The highly anticipated Lions were defeated by Collingwood’s women’s team by five points at Brighton Homes Arena, breaking Brisbane hearts for the second time in a week.
In a dramatic comeback, the women overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to win the match, much like their men’s team did at the MCG last Saturday in the Toyota AFL Grand Final. The Magpies’ second consecutive victory, by a score of 5 points, 3 points, and 28 points, puts them back in the top eight race.
Mikala Cann was the hero in her 50th game, kicking the winning goal from 35 meters midway through the last term.
However, the comeback started soon after halftime, and it was captain Bri Davey who changed the game.
She scored a goal and assisted on another in the third quarter to give her team hope.
Eliza James opened the scoring for the visitors in the final term, and after Brisbane missed several opportunities to score, Cann sealed the victory.
Brisbane lost for the third time in four games at its new home stadium as Taylor Smith missed a shot from almost point-blank range, Ally Anderson sprayed a set shot from 25 meters away, and Orla O’Dwyer was unable to score from the right forward pocket.
As Collingwood scored the only four goals of the second half, Davey (19), Brit Bonnici (20), and Sarah Rowe (21) all contributed to the victory.
Nell Morris-Dalton opened the scoring after a swift Collingwood counterattack.
However, the home team was ahead by the end of the first quarter thanks to Anderson’s ability to control the ball in the middle of the field and Sophie Conway and O’Dwyer’s goal kicks and strong drive from the wings.
With the help of a Courtney Hodder goal, the Lions increased their lead to 16 points in the second quarter, though they might have had a bigger lead if not for some errant kicking.
Caitlin Wendland, making her debut, and Lily Postlethwaite both hit the post, while Taylor Smith had a precise kick reversed after it was touched off by her boot.
The winning factor had to be Mikala Cann, the milestone girl.
With 19 disposals, including a match-high 14 contested, and five clearances in her 50th game, Cann was already significantly contributing, but her greatest impact came in the final moments.
With her team trailing by a point after winning a free kick 35 meters from goal, she calmly returned and scored the game-winning goal to become the Magpie hero. .
When Collingwood takes on longtime rival Carlton the following Sunday at 3:05 p.m.
AEDT, it will try to make it three victores in a row. When Brisbane plays Gold Coast in the QClash at Heritage Bank Stadium on Saturday at 4:35 p.m.
AEST, it will attempt to recoup its losses.
