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Brisbane Lions storm home to defeat North Melbourne in AFLW grand final

Brisbane seals its AFLW grand final win

Source: Twitter/Seven Network

Wounded Brisbane forward Dakota Davidson has booted two last-quarter goals to help deliver the Lions a stunning 17-point AFLW grand final victory over North Melbourne.

After trailing by seven points at three-quarter time, the Lions were able to avenge last year’s defeat in the decider against Melbourne by storming home to win 7.2 (44) to 4.3 (27) for their second AFLW premiership.

Davidson was under an injury cloud all week after damaging a knee in the preliminary final win over Geelong, but stepped up when it mattered on Sunday after struggling for impact in the first three quarters.

The 24-year-old made no mistake twice in the final term after taking two big marks, converting both her set shots to swing the match in Brisbane’s favour.

Dakota Davidson enjoys her last-quarter goals on Sunday. Photo: Getty

“That was unreal, wasn’t it?” Davidson told the Seven Network.

“That fightback from the girls in that last quarter. It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable feeling.

“The ball wasn’t near me in the first three quarters.

“[Lions coach] Craig [Starcevich] always says it’s all about moments, so I’m glad I took my two moments.”

Ellie Hampson’s second goal with three minutes remaining sealed the match, but Lions captain Bre Koenen added an exclamation mark with a major in the dying seconds.

Brisbane kicked just three goals up to three-quarter-time but managed 4.0 and kept North goalless in the final term as the Lions’ fitness and tackling pressure won out.

It was the Lions’ fifth grand final appearance from seven completed AFLW seasons to certify themselves as genuine powerhouses of the competition, along with triple-premiership winners Adelaide.

North, playing in the club’s first grand final – men or women – since 1999, was led superbly by superstar midfielder Jasmine Garner.

Garner, who again missed out on winning the league best and fairest despite an excellent season, set the tone for North out of the middle and up forward.

The 29-year-old had to work overtime when her midfield partner Jenna Bruton injured her right foot in the opening minutes and took no further part in the match.

-AAP

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