The AFLW season culminated in a nail-biting final round, with the top eight teams only determined after a thrilling contest involving 13 contenders. This year’s finals series promises to be an unpredictable spectacle, with newcomers Essendon and Sydney joining the fray in just their second seasons in the competition.
The scheduling of the Victorian finals has already sparked controversy, with both matches scheduled two hours apart, making it impossible for fans to attend both. However, the prospect of fierce rivalries and a desire to avenge past losses will ignite the finals atmosphere.
The battle for premiership glory will commence with the first qualifying final between the top-ranked Adelaide Crows and the fourth-placed Brisbane Lions. The Crows, boasting a wealth of finals experience, will be eager to defend their home-ground advantage against the Lions, who have won their last three encounters.
The first elimination final will see the Sydney Swans, who defied expectations to secure a finals berth, lock horns with the Gold Coast Suns, who are determined to build on their impressive regular season performance. Both teams will be seeking their first finals victory, adding to the unpredictability of the clash.
Another intriguing encounter pits the sixth-placed Geelong Cats against the seventh-placed Essendon Bombers, with both teams making their finals debuts. Geelong will likely prove a formidable opponent for Essendon, boasting players in peak form and most of their list having finals experience.
The second qualifying final is a fiery affair between the reigning premiers Melbourne Demons and the resurgent North Melbourne Kangaroos. The Demons, with their dominant record and the AFLW’s first joint leading goalkickers in Eden Zanker and Kate Hore, will face a stern challenge from North Melbourne’s prolific defense, spearheaded by star midfielder Ash Riddell and her partner in crime Jasmine Garner.
With teams of varying finals experience vying for the premiership, the eighth season of the AFLW promises to be an enthralling spectacle. The odds are wide open, and any team could emerge victorious, making this year’s finals series one to remember.
