Adelaide has suffered its first AFL Women’s loss in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash with Brisbane at Norwood Oval on Saturday night.

The Lions took a major step towards hosting the inaugural AFLW Grand Final by downing the previously undefeated Crows by three points in an intense and physical contest.

The visitors trailed by eight points at the long break but were inspired by a pair of superb third term goals, the first to Kate McCarthy, and the second through Kate Lutkins.

The Crows kept coming and re-took the lead when Abbey Holmes goaled following a 50-metre penalty, taking a two-point lead into the final change.

But the Lions’ pace and slick ball movement through the middle of the ground continued to create chances.

Sabrina Frederick-Traub was a powerhouse in the ruck and through the middle of the ground, and McCarthy kicked a decisive snap goal as Brisbane claimed the ascendency early in the final term to hang on for victory.


Erin Phillips never gave up for Adelaide and collected a match-high 21 possessions - the most by a Crow in the inaugural AFLW season so far.

Tough midfielder Ebony Marinoff crashed in to lay 14 tackles, while co-captain Chelsea Randall showed little regard for her own safety, throwing herself into contest after contest all match.

Full-forward Sarah Perkins kicked two goals and had a hand in several other scoring opportunities.

The Crows play third-placed Melbourne at TIO Stadium in Darwin next Saturday afternoon.

 

The moment: Brisbane half-forward Kate McCarthy kicked one of the goals of the season when she picked the ball up 70m from goal and exploded away from traffic, bounced twice and then goaled from 30m at full pace.

The game changer: Adelaide had dominated the inside 50m count and looked hard to beat with the home crowd urging them on entering the final term. But Kate McCarthy's snap goal at the start of the last quarter gave the Lions the lead and the scoreboard pressure was telling in the final term, as the Crows rushed at times in search of a major.

What we learned: AFLW R5

The key: Sabrina Frederick-Traub was a towering presence in the ruck and also got involved in many attacking foray for the Lions. She finished with 15 disposals.

The ladder now: Brisbane is now firmly in the box seat to not only be in the inaugural AFLW Grand Final but host it, after improving its record to 5-0 and going a game clear at the top. The Crows remain in charge of their own destiny but have less room for error after blotting their copy book for the first time.

Say what? 
"It was a scrap and to be honest our back six held up beautifully. They were under the pump there in that last quarter." - Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich.

"I thought we were really good with our contested possession tonight. It was a real focus pre-game...What we weren't particularly good at tonight was our decision-making under pressure." - Adelaide coach Bec Goddard.

What's next: The Lions host the Western Bulldogs at South Pine Sports Complex and can strengthen their grip on top spot. Adelaide travels to Darwin to play the Demons at TIO Stadium.

ADELAIDE   1.0   2.3   4.4   4.6 (30)
BRISBANE   1.0   1.1   4.2   5.3 (33)

GOALS
Adelaide: Perkins 2, Riley, Holmes
Brisbane: McCarthy 2, Bates, Lutkins, Zielke

BEST
Adelaide: Phillips, Randall, Varnhagan, Marinoff, Foley, Perkins
Brisbane: Frederick-Traub, McCarthy, Hunt, Bates, Stanton

INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Brisbane: Nil

Reports: Gibson (Brisbane)- rough conduct

Umpires: Medlin, Bryce, Wachtel

Official crowd: 12,108