Lions dethrone Dees to clinch AFLW double-chance

Brisbane have toppled AFLW heavyweights Melbourne by 25 points to clinch a double chance in the finals, denying the Demons the minor premiership in the process.

A year after Melbourne walked away with the premiership flag, the Lions avenged their upset grand final loss by besting the defending premiers 8.5 (53) to 4.4 (28) at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday.

Having been at risk of slipping from the top four after a 21-point loss to St Kilda, Brisbane have finished fourth to avoid a sudden-death elimination final and celebrate coach Craig Starcevich's 75th game in style.

"When they're disappointed after not performing at their peak, they generally respond pretty well," Starcevich said.

"There were some things they wanted to atone for, they're a good group like that.

"They actually do circle the wagons and say 'right, it's us against the world' and away we go."

Meanwhile, Melbourne have ceded the minor premiership to Adelaide and dropped to second spot.

The Lions put on a show across the park, with powerhouse duo Ally Anderson (22 disposals) and Jade Ellenger (22) going to work in the midfield while Dakota Davidson (two goals) led the charge in the forward line.

Captain Bre Koenen was superb in defence as she played on Melbourne's leader Kate Hore, collecting a game-high 12 intercept possessions and limiting the prolific goalkicker to just one goal.

Brisbane got the game on their terms early with five repeat entries into the attacking 50m in the opening 10 minutes of the game.

Davidson and Ellie Hampson drew first blood before Casey Sherriff kicked Melbourne's opening goal.

Tayla Harris, Tyla Hanks and Hore slotted a goal each in the second term to put their side ahead.

But Davidson spoiled the Demons' party with her second major, creating a two-point lead at halftime.

Crumbling under the Brisbane attack, the visitors conceded four unanswered goals from Taylor Smith, Sophie Conway (two goals) and Ruby Svarc while remaining goalless in the third term.

With both sides unable to slot another goal in the final quarter, the Lions went home with the four points.

Midfield stars Olivia Purcell (14 contested possessions) and Tyla Hanks (11) showed their mettle as they attempted to drag their side over the line, but the Demons were outclassed and sorely missing Paxy Paxman (hamstring).

Melbourne could be without Maeve Chaplin in their finals campaign, after the defender sustained a concussion in the third term.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store