It all comes down to this.
Just two teams remain in contention for the AFLW premiership for 2022 season 7, after Brisbane and Melbourne comfortably won their preliminary finals.
Who shone through, and who from Adelaide and North Melbourne has a summer of soul-searching ahead?
Brisbane
The Lions have done it, they are through to yet another grand final and I cannot wait to watch them take on the Demons next weekend.
This has been my tip for the grand final showdown since about Round 3, and I am so excited we finally get to see it come about.
Keep your eyes peeled for Jesse Wardlaw, Ruby and Cathy Svarc, Greta Bodey, Taylor Smith and many, many more fantastic players. This grand final is one you will not want to miss.
Adelaide
The Crows fought valiantly all year. They had so many amazing moments and enjoyable games and I am honestly surprised and happy that they made it all the way back to the preliminary finals.
They held Brisbane to just a handful of goals in both the first and last quarters but they were unsuccessful in stopping their domination in the quarters they usually dominate.
Danielle Ponter was again a delight to watch and it was so good to have Chelsea Randall back playing. I cannot wait to see what pieces the Crows add in the off-season to make them every stronger next season and I would probably have them as my 2023 favourites as of right now.
Melbourne
The Demons have done it: they are through to yet another grand final and I cannot wait to watch them take on the Lions next weekend.
Keep your eyes peeled for Alyssa Bannan, Kate Hore, Daisy Pearce, Tayla Harris, Karen Paxman and many many more fantastic players.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 19: Daisy Pearce of the Demons celebrates a goal with teammates during the 2022 S7 AFLW Second Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Ikon Park on November 19, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
North Melbourne
The Kangas really gave it everything they had against the Demons but just looked absolutely gassed after backing up such a difficult season six with an even more difficult season seven.
It will be lost to history just how difficult the Kangas’ season seven was, but it was equally impressive how they fought through to make it to the preliminary finals. I know I will always be comparing their schedule with every other difficult schedule in the future as a yardstick.
In this game against the Demons, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Emma King, who became one of my favourites over the past couple of weeks as well as watching Jasmine Garner one last time before she picks up her first AFLW best and fairest next Tuesday at the W Awards.
Best of luck next year North, I hope you don’t have to run the gauntlet again.
thejoshuabarry
Roar Rookie
I personally just think the Crows will be hungry to reclaim their top position on the ladder and will work incredibly hard in the offseason to draw big name free agent players to their club... I think teams like Freo, Gold Coast and Carlton might bleed some talented players seeking a Premiership... just a thought.
Ian_
Roar Rookie
I'm curious where you think the improvement in the Crows will come to rank them as favourites for next season. I think the Lions and Demons are a class (or more) above the rest of the competition and don't see them dropping back (barring injuries) next year.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Yup. She's a total champ but you lost me at Geelong :silly:
Wayne Kerr
Guest
Daisy has been a champion of the game. She will be an asset at Geelong next year.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Would love to see the fairytale of Daisy saluting in her final game but the Lions look too strong.
Wayne Kerr
Guest
Brisbane will smash Melbourne. As much as the AFL wants Melbourne to win, they won’t.