Daisy Pearce and Melbourne have won their first AFLW premiership with a nail-biting triumph over Brisbane.
The Demons came so close in season six earlier this year before falling to Adelaide in the Grand Final, but in their second appearance of 2022, Pearce’s side held strong late to run out four-point winners.
WE DID IT. 🏆#DemonSpirit | #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/bDksdE1Hwx
— Melbourne AFLW (@MelbourneAFLW) November 27, 2022
The 2.7 (19) – 2.3 (15) upset win came after a slow start for Melbourne.
The Dees conceded the first two goals of the game, but in an enthralling contest always looked on level terms with the Lions.
After finding themselves 11 points down at quarter time, Melbourne would do the majority of the scoring and took the lead in the third term through Tayla Harris.
Tayla Harris has put the Dees in front! 😈#ColesGoals | #AFLW | #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/zwq6Msey5U
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) November 27, 2022
There were several moments in the last term, but Melbourne consistently found ways to stand up in the dying minutes and clung on for a famous win.
“I’m just so proud of our group,” an emotional Pearce told Channel Seven.
“With all the different games we’ve played this year ... we’ve found a way,”
Brisbane men’s captain Dayne Zorko, in commentary for SEN, described the see-sawing battle as one of the best he’d seen in AFLW.
THE MOMENT 😍#AFLW | #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/rfEEEa1SKj
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) November 27, 2022
“Unbelievable scenes at Brighton Homes Arena,” Zorko said after the final siren.
“I’ll tell you what, the scoreboard might show not many goals were kicked, but that was one of the most entertaining games of AFLW I have seen in a very long time.
“Stunning. Unreal.”
Eliza West played a remarkable second half in the contest to be one of Melbourne’s best and finish with 19 touches, while Shannon Campbell dominated for the Lions with 17 kicks.
Campbell claimed best-on-ground honours for her performance, which also included 19 disposals and eight marks.
More to come.