From some of the outstanding subplots to Melbourne’s AFLW Grand Final win, three of them stand above the rest.
The seventh AFLW season ended with a bang on Sunday.
Melbourne delivered a stunning comeback to claim a maiden AFLW crown, winning 2.7 (19) – 2.3 (15) over the Brisbane Lions.
The Dees fought back from a halftime deficit to claim a four-point win on the road in Springfield, beating a Lions side that were premiership favourites for the majority of the season.
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It comes after Melbourne fell agonisingly short last season, going down to then-reigning premiers Adelaide. That result created some heart-warming stories in South Australia, but denied a few Demons of theirs. So Sunday’s decider had a strong flavour of retribution. And two key Dees enter league folklore. Here are three biggest talking points from Sunday’s grand final.
Original Demon Pearce has her day in the AFLW Grand Final
Since Melbourne’s inclusion in the AFLW competition, Daisy Pearce had won everything
but a premiership. Pearce, one of the faces and voices of the league, now completes her collection. The 34-year-old, who doubles as an outstanding expert commentator, has yet to announce her future, with speculation inevitable in the lead-up to the big dance. Melbourne’s epic win is a fitting conclusion for Pearce in the case she does decide to up the boots and focus on other ventures.
Harris’ heroics on display
The forward-ruck has been a crucial part of Melbourne’s journey. After three previous AFLW Grand Final losses for three different clubs, Harris finally got her premiership medal. Despite initial fears a shoulder injury in the Prelim might prove to be yet another cruel twist in her eventful career, Harris fought through it and showed no concerns on Sunday. She helped the Dees secure the lead for the first time, producing a big play with a mark in the goal square off teammate Kate Hore’s boot. That goal seemingly turned Melbourne’s misfortunes around.
Olivia Purcell puts on a, AFLW Grand Final show
After moving up from Geelong, 22-year-old Purcell has flourished in her second year at the club. The midfielder was one of Melbourne’s best; ultimately unlucky to miss out on Player of the Match honours with her 16 disposal, seven tackle game. Her contribution joined Maddison Gay, Tyla Hanks, Kate Hore, Karen Paxmen and Eliza West as the other Dees in double figures in terms of disposal count.
