History was made overnight as two Irish players made history in the AFLW Grand final as Melbourne shocked Brisbane to claim the premiership title.
Melbourne were the underdogs as they took on Orla O'Dwyer's Brisbane in the AFLW Grand Final in Brisbane's home stadium, but they battled to a tight 19-15 victory to secure a shock victory in a tight final.
Both sides had identical records from the league season, with just one defeat each their league campaign, as Brisbane edged Melbourne to top spot on points difference.
After a strong start to the final for Brisbane, it was was Melbourne who got the first goal of the game through Armagh's Blaithin Mackin, who continued her brilliant first season in the AFLW with a well taken finish.
The Dees are on the board thanks to Blaithin Mackin 💪#ColesGoals | #AFLW | #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/Iy7vhI2VHq
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) November 27, 2022
Brisbane grew back into the game and were leading at the interval, but Melbourne battled back with a goal from Tayla Harris in the third quarter, as they held on for their first Premiership title since 2017.
AFLW History
It was a historic day for Sinéad Goldrick, who became the first Irish women player to win an All-Ireland title and an AFLW title, with a big defensive display in the final with five disposals. The Dublin footballer is the first player to achieve this milestone since Tadhg Kennelly, who did so with Kerry and the Sydney Swans.
The luck of the Irish ☘️ #AFLWGF pic.twitter.com/4Ue1dlgTLe
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) November 27, 2022
Along with Zach Tuohy and Mark O'Connor's victory for the Geelong Cats earlier this year, Ireland has now four AFL winners in both the men and women's premiership this year. Following today's victory, Maclin and Goldrick's victory mean four Irish players have AFLW titles, with Ailish Considine and Orla O'Dwyer completing the list.
It wasn't to be for one Irish player in Orla O'Dwyer, who came up short for Brisbane despite a brilliant season for the Tipperary star.
SEE ALSO: Miriam Walsh: 'We Were There For One Another And We Came Out The Right Side
