The Brisbane Lions suffered their first defeat of the AFLW season, falling 5.3 (33) to 6.9 (45) to Adelaide thanks to a master performance from veteran Erin Phillips at Hickey Park on Sunday.
Key points:
- Adelaide 6.9 (45) beat Brisbane 5.3 (33) in scorching conditions at Hickey Park
- Brisbane suffered its first defeat of the 2021 AFLW season
- Adelaide lead 17-0 after the first quarter, but Brisbane fought back in an entertaining game
The 35-year-old Phillips kicked 4.0 from 21 disposals as the Crows bounced back from last week’s defeat against Fremantle in the west, hanging on for dear life against a fast-finishing Brisbane side.
After a point-less first quarter in stifling heat in Brisbane’s north, Brisbane clawed their way back into the contest, getting back to within a score in the final quarter, but eventually wave after wave of Adelaide attacks told as the two-time Premiers showed their class.
The Crows had nine inside 50’s to one after that opening term, but the Lions woke up in the second quarter, scoring three goals through Dakota Davidson, Courtney Hodder and Greta Brody in an impressively accurate display of goal kicking to get back to within a score.
However, a timely goal from Ash Woodland in the final second of the half gave the Crows breathing space to the tune of 12 points at the major break.
The Lions continued to apply pressure on the Crows after half time, but when Phillips slotted home after soaring high to take a pack mark 10 metres out late in the third quarter, it made it a 13-point gap in favour of the Crows.
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The Crows had recorded 30 inside 50s to 15 at the final turnaround, but Brisbane came out firing to open the quarter, lead by Tipperary import Orla O’Dwyer in midfield, who exemplified Brisbane’s tireless work rate in making five tackles
However, the Lions, who had great success in moving the ball through short passes, too often kicked long in desperation in the final stages, allowing Adelaide the chance to win the ball back and eat up time.
Phillips had the final say, converting her fourth goal in the dying seconds to secure the win and cap a brilliant individual performance.
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