Demonland

Missing: May, Salem, Viney, Turner (?), Gawn, Langdon, Melksham, McAdam, Rivers, Fritsch, Pickett, Bowey,

Campbell jogging laps

Jefferson, Johnson, JVR, Adams, Culley (13), Mentha, Kolt, Lindsay (5), AMW, Campbell, Kentfield, Laurie (3), Lever, Langford (4), Howes, Windsor, Sharp, Petty, Chandler, Heath (no number), Jiath (14), Sparrow, Oscar Berry (38), Henderson, Steele, TMac, Mihocek.

Laurie is wearing #3 - so perhaps some are just wearing random numbers.

Langford wearing 4

Lindsay 5

Culley wearing 13

Greatest time of the year

We’re back!!! Gosch's Paddock AFL 📆 Monday, November 10 ⏰ 9:45am - 11:30am 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Training 📆 Wednesday, November 12 ⏰ 8:45am - 10:30am 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Training 📆 Friday, November 14 ⏰ 8:45am - 10:30am 📍 Gosch's Paddock 🏃‍♂️ Session type: Training

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. THIS WEEK’S TEAMS MELBOURNE B S. Taylor, T. Gillard HB D. Taylor, S. Lampard, M. O’Hehir C E. McNamara T. Hanks, P. Paxman HF G. Gall, A. Bannan, T. Harris F E. Zanker, R. Wotherspoon FOLL L. Pearce, S. Heath, K. Hore I/C G. Campbell L. Ebert, B. Mackin, M. Mahony, J. Rigoni EMG L. Ebert, L. Johnson, A. Pisano IN M. O’Hehir, J. Rigoni OUT M. Chaplin (hamstring), L. Ebert (omitted) BRISBANE LIONS B S. Campbell, J. Dunne HB B. Koenen, N. Grider, C. Mullins C O. O'Dwyer, A. Anderson, R. Svarc HF C. Hodder, T. Smith, S. Conway F C. Svarc, D. Davidson FOLL T. Hickie, J. Ellenger, L. Dawes I/C S. Davison, N. Dooley, E. Hampson, E. Hartill, L. Postlethwaite EMG P. Boltz, R. Crozier, S. Peters IN B. Koenen OUT S. Peters (omitted) Injury List: Qualifying Final Melbourne Grace Beasley — knee / Available Gabby Colvin — wrist/ Available Molly O'Hehir — shin / Test Sinéad Goldrick — eye / 1 week Olivia Purcell — knee / Season Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive Aimee Mackin — knee / Inactive Brisbane Lily Baker — concussion / Test

B: D.Turner, S.May, C.Jiath HB: C.Salem, J.Lever, J.Bowey C: E.Langdon, H.Langford, X.Lindsay HF: J.Melksham, B.Mihocek, T.Sparrow F: B.Fritsch, L.Kentfield, K.Chandler FOLL: M.Gawn, K.Pickett, J.Steele I/C: H.Petty, T.Rivers, J.Viney, C.Windsor, J.van Rooyen Depth: Jed Adams, Blake Howes, Matt Jefferson, Tom McDonald, Harry Sharp, Jai Culley Ins: Changkuoth Jiath (Hawthorn), Brody Mihocek (Collingwood), Jack Steele (St Kilda) Outs: Christian Petracca (Gold Coast), Clayton Oliver (GWS Giants), Judd McVee (Fremantle), Charlie Spargo (North Melbourne), Jack Billings (delisted), Tom Fullarton (delisted), Marty Hore (delisted), Oliver Sestan (delisted), Taj Woewoedin (delisted), Kynan Brown (delisted), Will Verral (delisted) 2025 draft picks: 7, 8, 37, 66, 71 A new King calls for a new army, and Melbourne will enter 2026 as a shockingly different semblance of its 2025 version. Two top-10 picks will add to the quality youngsters coming through, and Jack Steele was a late-but-important inclusion after Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca left. Brody Mihocek will offer plenty up forward and Changkuoth Jiath gives the Demons something different in the back half.

This is not something I am aware of. Where are you receiving ads? Are you definitely logged in at the time? Many people tell me they are receiving ads and then it is discovered that they are not logged in because they are using incognito or private browsing.

Just a reminder to all that political talk is forbidden

👀

For those who are asking, McDonald has (contrary to some reports) already turned 18 so his recruitment is 100% legit.

Tyla is going to be hard to catch from here! Progressive after the end of the home and away season 150. Tyla Hanks 130. Kate Hore 85. Elizabeth McNamara 77. Maeve Chaplin 60. Tayla Harris 56. Megan Fitzsimon 52. Eden Zanker 46. Shelley Heath 17. Paxy Paxman Ryleigh Wotherspoon 16. Tahlia Gillard 15. Olivia Purcell 14. Sinead Goldrick 5. Lauren Pearce 4. Saraid Taylor 3. Blaithin Mackin 2. Maggie Mahony 1. Alyssa Bannan Gabrielle Colvin Laela Ebert Molly O’Hehir Jemma Rigoni

Are we ready? An overview Melbourne wrapped up the AFLW home and away season with a hard-fought 14-point win over Geelong at Kardinia Park. The result secured second place on the ladder with a 9–3 record and a home qualifying final against the Brisbane Lions next week. The closing stretch of games against Fremantle, Sydney, Brisbane, and Geelong has provided ideal finals preparation. There have been plenty of learnings, but whether Melbourne’s best can truly challenge the top teams remains to be seen. The Match In perfect conditions under a rising moon, the match began as an arm wrestle. Melbourne led by four points at half-time, but Geelong snatched the lead early in the third after a Lampard fumble led to a Bowen goal from a stoppage. Then came the Zanker show: a Hawkins-style ruck steal and snap over the shoulder, followed by a contested mark and goal in the square. Zanker’s brilliance lit the spark, and soon after, Tyla Hanks strolled into an open goal before Kate Hore added a ripsnorter dribbler — sensational finishes from our leaders. Melbourne piled on five goals in the third quarter, including one from Tayla Harris after the siren, effectively sealing the game. The final term saw a drop in intensity from the Dees, and the margin squeezed. The Cats were competitive throughout, andthe match served as a strong tune-up for finals footy next week. Match Moment A beautiful end-to-end play lit up the third quarter. Gally found Fitzsimon just outside scoring range. Fitzy paused, considered her options, then stepped back like a poker pro. Hearing a defender call for it, she released to fullback Tahlia Gillard, who streamed past and slotted her first AFLW goal. Teammates swarmed her in celebration. A moment to savour. Take ‘em when you can, Tahls! Meggs’ musings Melbourne didn’t look like a top-two side in the first half. The third quarter blitz was impressive, but the fade-out in the last was concerning. Meggs believes the workload is falling too heavily on a core group of 10–12 players. No passengers next week. A whole-team effort needed to secure victory. Marking under pressure was a concern, especially given the ideal conditions. The midfield battle was incredibly fierce, with Geelong’s Georgie Prespakis best afield (32 disposals, 10 tackles, 8 clearances). Bowen and Morrison also starred. Tyla Hanks was elite again, with 20 disposals, 11 tackles, and 519 metres gained. What a season she’s having. Good support again from Hore, Heater, Fitzy, Harris and Loz Pearce. Eliza McNamara was exhausted last week and not surprisingly quieter against Geelong. Use this week to freshen-up, Lize. Maggie Mahony brought heat with a career-high 15 disposals (9 contested), though composure remains a work-in-progress. Wotherspoon continues to impress and Mackin was busy working her way back to form. For the 75 game milestoners, Shelley Heath (20 disposals, 9 tackles, 6 clearances) was outstanding again, and while Sarah Lampard had a mixed night, she featured in the play-of-the-day. It was stirring to see the Cats and Dees players showing wonderful respect forming a guard of honour after the game for the retiring Cats trio Meg McDonald, Kate Darby, and ex-Dee Shelley Scott. Injury news Hore went down in the last quarter after clashing heads with teammate McNamara and underwent a post-match HIA. A collective sigh of relief — Kate Hore has been cleared to play next week. Coaches and Next Week Mick Stinear praised Geelong’s pressure and was pleased with Melbourne’s overall season. “Our best is good enough to contend, but we’ll have to get stronger to challenge the best.” Dan Lowther acknowledged his team’s fight but lamented their inability to finish off work. He highlighted the elite skills of Zanker and Hore. Home qualifying final against Brisbane (details to be announced). Mick, please select our most competitive players next week. Go Dees. MELBOURNE 1.2.8 3.3.21 8.5.53 9.5.59 GEELONG 1.3.9 2.5.17 4.6.30 6.9.45 GOALS MELBOURNE Zanker 4 Gillard Hanks Harris Hore Wotherspoon GEELONG Bowen Morrison 2 Mason Moloney BEST MELBOURNE Hanks Harris Zanker Heath Chaplin Hore GEELONG Morrison Prespakis Kearns Bowen A McDonald INJURIES MELBOURNE Hore (head knock) GEELONG Nil REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil GEELONG Nil UMPIRES Kayne Nund Luke Porter Alysha Ramsay CROWD 2,214 at GHMBA Stadium

This is the article from the Irish Examiner referred to in this article — Mayo prospect Kobe McDonald set to sign for AFL club