Melbourne vs Adelaide AFLW Finals LIVE: A Thrilling Showdown
The Melbourne Demons made a triumphant return to the AFLW finals, securing their first victory in three years with a thrilling 11-point win over the Adelaide Crows on Saturday afternoon. The match was a testament to the team's resilience and determination, as they overcame a fierce and physical contest, showcasing their depth and talent.
Melbourne's captain, Kate Hore, was the standout performer, scoring three goals and leading the team with her unwavering confidence. Before the game, Hore famously declared, 'There's no way we are losing this,' and her performance certainly justified her bold statement.
The match was a rollercoaster, with the momentum shifting between the teams. Melbourne's coach, Mick Stinear, who was coaching his 100th AFLW game, was overcome with emotion after the final whistle, hugging his players and praising their efforts. He highlighted Hore's exceptional performance, describing it as 'really special.'
Stinear attributed the team's success to their ability to 'dig deep' and play as a cohesive unit, even when facing a half-time deficit. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, 'If we’re going to be successful in a prelim, then we needed that half of footy not just to win the game, but to actually play as a team and function as a team.'
The weather played a crucial role, with the sun shining down on the fans after a week of rain and wind. Despite the absence of key forward Eden Zanker due to concussion protocols, Melbourne's midfielders stepped up, with Megan Fitzsimon and Hore scoring early goals.
Adelaide's Anne Hatchard had a chance to level the score, but her attempt hit the woodwork, resulting in a behind. Caitlin Gould quickly responded for Adelaide, but Mahony's goal on the siren kept Melbourne ahead at halftime.
The Crows made a strong comeback in the second quarter, taking the lead with a surge in momentum, aided by some controversial calls from the umpires. Zoe Prowse's second goal of the season, after a 50-metre penalty for a light push, sparked controversy, leading to boos from the crowd.
Danielle Ponter's goal just before halftime kept Adelaide ahead, but Melbourne's resilience paid off in the third quarter. Hore's brilliant dribble goal, after a hard run along the boundary line, helped the Demons take the lead, and her cheeky smile as she celebrated with fans was a sight to behold.
Hore continued her dominance in the final quarter, ducking a tackle and snapping her third goal, followed by a goal from 22-year-old ruck Georgia Campbell. The match reached its climax with about 30 seconds to go, as Crows superstar Chelsea Randall surged forward. Melbourne's Tahlia Gillard made a defensive tackle that sealed the win, chasing Randall all the way to the 45-meter mark before bringing her down.
Demons AFL skipper Max Gawn was in awe, posting on X, 'Tahlia Gillard. Omg.' The Crows, despite their efforts, couldn't match Melbourne's intensity and teamwork, leading to the departure of Adelaide coach Matthew Clark, who announced his retirement after eight seasons with the club.
Melbourne's journey to the preliminary final continues next week, where they will face the reigning premiers, North Melbourne, in a highly anticipated showdown. Coach Stinear expressed confidence in his team's preparation, stating, 'We feel like we’re in a really good spot, and we’ve been building towards this.' He added, 'If you want to be the best, you’ve got to take it away from the best.'
The Demons are ready to challenge the undefeated Roos, and the stage is set for an epic confrontation.
