Carlton AFLW captain Lauren Arnell hasn’t given up hope of making the Grand Final

CARLTON AFLW captain Lauren Arnell isn’t giving up hope of leading her team into the Grand Final as she throws support behind a two-week finals series next year.

CARLTON skipper Lauren Arnell is maintaining belief

With just two games remaining in the AFL Women’s season, the Blues hang on to a narrow final chance — but that’s enough for them.

Brisbane sits a game clear atop the ladder with Carlton third, just one game and percentage behind the Crows.

Arnell, 29, will lead her team west on Thursday ahead of Friday night’s clash with Fremantle and said she still believes a spot in the big dance is achievable.

“I’ve always believed in what our group and our club can do,” she said.

Lauren Arnell isn’t giving up hope about leading Carlton into the AFLW Grand Final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“To be honest, it’s a little bit sad to think it’s Round 6 of a seven-round competition. I’m sure everybody feels like that.

“I’m really excited about that opportunity (of every game now being a Grand Final) and every opportunity we have to represent the Carlton footy club.

“For every player, the opportunity to represent their club in AFLW is an exciting one, regardless of what the ladder position is.”

League manager of game development and soon-to-be football operations boss Simon Lethlean recently told the Herald Sun that a two-week finals series for the AFLW — which would see the competition’s top-four teams play off for the premiership — is being considered for next season.

And it’s an idea Arnell admitted she quite likes.

Lauren Arnell celebrates a goal with star Darcy Vescio. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I know there’s been discussion around an expanded finals series, and the more opportunities we have to represent our clubs, the better it is,” she said.

“I’m sure the AFL will deal with that when it’s an appropriate time.”

Arnell tested two new Sherrins on Wednesday that aim to increase grip and precision kicking — an area she said will only improve in the women’s game.

“The game will progress in every area — we see it in the men’s game, too,” she said.

“One fantastic area of AFLW is the high pressure. When you add high pressure into any game, skill efficiency decreases. Once everyone adapts and get used to that high-pressure environments, skill level will increase naturally and coaching aids like this will improve.”

Originally published as Carlton AFLW captain Lauren Arnell hasn’t given up hope of making the Grand Final