A steamy Springfield evening set the stage for a blockbuster top-four clash between two AFLW heavyweights.  Brisbane, the bookies’ favourites, hosted Melbourne at a heaving Brighton Homes Arena, with 5,022 fans packing in—the biggest crowd for a Melbourne game this season.  It was the 11th meeting between these fierce rivals, with the Dees holding a narrow 6–4 edge.  

But while the Lions brought the chaos and roared loudest, the Demons aren’t done yet.

The Match

Kate Hore won the toss and kicked to the non-grandstand end, but that was about the only early win for the Dees. Brisbane came out breathing fire—their pressure at 110%, the humidity at 80%. The ball barely left their forward half in the opening term, but luckily for the Dees, the scoreboard didn’t reflect their dominance. Missed chances—including posters from O’Dwyer and Davidson—meant the quarter ended goalless.

Melbourne found its rhythm in the second quarter. With slicker ball movement and better connection, we hit the scoreboard through Harris, Hore, and a pair from Zanker. 

Suddenly, the Dees had a 14-point buffer at the main break, and the red and blue faithful dared to dream.

But Brisbane wasn’t done. The third quarter belonged to the Lions, led by the relentless Belle Dawes (24 disposals, 14 tackles) and a rampaging Sophie Conway (27 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals). Ally Anderson (29 disposals) and Orla O’Dwyer (26) kept the heat on, and the Lions clawed their way back to take a 3-point lead into the final change.

The final term was a war of attrition. Melbourne had chances—Zanker missed two gettable shots—but it was an unlikely Ruby Svarc miracle snap that sealed it for Brisbane. 

A nine-point loss, and a reminder that finals footy is a different beast.

Match Maeve Mo

Seconds before the final break, with the Dees trailing and desperate for a spark, Tayla Harris marked just inside 50. The commentators urged her to take the shot, but she spotted Maeve Chaplin in a two-on-one and took the risk. It looked like a mistake — until Maevo soared, clunked the grab, and calmly slotted her first ever AFLW goal after the siren. Just three points in it. Hopes alive.

Meggs’ musings

This was a finals-style clash in every sense—ferocious, fast, and relentless for eighty minutes. The first half was a tale of two quarters: Brisbane’s chaos and pressure in the first, Melbourne’s class in the second. But the Lions’ uncompromising midfield surge in the second half proved too much.

Kate Hore was immense—26 touches, 6 tackles, and a goal—but she’ll rue a couple of missed chances and a dubious non-mark call in the third. Tyla Hanks battled hard under constant Dawes pressure, and Maeve Chaplin’s courage and composure are always a highlight.  

Eliza Mac was indefatigable, though she looked spent in the steamy conditions, Lauren Pearce battled bravely in the ruck, and it was great to see Tahlia Gillard and Saraid Taylor bonding in defence.

Edo Zanker was our most dangerous forward with two goals, but her last-quarter misses hurt. If the whispers of a move west are true, she’ll leave a big hole in our forward line.

Some of the younger players—Molly, Laela, Jemma, and Ry—found the going tough in the heat of battle, but this was a taste to learn from.  Their time will come.  

Draftee Maggie Mahony was a revelation. Nine disposals, eight tackles, and three clearances in just 66% game time. She had a great game—tough, composed, and looks a natural finals player.

Sarah Lampard (in her 75th) and Blaithin Mackin returned from injury and both looked a touch rusty, but their experience and leadership will be vital in the weeks ahead.

Coaches and Next Week

Mick Stinear was gracious in defeat, acknowledging Brisbane’s deserved win and their suffocating pressure. “It felt like finals footy,” he said. “We’ll take away the learnings.”

Craig Starcevich was beaming. “One of our better all-time wins,” he declared. “The Brisbane football DNA was on show.”

For Melbourne, it’s a third interstate loss in Season 2025. 

Next stop: Kardinia Park. Saturday night lights against the Cats in the final round.

A win there locks in a top-four finish—and second spot if North topples Hawthorn. A home qualifying final at IKON? Sounds good to Meggs.

Round 12: Geelong v Melbourne, GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, Saturday 7:15pm AEDT.

Looking forward to this game.  Hope to see you there.

C’mon Demons.

MELBOURNE 0.0.0 4.3.27 5.4.34 5.6.36

BRISBANE 0.4.4 1.7.13 5.7.37 6.9.45

GOALS

MELBOURNE Zanker 2 Chaplin Harris Hore


BRISBANE Conway 2, Dooley Mullins Smith R Svarc


BEST 

MELBOURNE Hore McNamara Zanker Gillard Chaplin Hanks

BRISBANE Dawes Conway Anderson Davison Campbell O’Dwyer

INJURIES



MELBOURNE Nil

BRISBANE Nil

REPORTS 

MELBOURNE Nil

BRISBANE Nil

CROWD 5,022 at Brighton Homes Arena

Thanks for your comprehensive report Meggs.

A concern I have for the team is its poor finishing in its defeats. We can’t seem to score goals under pressure in final quarters. Winning finals is all about being able to see out tough games.