Adelaide captain Chelsea Randall has suffered an ankle injury in the Crows’ comprehensive 22-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in the AFLW showpiece at Carrara.
Key points:
- The Lions recorded an 8.5 (53) to 4.7 (31) win against the Crows
- Randall was forced off the field in the final quarter
- The Tigers triumphed over the Blues 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34)
After being treated for a broken lip following a clash with Sophie Conway in the second quarter of the Lions’ 8.5 (53) to 4.7 (31) win on Friday night, Randall went withdraw at the end of the fourth season.
He had to ice his right ankle after landing awkwardly in a marking contest with Orla O’Dwyer.
When not in the coaches’ hands, Randall (23 disposals, seven clearances) was inspirational, while Ebony Marinoff (33 disposals) was typically prolific.
But the Lions, who set up their win with a devastating 4.1 to nil second term, had more contributors across the board.
Ally Anderson (22 disposals) was the leading ball-winner, Cathy Svarc (12 tackles) made a push all night and Conway and Jesse Wardlaw (two goals each) kept the scoring going.
The Crows had strong first term advantages in the inside 50 (14-6) and clearances (12-2) but only led by three points at the first change, thanks largely to Brisbane’s desperate defence.
The visitors continued to dictate the stops after quarter-time, but the Lions wildly turned the tables in the territorial battle to lead by 22 points at the main break.
The Lions started the third season with 11 of their first 12 inside 50s, but this time they couldn’t find the big posts.
Against that, less than a minute into three-quarter time, Randall pulled down a hotly contested mark against Dee Heslop and Conway and kicked a goal, giving his team a sniff.
Conway’s second major inside the first 90 seconds of the quarter, followed by Randall’s injury, ended the Crows’ challenge as the Lions continued to go from strength to strength, confirming their status as flag favourites.
Tigers struggle to beat Blues
Courtney Wakefield was in excellent touch in Richmond’s win over Carlton. (Getty Images/AFL Photos: Dylan Burns)
Courtney Wakefield starred with a career-high four goals as Richmond’s hot streak continued with a 10-point comeback win over Carlton.
The Tigers coughed up the first four goals and trailed by 26 points before crawling back into the contest, winning 6.8 (44) to 5.4 (34) in a tight finish at Princes Park.
Wakefield and midfield weapon Monique Conti (30 disposals) were instrumental for the Tigers, who are in contention for a top-four spot after winning six straight.
The Blues were left with a huge missed opportunity, with their best hopes now in jeopardy with two rounds to play.
Former Blues Sarah Hosking (18 disposals, one goal) and Grace Egan (18 disposals) both performed well against their old side.
Mimi Hill was Carlton’s best with 20 disposals and a goal, with captain Kerryn Peterson (15 disposals, one goal) also outstanding in her 50th game.
The Blues surprised the visitors in a bright start, dominating the territory early and registering the first 11 forwards.
They led by 19 points at quarter time.
But the Tigers slowly worked their way back into the game, boosted in large part by Conti’s work around the contest.
Three successive goals from Wakefield put the Tigers in front for the first time midway through the third quarter before the Blues got one back through Keeley Skepper.
Wakefield rose with a mark in the goal square to put the Tigers ahead heading into the final quarter and captain Katie Brennan fired the sealer with less than a minute left on the clock.
AAP