AFLW semi-finals wrap: Only positives for Tigers and Pies despite defeat, Roos and Crows deserved preliminary finalists

The AFLW season is down to four teams vying for premiership glory after the semi-finals were run and won.

North Melbourne continued their rise from eighth before the finals started, getting revenge on Richmond after their thrilling draw in the last home-and-away round; while Adelaide edged Collingwood in a low-scoring scrap to book a date with flag favourites Brisbane.

Here is how all four teams performed in the third-last weekend of the season.

Richmond

The Tigers were lulled into a false sense of security this finals series by being placed into the top four.

Despite their disappointing loss to the Kangas, I think they can still be proud of what they accomplished this season, and they will hopefully use it to build an even more successful team next season.

Monique Conti had a very enjoyable game, to watch kicking a goal and having 21 disposals. Courtney Wakefield kicked a goal in her last ever AFLW game, which was a very bitter-sweet moment for an icon of women’s football.

Better luck next season, Richmond.

North Melbourne

The Kangaroos put on a show against the Tigers and proved that they deserved to be one of the top four sides in the AFLW competition this season.

I’ve spoken about strength of schedule before, but North Melbourne had arguably the toughest fixture all season, having to play against all eight of the other top nine teams.

Against the Tigers, the Kangas were prepared, came in with a game plan, and executed it to perfection.

Onto the Demons next weekend – if the Kangas are going to win that, they are going to need to take their game to an even higher level.

Adelaide

The Crows came out firing again this week and beat their own record for the fastest goal in AFLW history in their semi final win over Collingwood.

CLICK HERE for a seven-day free trial to watch the AFL on Kayo Sports.

But if they are going to beat the Lions in the preliminary next week, they are going to have to continue this trend of scoring goals early and really put the pressure on the Lions.

Anne Hatchard had a magnificent game, kicking a goal and laying six tackles, while ruck Caitlin Gould had a fantastic seven clearances and 28 hitouts, which really set her team up for victory in the middle.

Anne Hatchard of the Crows celebrates a goal. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Collingwood

The Pies never really stood a chance against the Crows, and the only reason they were able to stay close in this game is because of the poor weather and the circumstances it created.

Collingwood, throughout the entire season and again against the Crows, have had way too many missed shots and squandered opportunities in front of goal.

I’m honestly excited to see what the Pies do with this squad in the off-season, because they feel like a football club that can only really improve on what they already have. They need some more team cohesion and some better coaching and they could be a real threat come season eight.

Better luck next season Collingwood.