Indigenous stars lead Lions to thrilling qualifying final win

Jackson Clark Published November 12, 2023 at 12.00am (AWST)

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Brisbane's Indigenous stars have helped propel the Lions to a preliminary final berth with Saturday's qualifying final win.

Ally Anderson played a key role through the midfield while Dakota Davidson kicked two goals in the Lions' thrilling two-point victory.

Brisbane 6.3 (39) defeated the Crows 5.7 (37) at Norwood Oval in Adelaide.

The match was played at a frenetic intensity with the Lions gaining the upper hand early in the contest.

The Crows were able to overturn a nine-point deficit at the first break to take a three-point lead into half time.

Despite dominating possession – Adelaide won the disposal count 256 to 192 – the home team was unable to convert opportunities in front of goal and would rue a costly four behinds in the last quarter.

Ally Anderson finished with a team-high 17 disposals and also recorded six tackles, highlighting her physicality around the contest.

The 29-year-old Gangulu woman had another excellent season in the AFLW averaging just under 26 disposals per game and finishing third in the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player voting.

Ally Anderson has had another excellent season for the Brisbane Lions. (Image: AFL)

Dakota Davidson kicked a goal in the second quarter, another in the final term, and was a lively target all game in the Lions' forward-line.

Her second quarter goal notched up her 50th career goal in total, becoming the first Brisbane Lions player to achieve this milestone.

The Gunditjmara woman is the third Indigenous player to reach the 50-goal mark and she will play her 50th AFLW game in the preliminary final in a fortnight's time.

Danielle Ponter was busy for the Adelaide gathering 17 disposals, but was unable to have an impact in front of the goals.

The Anmatjerre woman is already a two-time premiership player with the Crows and boasts a brilliant individual record in finals.

Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich told media after the game that he could not be prouder of his group.

"(We showed) a fair bit of a ticker to keep coming back and not give up," Starcevich said.

"That's been a strong trait of our group for many a year now, so just pleased they found a way to win the game twice really."

The Lions have now earned a home preliminary final in a fortnight's time.