Coaches expecting tight AFLW grand final

The coaches preparing their sides for the inaugural AFLW grand final expect the contest between Brisbane and Adelaide to be close.

Lions captain Emma Zielke (L) and Crows captain Erin Phillips

The coaches expect the AFLW final between Brisbane and Adelaide to be close. (AAP)

The inaugural AFL Women's grand final between Brisbane and Adelaide will come down to individual brilliance, according to both coaches.

The undefeated Lions face the Crows at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday but their 100 per cent season record means little in the one-off encounter.

Mentor Craig Starcevich says an individual moment like Kate McCarthy's dazzling 70m run before slotting a goal the side's narrow round five win over the Crows is likely to be the difference.

"It will boil down to some desperate acts here and there. The players have alluded to the fact that last time we played it could have gone either way," Starcevich said on Friday.

Adelaide's classy attack has produced 41 goals this season, 11 via talismanic forward Sarah Perkins.

The former netballer and soccer player has proven her power and skill in the competition, regularly shrugging off defenders, and is in form after kicking four goals against Collingwood last week.

The Lions' dogged and determined style has resulted in a series of tight wins and Starcevich believes this has toughened his team and taught them how to absorb pressure.

Emily Bates, Kate McCarthy and captain Emma Zilkie have surprised with their strong performances in winning contested ball and providing a steady stream of opportunities key forward, Tayla Harris.

At 179cm tall, Harris has claimed 21 marks for the season - 15 contested - but she was kept extremely quiet in round five by Crows defender Chelsea Randall.

Randall clung to Harris for the match and didn't allow her any room to exploit her explosive jump and strong hands.

The physicality and strength of the Crows outfit has been exemplified by captain Erin Phillips.

The former Olympian and current WNBA star has outrun and out-muscled her opponents, providing strong support for the Crows in attack and defence.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Coaches expecting tight AFLW grand final | SBS News