Lions fight past Hawks into AFLW prelim
Reigning premiers Brisbane are straight through to another AFLW preliminary final after claiming a six-point away qualifying win over a gutsy Hawthorn.
But Brisbane will nervously await the match review officer’s assessment of Belle Dawes’ front-on contact on Hawk Ainslie Kemp early in the second quarter.
The Lions will host the winner of next week’s semi-final between Adelaide and Fremantle for a place in a sixth grand final after fighting back from an 11-point second-quarter deficit to win 6.2 (38) to 4.8 (32) in front of 4985 fans at Ikon Park.
Daniel Webster’s Hawks next face the winner of Sunday evening’s elimination final between Richmond and Port Adelaide in a home semi-final.
Craig Starcevich’s Lions will enjoy a week off before their fifth preliminary final but could have to prepare for a potential rough conduct charge to Dawes.
The gun midfielder was running full-throttle towards Kemp when she attempted to pull out of a tackle but instead crashed straight into the defender.
Kemp required treatment but was able to jog to the Hawthorn bench before passing her concussion assessment.
The umpire didn’t award a free kick at the time.
Hawk Aileen Gilroy won a holding-the-ball free kick for a fierce tackle on Brisbane’s Cathy Svarc in the first term, but it could attract attention given she drove the Lion into the ground.
Svarc (two goals) was excellent, Ally Anderson (17 disposals, 13 contested possessions) grew into the game while Orla O’Dwyer (17 disposals) and defenders Bre Koenen, Nat Grider and Jennifer Dunne were also among the Lions’ best.
Hawthorn skipper and ex-Lion Emily Bates (22 disposals) led from the front, with help from Eliza West (19 touches) and boom youngster Jas Fleming (17 disposals), while Mattea Breed had an entertaining duel with Anderson.
Brisbane drew first blood through Dakota Davidson before the first quarter proved an arm wrestle.
Hawthorn’s Aine McDonagh capitalised on some loose Lions defending to help the Hawks snatch a four-point lead at quarter-time.
Kaitlyn Ashmore extended Hawthorn’s lead with a wonderful snap midway through the second term.
The Lions responded in the third term, hitting the front through back to-back goals to Svarc and Taylor Smith.
When Davidson goaled early in the final term, the Lions led by 12.
Louise Stephenson cut the deficit to less than a goal to make for a nervous finish but the Lions held on, while Fleming limped off late.
#Lions #fight #Hawks #AFLW #prelim