Melbourne’s 47-point demolition of Collingwood shows they will be dangerous AFLW finals opponents – if they make the top eight.
The Demons dominated from the start on Saturday at Ikon Park and mauled the last-placed Magpies 11.8 (74) to 4.3 (27).
Melbourne will now sweat on the result of Saturday night’s match at the same venue between Carlton and Essendon.
The Bombers are half a game behind the Demons after Essendon’s Dreamtime in Darwin draw a week ago with Richmond.
Reason for a voice: The Demons sing the team song.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
No other side in the top eight will want to play a final against Melbourne, who have won five of their past six games to storm into top-eight contention.
AFLW great Stacey Livingstone was chaired from the field after her last game. The Collingwood defender had a shot at goal in the final quarter of her 77th match, but kicked it like a back and only managed a behind.
At the other end, Melbourne captain Kate Hore kicked three goals as she returned from the quad problem that made her a late withdrawal last week.
The Demons could well rue Hore’s absence a week ago, given they lost to Hawthorn by only six points.
“Fingers crossed - now we wait,” Hore told Fox Footy post-match.
“But I’m super proud of the girls’ effort today, regardless of what happens tonight. We just wanted to come out here and finish our season strong - either bring that momentum into next week or next season.”
AAP
AFLW ROUND 10
- Adelaide 4.8 (32) d. Geelong 4.4 (28)
- Melbourne 11.8 (74) d. Collingwood 4.3 (27)
Geelong’s AFLW season over as Adelaide clinch double-chance
Adelaide have secured an AFLW finals double-chance and ended Geelong’s season with a gritty four-point win at GHMBA Stadium.
The Crows overcame some shoddy goalkicking and a 15-point second-quarter deficit on Friday night to hang on 4.8 (32) to 4.4 (28) and clinch fourth spot on the ladder.
The only negative for Adelaide came in the fourth quarter when exciting forward/midfielder Danielle Ponter had to be helped off the ground with a right foot injury.
The Cats versus Crows clash went down to the wire.Credit: AFL Photos
Spearhead Caitlin Gould kicked three goals and defender Chelsea Bidell’s intercepting was a feature, while Ebony Marinoff confirmed her standing as the league’s No.1 player, with 24 disposals and 11 tackles.
The superstar midfielder enters the major round averaging 30.3 disposals, becoming the competition’s first player to average 30-plus across a home-and-away campaign.
“An absolute hot contest out there,” said Gould, who nabbed seven marks and had seven score involvements.
“That’s definitely what we expected from Geelong.
“It (goalkicking accuracy) is absolutely an area we need to keep working on.
“It’s that composure piece that we’re trying to get there, including myself.
“Hopefully through finals we get that together.”
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