THE TWO teams in the NAB AFL Women’s competition Grand Final couldn’t be any different.
The Western Bulldogs move the ball with a combination of long kicking and speed and are the highest-scoring team in the competition.
Their opposition, Brisbane, has the best defence. Their game-style focuses more on deliberate short kicks to leading players, usually culminating in spearhead Sabrina Frederick-Traub either marking or bringing the ball to ground.
The Western Bulldogs finished top of the ladder, but their season wasn’t without hiccups along the way.
They lost three of their first-choice forwards within the first three weeks of the season with Daria Bannister, Isabel Huntington (both torn ACLs) and Katie Brennan (ankle) all forced to the sidelines.
Despite this, the Bulldogs lost just two games, in part down to their more aggressive game-plan.
A greater emphasis on long kicking has worked wonders for the Bulldogs, who average 6.4 goals a game.
New players Monique Conti, Bonnie Toogood, Jenna Bruton and Aisling Utri have been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ charge up the ladder from sixth last year to first this year.
The Lions have taken an unconventional path to the Grand Final.
Described as the 'Steven Bradbury approach', the Lions came into round seven in fifth position, needing a win of their own and results to go their way in order to make it. Bradbury won the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City for speed-skating when his rivals all fell over.
With Melbourne and Adelaide both losing, the Lions are into their second consecutive Grand Final on the back of four wins.
Although they have a similar side to last year, there’s been significant improvement from the likes of Kate Lutkins, Ally Anderson and Jess Wuetschner.
Brisbane covered the loss of Tayla Harris to Carlton, while Nat Exon has been a lively addition to the midfield.
The Bulldogs, who will be playing without skipper Brennan after the AFL Appeals Board dismissed her appeal on Thursday, defeated the Lions by nine points when the sides met in round two at South Pine Sports Complex.
This time, stinging from last year’s defeat, the Lions might just get over the line.
Prediction: Brisbane by 10 points.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Players to watch
Emma Kearney
One of the favourites for the competition’s best and fairest award, Kearney has gone to new heights in 2018. The midfielder can turn a match on its head, with her strong clearance work and outside run extremely damaging. She averages the most metres gained (453) and disposals (19.6) in the competition.
Ellie Blackburn
Kearney’s partner in crime is extremely dangerous and can slip under the opposition’s guard to hit the scoreboard. A powerful runner, her speed away from stoppages has been crucial to the Bulldogs’ success in the past two years. Has kicked 3.6 this year, so if her radar is on, she could be a game-breaker.
Lauren Spark
Looms as the most likely choice to take on Sabrina Frederick-Traub. The key position player has spent time up forward and in the ruck for the Dogs, but this year has made full-back her own. Kept Frederick-Traub to just five disposals, one mark and one behind last time the sides met.
How they got here
The Bulldogs had a flying start to the year. They defeated Fremantle by 26 points at home, then held firm for a nine-point win over a determined Brisbane. Their first loss for the season came in round three against Adelaide, before they rebounded in spectacular fashion to destroy Carlton by an AFLW-record 73 points. A tough eight-point win over Collingwood left the Bulldogs with two chances to qualify for the Grand Final. They lost their first, against Greater Western Sydney, but a Brooke Lochland goal in the dying minutes of their final match against Melbourne resulted in a two-point win and a Grand Final berth.
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BRISBANE
Players to watch
Sabrina Frederick-Traub
The key forward has relished being the biggest target for the Lions after the departure of Tayla Harris. She’s the best contested mark in the competition and has been working hard on addressing her goalkicking accuracy, having scored 8.6 for the season. Took the game away from Greater Western Sydney in round seven almost single-handedly.
Emily Bates
Has been a barometer for the Lions this year. Has generally been quiet in the games they’ve lost but starred in their wins. The midfielder averages 17.7 disposals a match this season, but it’s the choices she makes with ball in hand that elevates her game.
Kate Lutkins
One of the most improved players in the competition this year, Lutkins has starred in defence. Can play either a shut-down or rebound role depending on what is required and is an integral cog between the defence and midfield. Her long kicks are a big weapon.
How they got here
Brisbane started its season in the best way possible, avenging its 2017 Grand Final loss by edging out Adelaide by 12 points. The Lions crashed down to earth in round two, a loss to the Bulldogs marking the first time they had been defeated in an AFLW home and away match. They rebounded with consecutive wins against Carlton (22 points) and Fremantle (seven) before losing a crucial game to Melbourne by just six points. An upset loss to Collingwood in round six meant the Lions needed to defeat the Giants in round seven (which they did) and hope results went their way to make the Grand Final.
