NARRM AT HOME by Meggs

September 15, 20223 yr

For the fourth consecutive week, and the second week as the mighty Narrm, we take on a Top 8 team. Could this match be a preview of the Season 7 Grand Final?

Our opponents this week, Brisbane, stand undefeated atop the AFLW ladder after slaying the struggling Freo, and the unrated Giants and Gold Coast. After amassing 225 points for and only 56 against, for a percentage of 401.8%, the pundits are claiming the Lions have the best attack the competition has ever seen.

Brisbane's multifaceted forward line contains, marking talls in Farquharson, Wardlaw and Davidson, smaller pressure forwards in Bodey and Hodder and plenty of midfielders who can hit the scoreboard.

By comparison Narrm’s attack has yielded a ‘meagre’ 116 points and 70 against (165.7%), ranking us sixth. But we have weapons too in Bannan, Hore, D Pearce and Zanker and goal scoring mids. Unhelpfully, this week’s line up will be without star Tayla Harris and Jordan Ivey due to 1-week suspensions. The physicality and marking strength of Tayla will be hard to replace but expect Coach Mick Stinear to have a match day game plan to compensate for her loss.

An epic midfield battle awaits as the Lions have a strong group led by last year’s competition best and fairest Emily Bates, Cathy Svarc, Sophie Conway, Orla O’Dwyer and Ally Anderson.

Narrm’s core group of Tyla Hanks, Liv Purcell, Eliza West and Lily Mithen match up well and with other key players rotating such as Eden Zanker and Kate Hore, Narrm will give them a contest.

Brisbane’s defence is strong, led by their captain Koenen, young gun Grider, ex Tiger Phoebe Monahan and Lulu Pullar but has not been truly tested so far in Season 7.

The performance of the Narrm defence led by Libby Birch will be critical to the outcome. Hopefully Maddi Gay can return to the line-up after recovering from a calf injury. Fingers crossed Goldie is not too far away either.

Casey Fields is a tough assignment for all teams and Brisbane have narrowly lost the last two encounters there in rough weather conditions and howling winds.

Coach Craig Starcevich wanted the match moved to a protected stadium like Marvel. He said “if you're going to have two of the better teams in the comp playing, I think in a venue and on a deck that suits the occasion probably is logical sense”. It’s only the 4-points that matter Craig.

The Narrm defensive team will have its work cut out on Sunday and it will require a full team effort to secure the win.

Our recent battles have been Demon victories by 2, 3 and 4 points. Expect another entertaining, close match and here’s hoping the Casey weather does not spoil the spectacle.

Melbourne by 5 points

THE GAME

Melbourne v Brisbane at Casey Fields, on Sunday 18 September 2022 at 4:10pm (Melbourne time)

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Narrm 5 wins Brisbane 1 win

At Casey Fields Narrm 2 wins Brisbane 1 win

The Coaches Stinear 5 wins Starcevich 1 win

MEDIA

TV - live on 7 and Kayo. Check your local guides.

Radio - check your local guides.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Melbourne 5.3 (33) defeated Brisbane 4.5 (29) at the MCG, 2 April 2022

The Season 6 Preliminary Final was played at the MCG, the Demon’s other home of footy.

Alyssa Bannan was the star of the show, booting three goals in a match-winning turn, which helped Melbourne defeat the reigning premier and book its maiden grand final spot.

Three impressive third quarter goals set up the win. A beauty from Bannan on the run, an Eliza McNamara miracle dribbler and a Lauren Pearce goal from a ruck stoppage, Tom Hawkins style.

Brisbane came back in the last quarter as you would expect but the Dees hung on for the win.

Melbourne’s best included Paxman, L Pearce, Bannan and Mithen, while Heath did well on the dangerous Hodder and McNamara battled hard against Conway.

THE TEAM