Demonland

AFLW heavyweights Melbourne and Adelaide kick off the AFLW Season 7 Final Series with a massive Qualifying Final clash at Ikon Park this Friday night at 7:10pm. The game promises to be a cracker. Last season’s Grand Final combatants last met in Round 1where Melbourne came away with a strong 18-point victory at Glenelg Oval. The Dees will be hoping to replicate the result and move directly to the Preliminary Final. While Adelaide may not have been as intimidating this season as in previous years, they only lost twice. To the Demons in Round 1 and then Brisbane in Round 8 (by 22 points). Against other fellow finalists they earned narrow wins: Richmond (9 points), Collingwood (5) and Geelong (2). The Crows boast a heap of premiership talent right across the ground: • Their stars Ebony Marinoff, Anne Hatchard, and Chelsea Randall, the lively Niamh Kelly, wingers Eloise Jones and Stevie-Lee Thompson together form a top-shelf midfield combination; • Their in-form forward line contains two of the competitions leading goal scorers in ex-Dee Ash Woodland and Danielle Ponter, who is proving to be a match winner this season; and • Their whole defensive unit, led by Sarah Allan and Chelsea Biddell, is experiencedand finals hardened. Our Supergirl Tayla Harris once described Adelaide captain Chelsea Randall as her kryptonite, so she will be watching the teams’ announcements to see whether Chelsea springs a surprise return from her ankle injury. With a clean bill of health last week, the selectors have chosen to go in with an unchanged line-up. Our backline, led by Birch and Gillard, is statistically the best in the league with 184 points against. The defensive group has gelled really well against lesser opponents these past 6 weeks but will be thoroughly tested in this final. Goldie and Gay will be important components. Our midfield group has been excellent all season. Purcell, West, Hanks, Mithen, Heath, the tyro Mackin, and the ubiquitous Paxy are combining so well each week. Ruck, Loz Pearce is back to form and her duties are shared with Harris. Coach Mick Stinear strategically mixes Tayla’s gametime between the ruck, around the ground and forward with great team effect. The sides are evenly matched this week, but our multi-optioned attack has been difficult for opposition backlines to contain for four quarters. With Harris, Hore, Zanker, excitement machine Bannan and our experienced, wily skipper Daisy, there be plenty of potential headaches for Matthew Clarke and his Crow defenders. And a big shout out to Eden Zanker for her 50th game!!! History has seen these teams play 8 times with 4 wins apiece. Notably 2 of Adelaide’s wins were finals matches. At Ikon Park (against Carlton) Adelaide has played twice for 2 wins while Melbourne has played three times for 3 wins. Matthew Clarke, the Crows Senior Coach, was happy to finish the home and away season in the Top 4. He singled out Zoe Prowse and Danielle Ponter for praise for their recent performances. He was most happy with how Adelaide found ways to win close games but knows they must polish up their performance if they are to be successful in this finals campaign. When he was asked about Melbourne next week, he gave nothing away. Mick Stinear, the Demons coach, wants his team to continue to live in the moment, take their chances for goal and play out the full four quarters. Ikon is a happy ground for Melbourne and our game plan will flourish in a more pristine environment than the travails of Casey Fields. It’s going to be on from the first bounce, we can win this one. Melbourne by 11 points THE GAME Melbourne v Adelaide at Ikon Park (Princes Park), on Friday 4 November 2022 at 7:10pm (Melbourne time) HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 4 wins Adelaide 4 wins At Ikon Park Melbourne 0 wins Adelaide 0 wins The Coaches Stinear 4 wins Clarke 3 wins MEDIA TV - live on 7 and Kayo. Check your local guides. Radio - check your local guides. THE LAST TIME THEY MET [IN THE HOME AND AWAY] Melbourne 6.8 (44) defeated Adelaide 4.2 (26) at Norwood Oval, 26 August 2022 Melbourne exorcised their Season 6 Grand Final demons by defeating Adelaide in a rematch at Norwood Oval by 18 points. It was a pressure-filled match and showed that Melbourne had improved its contested football ability with Purcell and West allowing Paxman to work hard on the outside. We didn’t relent all evening. A 4-quarter performance. Harris renewed her acquaintance with Crows skipper Chelsea Randall in a fascinating battle and the two followed each forward and on the ball, both starring for their respective teams. For the Crows, Ash Woodland was dangerous kicking 3 goals and Hatchard played well in her 50th game. Ponter threatened to bring Adelaide back into contention with a goal in the last quarter but then Zanker and Paxman goaled and put the contest beyond doubt. GOALS Adelaide: Woodland 3, Ponter Melbourne: Hore, Harris, Hanks, D Pearce, Zanker, Paxman BEST Adelaide: Hatchard, Randall, Woodland, Thompson, Biddell, Newman Melbourne: West, Paxman, Purcell, Harris, Hore, Lampard INJURIES Adelaide: Nil Melbourne: Nil THE LAST TIME THEY MET [IN A FINAL] Adelaide 4.5 (29) defeated Melbourne 2.4.16 at Adelaide Oval, 9 April 2022 [Season 6 Grand Final] Meggs re-watched last year’s grand final to refresh the memory. We have definitely improved this season. Our superior skill execution under pressure this year is evident across the whole team. The Crows not so much but their 4-quarter pressure was too much for us on this day. Some of our kicking and slow decision making was highly predictable, caused by their pressure and provided easy pickings for the Adelaide defenders. Libby Birch had some ‘mare moments and through ill-discipline gave away the first goal. Mick will be pondering the best matchups for Ponter and Woodland this week. He has options. Goldie, Paxy, Hore, Loz Pearce and Hanksy were good throughout the match, our currently injured duo of McNamara and Colvin were strong contributors too and Bannan’s goal, the first half highlight. Marinoff and Hatchard were superb all day, as was Ponter. Meanwhile Randall blanketed Harris. The Crows were simply too good on the day and deserving winners. GOALS Adelaide: Ponter 2, Phillips, Hewett Melbourne: Bannan, Hore BEST Adelaide: Hatchard (best-on-field), Marinoff, Ponter, Phillips, Randall, Allan Melbourne: Paxman, Goldrick, McNamara, Hore, L Pearce, Mithen INJURIES Adelaide: Nil Melbourne: Sherriff (wrist) THE TEAMS MELBOURNE - No change

One of the best medium forwards in the business and a great reader of the flight of the ball in the air, Fritsch passed the half century in goals for the second year in a row but this time in a forward line that was often found wanting in the big games. "The star forward topped the Demons’ goalkicking for the third consecutive year with his 55 majors in 2022. Played every game in 2022, scoring in each match. Signed a new long-term deal at the end of last year to keep him at the Demons until at least 2026." - Herald Sun Date of Birth: 6 December 1996 Height: 188cm Weight: 84kg Games MFC 2022: 24 Career Total: 109 Goals MFC 2022: 55 Career Total: 173 Seventh Club Best & Fairest: 395 votes

Pipped at the post again.

Electric small forward with a huge back of tricks and a penchant for upsetting opposition defences, finding the goals and kicking plenty of them. Date of Birth: 2 June 2001 Height: 171cm Weight: 73kg Games MFC 2022: 23 Career Total: 62 Goals MFC 2022: 41 Career Total: 88 Eighth Club Best & Fairest: 391 votes Brownlow Medal: 4 votes

Half forward who is sometimes maligned but plays an important role in the Demons’ attacking sector. Known for the territory he covers and the number of selfless acts that often go unnoticed but end up setting up goals, these are the attributes that saw him finish inside the top ten in the club champion awards. "One of the Demons’ most improved players in their premiership season, Neal-Bullen didn’t have the same level of impact in 2022, kicking nine goals compared to his 15 last year. Contracted until the end of 2023 after signing a two-year extension in May last year." - Herald Sun Date of Birth: 9 January 1996 Height: 183cm Weight: 81kg Games MFC 2022: 23 Career Total: 128 Goals MFC 2022: 9 Career Total: 88 Ninth Club Best & Fairest: 384 votes

He should resign immediately from ever giving another opinion on football ever again. Completely lost any credibility.

He didn't say that did he?

Looks to be running in that photo unless they were just miming exaggerated running in slow motion.

An outstanding wingman who provides non stop run and carry, linking with his teammates up and down the ground and is a great decision-maker. Has great stamina but his effectiveness was blunted by a rib injury in midseason. "The former Docker has become a critical piece of the Melbourne midfield with his hard-running on a wing since arriving at the club three years ago. Langdon averaged more than 21 disposals a game, but had five matches over 25 disposals in the first eight rounds and only one after that. Attracted some unwanted attention when he labelled Collingwood a “one-trick pony” ahead of their round 21 clash at the MCG, which the Magpies went on to win." - Herald Sun Date of Birth: 1 February 1996 Height: 182cm Weight: 77kg Games MFC 2022: 23 Career Total: 132 Goals MFC 2022: 13 Career Total: 61 Tenth Club Best & Fairest: 367 votes Brownlow Medal: 7 votes

Congratulations to Daisy’s Dees on a huge 78-point one-sided win against West Coast in challenging windy and wet conditions at Casey Fields. The banner celebrating Sarah Lampard’s 50 games was a victim of the wind, but nonetheless Lampy received a warm round of applause from the parochial crowd in attendance. Melbourne has the double-chance and is excited about its chances in the Season 7 AFLW finals. If this means the Grand Final is played at Metricon and the Demond make it, then they will be ready. Finishing the home and away season in second position was a great result. So why does a 78-point win feel like a 1-point loss? Well, scoring that extra point would have secured the minor premiership and theoretically, a home grand final. Missed by that much. After Brisbane demolished Collingwood by 45 points on Friday night, most pundits and supporters regarded Melbourne’s chances of being minor premiers as a longshot. The Coach did too. However, the defensive set up proved impassable. It has been great for several weeks, and this is the fourth match in a row where Melbourne has kept the opposition scoreless in the first term. West Coast only scored a single point for the entire match, the equal lowest score in AFLW history (It was still one too many!). They had a miserable 14 inside-fifty entries for the match. The girls were excellent and unrelenting. Tayla Harris’s ruck work and long kicking were outstanding. Purcell, West, Mithen, and Paxman were again really strong around the contest and spreading well. And a big shout out to @Deearmy during that last quarter. There was wild cheering for each goal, and urging of the team to score in those final desperate minutes. Alas, it was not to be, missing by a miniscule 0.3%. Let’s not dwell on it. The truth is, there were several gettable shots they missed over the day (and in recent weeks). It was windy all day and it rained heavily during the main break. Tough conditions to score big. Q1 Five minutes in, Paxy kicks the first major of the day. Lampy is getting some early touches in her milestone game. The Dees are dominating but not making the most of their chances. Finally, Meg Fitzsimon nails a great snap on her left. Her team rally around her. Next, Purcell snaps truly in traffic after some nice work from Paxy. This game is all one-way traffic. At quarter time Melbourne 3.5.23 to West Coast 0.0.0 (Melb 251.6% v Bris 282.4%) Q2 West Coast playing much better to start the second quarter with the first four inside fifties. Melbourne defends strongly. It’s great to see Maddison Gay out there. Her experience, toughness and skillset will be important against the top teams in finals. Bannan kicks the first second quarter goal after Tayla Harris marks and handballs to her in the goal square. Zanker juggles a contested mark then goes back and kicks a beauty from 40 metres. Sheriff hits the post. Bad luck Casey. We keep attacking for the remainder of the quarter but are unable to convert our opportunities. Here comes the rain. At half time Melbourne 5.8.38 to West Coast 0.1.1. (Melb 251.6% v Bris 282.4%) Q3 It’s slippery out there now, still windy and the lights are on. And the PA doesn’t work! Melbourne continue their domination and Kate Hore marks and makes no mistake from directly in front. To us supporters standing at the Clyde end, a clever Daisy Pearce snap on the run appears to be a goal. However, the goal umpire immediately calls it a behind. Replays seem to support the view that it was probably a goal. Blaithin Mackin runs on to a perfectly weighted handball from Hore and kicks an impressive goal. All her team mob her as they know it’s her first career goal. Well done B. At three-quarter time Melbourne 7.12.54 to West Coast 0.1.1. (Melb 268.5% v Bris 282.4%) Q4 While the match result is a foregone conclusion, interest turns to whether the Dees can score 26 points to secure the minor premiership. Hanks marks and kicks the first of the last. Closely followed by Kate Hore converting a free kick with a banana from the boundary line. The tempo is rising as Melbourne plays on at all costs. Fitzy, on her non-preferred foot, hits up Zanker whose set shot delivers another goal. Harris is having a great last quarter. Her booming kick from halfback sets up an opportunity for Shelley Heath to run on to and she slots the goal. Loz Pearce snaps for a point and we are into the final minute. Daisy marks within range of goal but unwittingly centres the ball instead of trying to score and it’s cleared by West Coast. The final siren sounds and it’s a 78-point thumping victory to Melbourne and the double chance. Melbourne 11.13.79 to West Coast 0.1.1. (Melb 282.1% v Bris 282.4%) The Coaches and next week: Melbourne Coach Mick Stinear was really content to achieve a top 2 finish and the double chance. He admitted the minor premiership was not a key coaching focus. He wanted the players to continue to be in the moment. It was a strong defensive performance again. Mick praised Libby Birch for her game, said Sinead Goldrick did really well and that Maddi Gay was excellent in her return from injury. Michael Prior was not particularly glowing about his charge’s efforts. The gap was huge he said. He will be gobsmacked if young star Ella Roberts does not win a Rising Star nominee this week. He also flagged that post-season exit meetings will be brutal for some of his players. The Demons play reigning premiers Adelaide on Friday Night in the Qualifying Final at Ikon Park which we hope continues to be a happy hunting ground for them. Come along if you can and support our women. Go Dees!!! MELBOURNE 3.5.23 5.8.38 7.12.54 11.13.79 WEST COAST EAGLES 0.0.0 0.1.1 0.1.1 0.1.1 GOALS MELBOURNE Hore Zanker 2 Bannan Fitzsimon Hanks Heath Mackin Paxman Purcell WEST COAST EAGLES Nil BEST MELBOURNE Paxman Purcell Birch Hore Mithen WEST COAST EAGLES Thomas Roberts McCarthy Lakay INJURIES MELBOURNE Nil WEST COAST EAGLES Swanston (hamstring) REPORTS MELBOURNE Nil WEST COAST EAGLES Nil CROWD 726 at Casey Fields