Melbourne has clung on for a thrilling victory against Brisbane on Saturday afternoon to send them through to their maiden AFLW Grand Final.
The triumph came in a history-making contest, Saturday’s Preliminary Final marking the first AFLW game ever played on the MCG.
Alyssa Bannan was the key for the Demons, booting three goals as she ran rampant through the forward line in the 33-29 win.
Melbourne is through to the NAB AFLW Grand Final!
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) April 2, 2022
FT: @MelbourneAFLW 5.3 (33) defeat @lionsaflw 4.5 (29).#AFLW | #AFLWDeesLions pic.twitter.com/qtdQ21OA5o
However, it wasn’t without plenty of nerves for fans of the home team. Brisbane defender Shannon Campbell cut the margin to just 10 points late in the fourth term, Greta Bodey adding another just seconds later.
There was plenty of drama as Brisbane conceded a free kick out of the centre clearance to hand Melbourne the footy, and while the Lions forced it forward, it was too little too late as elation shone out on the faces of the Demons.
Abbey chats to Daisy after the siren 🔥#AFLWDeesLions | @abbeycholmes pic.twitter.com/FIsBRSmkAl
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 2, 2022
Daisy Pearce’s side lost their Preliminary Final last year, while their 2020 Prelim was cancelled, meaning Saturday’s performance will no doubt come as redemption.
They’ll now play either Adelaide or Fremantle in next week's Grand Final, with that clash being completed later on Saturday afternoon.