Goalkickers: Lauren Arnell 1.0, Allison Downie 1.0, Sarah Hosking 1.0, Biannca Jakobsson 1.0, Katie Loynes 1.0, Rebecca Privitelli 1.0, Rushed 0.1,

Reports: Nil

Umpires: James Srybos, Dean Garroway, Nick Jankovskis

Injuries: TBA

Ladder: 4th

Game Review

The final game of the season was a fascinating one with Carlton fighting back in the final minutes to draw with minor premiers Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park. After scores were level at halftime, the Lions pulled away to lead by 24 points midway through the final quarter. But the Blues stormed home to see the scores finish at 37-37 as Brisbane finished the season unbeaten — but not with seven wins from seven games as they would have hoped.

Carlton stages comeback to force draw against Brisbane in AFLW regular season finale
CARLTON has denied the Brisbane Lions a flawless season after scoring a thrilling draw in the final home-and-away game of the AFL women’s season. The ladder-leading Lions were on track to storm into next week’s AFLW Grand Final on the back of an undefeated season, but the Blues had other ideas in their clash at Ikon Park. Brisbane, who were undefeated heading into the final round, led by as much as 24 points in the final quarter, but the Blues raced home with the final four goals of the game to tie up the match 6.1 (37) to 5.7 (37). The Lions will play Adelaide in the Grand Final on Saturday after the Crows earlier defeated Collingwood in their clash at Olympic Park. The AFL said on Sunday it was still in negotiations with the Gabba about hosting the historic first women’s Grand Final, which is the league’s preferred venue option. But there could be Grand Final heartache for Brisbane’s Nicole Hildebrand after she hurt her knee in the final quarter and was forced to leave the field.

Sarah Hosking kick-started the Blues run in the final quarter, with Bianca Jacobsson kicking the goal to tie up the scores late in the quarter. In front of a crowd of 5801, Emily Bates was the top possession winner for the Lions with 22 disposals, while Brianna Davey and Lauren Arnell were the top possession winners for the Blues. Sabrina Frederick-Traub was also strong with her contesting work, while Kate McCarthy also impressed with her pace. Blues star Darcy Vescio had her impact restricted for most of the match, but played a key hand in the Blues’ resurgence late in the game. The first half was a low-scoring slog in the heat, with the first score not coming until late in the quarter with a goal to Arnell. Brisbane was held goalless in the opening quarter, but struck early in the second term through Tayla Harris as the Lions started to find a clearer path into attack. The scores remained locked at a goal apiece at half-time, but the Blues had their chances, leading the inside 50s 14-9 in the first half. Brisbane pulled away in the third quarter and carried their run into the final term, setting up a 24-point lead early in the quarter, before the Blues surged home. - Rebecca Williams, Herald Sun

Best players; Lauren Arnell, Allison Downie, Rebecca Privitelli, Katie Loynes, Sarah Hosking, Biannca Jakobsson.

Team

Changes:
In: Rebecca Privitelli, Hayley Trevean
Out: Danielle Hardimann (injured), Jessica Kennedy (omitted)

Milestones

Debut and Only Game: Hayley Trevean
Last Game: Bella Ayre, Alison Brown, Jordan Ivey, Bianca Jakobsson, Tahni Nestor, and Rebecca Privitelli.

MVP Votes

3 - Brianna Davey (CARL)
2 - Emily Bates (BRIS)
1 - Kate Gillespie-Jones (CARL)

Best and Fairest Votes

9 - Kate Gillespie-Jones
6 - Bri Davey
5 - Jordan Ivey, Alison Downie
4 - Katie Loynes, Rebecca Privitelli, Sarah Hosking, Lauren Arnell
2 - Shae Audley
1 - Darcy Vescio, Maddie Keryk, Gab Pound, Breann Moody, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Bianca Jakobsson

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