Snapshot of the Demons' AFLW premiership

By: Oliver Caffrey Time published 2022-11-27 at 05:30 PM (GMT +11:00)

A snapshot at Melbourne's first AFLW premiership after the Demons defeated the Brisbane Lions by four points in the grand final at Michael Voss Oval.

SNAPSHOT OF MELBOURNE'S AFLW GRAND FINAL WIN OVER BRISBANE

* Result: Melbourne 2.7 (19) def Brisbane Lions 2.3 (15)

* The story: The Brisbane Lions raced out of the blocks by kicking two quick goals with a strong breeze. But Melbourne hung in there, grabbed the momentum in the second term and ran with it. The Demons only needed two goals to win their first premiership, but it was enough as they kept the Lions scoreless in the final quarter. It should prove to be a fairytale send-off into retirement for women's football pioneer Daisy Pearce.

* Key stat: After kicking two goals in the first 10 minutes of the first quarter, the Lions failed to add to that tally for the remainder of the grand final.

* Key moment: Tayla Harris, who had produced three underwhelming grand final performances since the inaugural season in 2017, booted the vital goal when she escaped her opponents to take an easy mark in the goal-square. Harris did not stuff the stat-sheet, but she had a crucial influence in helping beat her former club.

* Star player: Shannon Campbell was the rock of the Lions' defence. She had a game-high 19 possessions, collected eight marks and without her, the Lions' loss would have been far greater. Campbell was a deserved recipient of the best-on-ground medal.

* Key quote: "It was like we don't care where we're playing, we're playing in a grand final and we're going up there to win - and they invited the wrong team to their housewarming" - Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce on spoiling the Lions' opening of their new Springfield headquarters.

* Injuries: B Koenen (Lions, knee)