‘We’ll be better for this’: Kangaroo classy in defeat as counterpart stands above
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A classy, but crestfallen, Kangaroos captain Emma Kearney has paid tribute to the Brisbane Lions, while vowing she and her team would be “better for this”.
“If there’s one thing you should never do it’s underestimate the Lions, and what you’ve been able to achieve this season is quite incredible,” Kearney said.
Emma Kearney is tackled.Getty
“This is tough to be up here, but I’m so proud of our girls. Thank you for everything you do, what you bring. We’ll be better for this.”
Brisbane counterpart Bre Koenen was awarded the best on ground medal, kicking a goal to go along with 19 disposals, 10 tackles and seven marks.
She paid tribute to the Kangaroos in defeat, while labelling her recognition as the clash’s best player as a “reflection” of the team’s performance rather than her own.
“I have unfortunately sat there before and know how s--- that feels. I know you guys will be back bigger, better, stronger next year. We really respect you and good game today,” Koenen said of North Melbourne.
“I’m sorry I’m probably going to forget some people, but to my people over there … everybody who has been along this journey, I appreciate you so much, and all the girls love you.”
4.31pm on Dec 3, 2023
Davidson “scary” moment before grand final star showing
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An ecstatic Dakota Davidson has revealed the “scary” 24 hours that transpired before being cleared for what was a star AFLW grand final showing.
The Brisbane forward’s two goals in the fourth term stole the show for the Lions, as her side claimed their second premiership with a 7.2 (44) to 4.3 (27) win over the Kangaroos.
Dakota Davidson’s two goals were key in Brisbane’s second AFLW grand final win.Getty
Davidson was in serious doubt after picking up a knee injury in the preliminary final win over Geelong, inconsolable on the sidelines at the time.
But she returned and made her mark, proving to be the All-Australian force pundits already knew she was.
“That was unreal wasn’t it, the fightback from the girls in that last quarter. It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Davidson said post-game.
“It was a scary 24 hours I’m not going to lie, but obviously scans came back clear, and every child dreams of playing in a premiership, so I did everything I could to make it to this day.
“I’m so glad I did because this is unreal. What these girls are capable of and the season we’ve been through, there’s so many people who doubt us every year, but we compete and play our roles… and it all comes out at the end here.”
Brisbane triumphed against North Melbourne to claim their second premiership.Getty
Lions skipper Bre Koenen, who kicked the final goal of the game after producing a defensive masterclass, said she could barely recall what coach Craig Starcevich said to them at three-quarter time to inspire the fightback - having trailed at every break.
“To be honest it’s a blur, but the good thing about our group is we never give up and that obviously shone today. I don’t remember what he said, but it must have been bloody good,” she said.
“I’m just ecstatic, and with this group and club it’s just so special.
“To be written off year and year again just goes to show how good a group ... we have at this club. I just couldn’t be more proud of my girls today.
4.22pm on Dec 3, 2023
The Lions have done it!
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They have done it! The Brisbane Lions have cast aside their grand final hoodoo to claim a second AFLW premiership, overcoming a determined North Melbourne 7.2 (44) to 4.3 (27).
A Dakota Davidson double in the fourth quarter, with Bre Koenen’s exclamation mark at the end, delivered for Brisbane in their fifth visit to the final game of the season.
Bre Koenen kicked the final goal against the Kangaroos after a star showing in defence.Getty
The Kangaroos were brave in their first grand final, leading for much of the contest.
But the Lions showed they’d learned lessons and developed resolve from their previous experience in grand finals, and their intense pressure game delivered a stunning 110 tackles to get the job done at the death.
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4.19pm on Dec 3, 2023
Skipper’s brilliant exclamation mark
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Bre Koenen has done it!
The Lions captain has finished a remarkable individual performance at the back to kick the match-sealing goal amid a scrambled contest for possession.
The Lions lead 7.2 (44) to 4.3 (27).
4.15pm on Dec 3, 2023
Brisbane on the brink of historic double
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Brisbane have taken their biggest lead of the contest, after Hampson was held off the ball right in front of the sticks.
Looking casual and undeterred by the task ahead of her, she slots the goal to extend the Lions’ lead to 11 points with barely three minutes on the clock.
If they hold out from here, they will become just the second AFLW two-time premiers.
Brisbane 6.2 (38) lead 4.3 (27)
4.09pm on Dec 3, 2023
She’s done it again!
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Cometh the hour, cometh Dakota Davidson.
For the second time, the aggressive forward has come up with a clutch contested mark right in front of the sticks.
Dakota Davidson comes up with a key tackle against the Kangaroos.Getty
The Lions’ biggest goalscorer makes no mistake to take the lead once again.
Brisbane lead 5.2 (32) to 4.3 (27) deep in the final term.
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4.03pm on Dec 3, 2023
Davidson magic gets Brisbane back
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Injury? What injury? For all the concern around Lions star Dakota Davidson and her knee leading into the contest, she certainly has not shown signs of it.
Brisbane’s forward champion looked sensational as she leapt above a pack to claim another trademark contested grab, slotting the set shot to get her side within a point.
Sophie Conway has gone off for a head injury assessment.
Kangaroos lead 4.3 (27) to 4.2 (26).
3.54pm on Dec 3, 2023
Final term drama: History beckons for North Melbourne
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North Melbourne are one quarter away from history, leading by seven points at three-quarter time.
It appeared Brisbane had wrestled back momentum throughout the period, taking the lead for the first time at one stage.
The Kangaroos are one quarter away from making history.Getty
However, the Kangaroos hit back with two goals in the space of a minute, their strength at the centre clearance posing problems for the Lions defence.
If the Kangaroos can hold on, they will become the first expansion club to lift the AFLW premiership trophy.
Kangaroos lead 4.3 (27) to 3.2 (20) at the final break.
3.49pm on Dec 3, 2023
Kangaroos get a roll on
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Within a minute of Shierlaw’s effort to reclaim the lead, Alice O’Loughlin adds her name to the score sheet.
The Kangaroos gun draws a free kick deep inside 50, after some brilliance from her teammates to win the centre clearance, and slots the attempt with ease.
North Melbourne lead 4.3 (27) to 3.2 (20).
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3.47pm on Dec 3, 2023
What a mark! Kangaroos retake the lead
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What a way to retake the lead!
Kate Shierlaw flies in between a pair of Lions defenders to take the mark of the grand final, giving her a set shot to the right of the sticks.
She makes no mistake with the attempt, and the Kangaroos are back in front by the most slender of margins.