AAP
THE Brisbane Lions look set to meet North Melbourne in the AFLW premiership decider for a third-straight season after downing Melbourne by 13 points in a tense qualifying final.
After a slow start at Ikon Park on Sunday, the Lions lifted after quarter-time, kicking six of the next seven goals to win 9.2 (56) to 6.7 (43) and progress to a sixth-consecutive preliminary final.
Melbourne blew multiple opportunities to reduce the margin in the third quarter, before Ellie Hampson kicked a classy goal on the run right before the siren to extend the Lions’ lead to a match- winning 14 points.
Brisbane had contributors across the ground, while the Demons relied too heavily on superstar Kate Hore (31 possessions, eight clearances).
Star Lions midfielder Ally Anderson was outstanding and kicked two last-quarter goals, while Belle Dawes was one of many Brisbane players to lift after a quiet start.
It is the Lions’ first finals win against Melbourne after losing a preliminary final, then a grand final during the two seasons played in 2022.
Brisbane will have a week off before hosting a preliminary final against Carlton or Hawthorn.
Rampaging reigning premiers North Melbourne are in the other preliminary final after destroying the Hawks on Friday night for a record-extending 25th-straight win.
The Lions beat North to win the 2023 premiership, before the Kangaroos reversed the result last year for their first AFLW flag.
