There was crucial Irish clashes in round 8 of the AFLW, with Orla O Dwyer’s Brisbane Lions claiming a crucial 53-31 win, over Adelaide Crows, in a repeat of the 202 Grand Final.
O’Dwyer made 15 disposals, two marks and tackle for the Lions against the Crows, who had the returning Niamh Kelly, while Ailish Considine was ruled out through injury.
They are replaced in second by Melbourne, who made light work of the Gold Coast Suns in a 58-9 victory, with Armagh’s Blaithin Mackin key to victory.
Mackin continued her good form with 12 disposals, two marks and two tackles, while Dublin’s Sinead Goldrick was ruled out through injury.
Hoping to join them in the preliminary final is Collingwood, who are level on points with Melbourne in third after a 32-3 win over Fremantle, in a game with huge Irish involvement.
Sarah Rowe scored a behind and made 13 disposals, while Aisling Sheridan made 19 disposals, as Collingwood put in a huge defensive effort to contain Áine Tighe, who’s been a huge goal threat all season, quiet at the Oval.
The big performances by Irish players kept coming, as Vicki Wall’s three behinds helped North Melbourne to a 54-29 victory over Port Adelaide.
READ HERE: AFLW Round Seven: Rowe And Wall On Target As Race For Finals Heats Up
Erika O’Shea also made six disposals, as the Kangaroo’s face Collingwood next weekend in a crucial clash for their playoff hopes.
Further down the table, it was Cora Staunton and Brid Stack who were winners in a thrilling 34-33 victory over Hawthorn for Great Western Sydney.
Aine McDonagh scored another goal from some brilliant lay from Aileen Gilroy, but it was heartbreak for the duo as they lost to a last minute point.
Get the tape measure out on that Gilly kick! 📏🤯#AFLWGiantsHawks https://t.co/T4Pl5n6cMm pic.twitter.com/YaMXz0wSpG
— Hawthorn FC AFLW (@hawthornaflw) October 16, 2022
Another top display for Aisling McCarthy wasn’t enough as the West Coast Eagles suffered a 34-25 defeat to Geelong, who are still without Rachel Kearns through injury.
McCarthy made 17 disposals and four tackles, with the Eagles now in 15th place.
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