CITADEL IN THE CITY by Meggs

Posted 3 hours ago3 hr

The Demon Test Match 100

Forget the haunting of Round 11 — we’ve got this.

Melbourne returns to its inner-city fortress for its milestone 100th AFLW match, carrying a formidable 10–2 record at IKON Stadium. Brisbane’s record at the venue is more balanced: 4 wins, 4 losses and a draw.

The Lions, however, have the edge in finals experience, with six Grand Final appearances and two premierships. The last time the Lions played a final at IKON was the 2024 Grand Final, where they fell short against North Melbourne.

This clash isn’t just a battle of on-field talent — it’s a battle of wits between two of the AFLW’s foundation coaches. Mick Stinear and Craig Starcevich have shaped their clubs from the ground up, each boasting win rates above 70%. With deep finals experience and tactical nous, their game plans will be pivotal in deciding who wins this milestone match.

Match Ups

Brisbane brings a chaotic, hard-edged energy that Melbourne must match for the full 80 minutes. The Lions are relentless hunters, with pressure players like Ally Anderson, Bella Dawes, Courtney Hodder, Orla O’Dwyer, Nat Grider, and Cathy Svarc (600 career tackles) leading the charge. Svarc was suspended for an off the ball rib-tickler against Collingwood, but the Lions appealed the ban and she’s free to play.

Melbourne’s midfield — led by Tyla Hanks, Megan Fitzsimon, Kate Hore, and Shelley Heath — will be tested. Melbourne’s finesse must absorb the Lions’ pressure and turn it into clean exits. Our ability to transition cleanly from contest to corridor will be crucial.

Expect Paxy to take a wing role, possibly matched with O’Dwyer, while Eliza McNamara returns to full flight on the opposite wing. Tayla Harris, Georgia Gall, and Eden Zanker remain aerial threats, but marking contests will be fierce.

Expect our mids and forwards to do well but oodles of pressure on the revamped Demon defence will be a supreme test. Brisbane’s forward line has struggled with accuracy — 6.16 against Collingwood last week — and missed chances could again be costly. Inaccuracy is a contagion; we can only hope.

Selection This Week

Mick Stinear certainly faces some selection headaches this week.

In late news: Demonland track watchers report that defensive majestrix Maeve Chaplin injured her hamstring at Wednesday’s training session and looks doubtful for Sunday. Chaplin’s absence would test Melbourne’s intercept game and composure under pressure. The recent returns of Tahlia Gillard, Sarah Lampard, Denby Taylor, and now Gaby Colvin will compensate.

Melbourne had been hoping for the return of Dublin and Demons premiership player Sinead Goldrick, whose finals pedigree and leg speed could be crucial. Goldie, unfortunately, will miss one more week on specialist advice, and the versatile Molly O’Hehir remains doubtful with an injured shin but will test.

Fan-favourite Alyssa Bannan has been goalless in five of her past eight matches. Second-year player and tall speedster Jemma Rigoni was rested last week and may be an inclusion. Mick loves a competitor, and Gaby Colvin offers grit and experience. Could Grace Beasley, fresh from ACL rehab, be the wildcard Mick unleashes?

In the end Meggs anticipates Mick will play it safe. Expect Colvin or Rigoni to replace Chaplin if ruled out. Might Mick spring a surprise? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Meanwhile over in the Lions change rooms, their playing list is cherry ripe; at virtually full strength.

 Meggs’ musings

This is Melbourne’s 100th AFLW game. What better way to mark the milestone than with a win that earns a week off and a home preliminary final? But it won’t come easy. Brisbane is always hungry, physical, and fast. They will try to maul our best users and disrupt our rhythm. It’ll be a grind that hurts — but Meggs believes our #demonspirit will deliver.

Have we been playing too many talls? In a game of contests, mobility and pressure may trump height. Melbourne must bring its own frenetic energy and precision. The Lions will pounce on any lapse.

IKON Stadium, steeped in AFLW history, sets the stage for a milestone clash.

So please Dees bring the heat, the connection, and the spirit—and let’s earn a rest and rise again.

Tip: Melbourne by 5 points in a thriller.

A fantastic afternoon and venue for watching our amazing team—Meggs hopes you can come along and yell your support.

THE GAME

Qualifying Final: Melbourne v Brisbane Lions on Sunday 9 November 2025 at 1:05pm (AEDT) at IKON Stadium, Melbourne | Wurundjeri

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall: Melbourne 6 wins | Brisbane 5 wins

At Princes Park: Melbourne 0 wins | Brisbane 0 wins (never played against each here)

Coaches: Stinear 6 wins | Starcevich 5 wins

MEDIA COVERAGE Foxtel, Kayo, Binge AFL Live Official Listen App

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Season 10, Round 11 – 25 October 2025 at Michael Voss Oval, Springfield

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, Harris, Hore, Chaplin

BRISBANE Conway 2, Smith, Dooley, Mullins, 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 5022 at Brighton Homes Arena

This blockbuster top-four clash between AFLW heavyweights Brisbane and Melbourne was an incredible match to watch.

Brisbane brought the chaos early at a heaving Brighton Homes Arena, with 5,022 fans packing in — Melbourne players assuredly gave their all in the unaccustomed humid conditions.

With slicker ball movement and better connection in the second quarter, Melbourne found its rhythm with goals from Harris, Hore, and a brace from Zanker to lead by 14 points at half-time.

After the main break the Lions’ uncompromising midfield surge proved too much but there were moments for the Dees. A questionable no-mark call against Hore in the third and a couple of set shot misses from Zanker in the last were not ideal considering the final margin.

Kate Hore was sublime, Eliza McNamara was indefatigableon her wing, and Zanker our most dangerous forward. Hanks, Chaplin, Gillard, Pearce were outstanding contributors.

This loss stung, but it also sharpened the focus. Expecting an emphatic response on Sunday.