremely clean and efficient with the footy, given the wet weather.

#3: Emma Kearney- Western Bulldogs

Even with the heavy attention she received from the Lions midfielders, still managed to play a great game. Recorded 15 possessions with a goal and was not afraid to match the physicality thrown her way by the Lions.

#4: Kate Lutkins- Brisbane

Undoubtedly would have been named best on ground had Brisbane won. Was a brick wall all day, did not allow anything to get past her. Had a game-high 21 possessions and took six intercept marks in an outstanding effort.

#5: Jamie Stanton- Brisbane

Among Brisbane’s best and was an absolute ball magnet. Had 20 possessions, 17 being kicks, and did her absolute best to keep the Lions in the game.

#6: Jenna Bruton- Western Bulldogs

Continued a great run of form with another strong performance. Had 13 possessions and was able to create separation from her opponent to add two marks. Also had seven tackles.

#7: Ally Anderson- Brisbane

Got a lot of the ball in the midfield with the 16 possessions and showed great levels of physicality around the contest, adding six tackles.

#8: Emily Bates- Brisbane

Reliable as usual. Was great in a number of ways. Bates had 15 possessions, created space from her opponent to register three marks, and set the tone for her team with five tackles.

#9: Kirsty Lamb- Western Bulldogs

Very nice all-round game. Moved well through the middle of the ground with 12 possessions and the contested game style led to her laying eight tackles.

#10: Jess Wuetschner- Brisbane

Struggled to get into the game early but was fantastic in the second half. Her two goals kept Brisbane in the game. 

#11: Angelica Gogos- Western Bulldogs

Fantastic effort down in defence. Got lots of the footy, and shut down several forward 50 entries from Brisbane thanks to her ability to read the play. Put herself in the right positions and applied wonderful pressure which saw her lay nine tackles.

#12: Brooke Lochland- Western Bulldogs

Not quite her normal impact on the scoreboard but was always dangerous and attracted plenty of attention from Brisbane defenders. Her pressure was fantastic as she laid six tackles, many of which were inside 50.

#13: Sophie Conway- Brisbane

Very nice game. Kicked the opening goal of the game and continued to look dangerous in the forward line throughout the game. Ended with 10 possessions and two tackles.

#14: Breanna Koenan- Brisbane

Had a big impact down in defence which saw a lot of the footy down their way. Pressure was key to her success and as a result she was able to stop several scoring chances for the Bulldogs.

#15: Kaitlyn Ashmore- Brisbane

Fantastic game. Impacted the match in a number of different statistical categories and put in a great effort all game. 14 possessions, three marks and four tackles.

#16: Sabrina Frederick-Traub- Brisbane

Didn’t quite have the spectacular performance she had in prior weeks but still played a solid game. Received plenty of attention when up forward which limited her impact, but looked good when moving up the ground.

#17: Kirsten McLeod- Western Bulldogs

A quiet game by the numbers with just three touches but was effective in each of them including a goal. Forward 50 pressure was relentless and was amongst the tackle leaders with six.

#18: Kim Rennie- Western Bulldogs

Alongside Aasta O’Connor, she absolutely dominated in the ruck. Had 14 hit-outs to go along with O’Connor’s 19 hit-outs and helped the Bulldogs midfield get on top.

#19: Aasta O’Connor- Western Bulldogs

Rotated with Kim Rennie in the ruck and was terrific. Her 19 hit-outs were the most of anyone in the ruck and she was instrumental in the Bulldogs getting on top in the clearances.

#20: Nat Exon- Brisbane

Was all over Emma Kearney all day, and did her best to minimise her impact but overall was beaten. A couple of undisciplined acts which led to free kicks against her at unnecessary times