Everything you need to know about Sunday's AFLW Grand Final
The AFLW grand final will end Season 7 the same way it intended to start - with firsts. The grand final will be played for the first time in Springfield at Brighton Homes Arena after a scramble by the AFL to find a venue. AFLW grand finals are traditionally played at the home ground of the minor premiers, meaning a final game in Brisbane was all but sure. However, the Brisbane Lions’ home venue The Gabba and alternative Metricon - home of the Gold Coast Suns - were unavailable due to prior commitments.
Regardless of venue, the match this Sunday is expected to be a blockbuster. Tickets sold out within hours on Monday, with flights to Queensland doubling in prices. Cut throat quality football is expected to be on display for four quarters by the league’s strongest sides. The Lions finished top of the ladder in the home and away season but only by percentage - Melbourne sat second just by 0.3 per cent. Melbourne were tipped to be flag favourites at the start of the season however, Brisbane quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Melbourne lost their clash against Brisbane this season with the Lions only losing once to Richmond - a side they quickly silenced in their second meeting.
Brisbane have a star-studded line up, boasting the season’s best and fairest Ally Anderson and leading goal-kicker Jesse Wardlaw, alongside former BnF Emily Bates. However, there are no doubts that Melbourne should be able to hold their own against them. The Demons have been able to play and deliver under pressure with All-Australians Kate Hore and Olivia Purcell proving clinical on the field. Tayla Harris is also confirmed to play despite a shoulder injury scare from last week’s game against North Melbourne. The Dees will be looking to win their first flag and are desperate to get the premiership before skipper Daisy Pearce hangs the boots. Brisbane will be looking to set their football dynasty apart from three time premiership winners Adelaide Crows.
Brisbane v Melbourne
Location: Brighton Homes Arena, Sunday,
Date/time: November 27, 1.40pm AEST / 2.40pm AEDT
Last meeting: Round four - Brisbane 6.6 (42) bt Melbourne 4.3 (27) at Casey Fields
Last finals meeting: Preliminary final, Season 6 - Melbourne 5.3 (33) bt Brisbane 4.5 (29) at the MCG
Premierships: Brisbane 1 (2021), Melbourne 0
How to watch: The game will be live streamed on womens.afl and the AFLW official app. The game will also be broadcasted on the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports.
Written by Joanna Guelas
Jo is a journalist and writer from Melbourne/Narrm. She is currently in her third-year of her BA (Media Comms/Politics) at the University of Melbourne and is a cadet at the Australian Associated Press. In her spare time, she plays local footy. She can also be spotted behind the camera at local footy matches.