The first AFL Women’s Grand Final was an absolute thriller, with the Adelaide Crows beating the Brisbane Lions by just one goal at the Gold Coast‘s Carrara Stadium.
PREMIERS! #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/gxYJL7VMfK
— AFL Women’s (@aflwomens) March 25, 2017
After a season that took the country by storm, with packed crowds from the get-go and a series of truly inspiring games, the fight for the Premiership was set to be a stunner – and it was.
The Crows’ midfielder Erin Phillips was the undisputed star of the match, kicking two goals and collecting 28 disposals, plus taking home the 2017 AFLW Best on Ground Medal (she also ran out with her twins before kickoff, which achieved a level of cute that should frankly be illegal).
@Adelaide_FC We have lead at every change , Now THIS IS IT!! GO GIRLS ?? WE CAN DO IT ?????? #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/FkSNBwUO9e
— Lisa (@Leese12) March 25, 2017
Adelaide scored the first goal within 20 seconds, setting the pace for an action-packed four quarters. Brisbane had pulled closer to evening the scores at half time, on 2.1 (13) vs Adelaide’s 2.7 (19).
Goal in 20 seconds, starring Kellie Gibson! Not a bad way to start the day #weflyasone #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/TegUaHWsBy
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) March 25, 2017
But the Crows were too much for an increasingly desperate Brisbane side, pulling ahead in the third and fourth quarters. Despite an almighty final push from the Lions and some incredible goals from Sabrina Frederick-Traub, the final score was Brisbane 4.5 (29) vs Adelaide 4.11 (35).
We put up a good fight, but the Crows were too good in the end.
Congratulations @Adelaide_FC. #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/qJvfBb5hV2
— Brisbane Lions AFLW (@lionsaflw) March 25, 2017
More than 15,000 people were in the stands to watch the Crows collect that beaut of a trophy.
Crows key forward Sarah Perkins told the media after the final siren:
“We’re not the winner; women’s football is the winner, and our fans and girls out there today with Tayla Harris, [Sabrina] Frederick-Traub, Chelsea Randall, Phillips and any other number on their back, it’s about them.And they now have the pathway to have this dream.”
It was a sentiment echoed by Crows co-captain Chelsea Randall:
“Every young girl and boy now has the chance to aspire to be the best.”
Here’s to a history-making final to an incredible season, and here’s to many more.
How good does that feel @Adelaide_FC? #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/cHUN93Uyzm
— AFL Women’s (@aflwomens) March 25, 2017
Source: The Guardian / ABC.
Image: Jason O’Brien / Getty.
