2021 AFLW Grand Final Preview

At Sherrin we are counting down to the biggest game of the AFLW season, the 2021 Grand Final. Last year we were left without a premier after the finals series was cut short thanks to COVID-19. So as the AFLW Grand Final Sherrins get their final touches, here’s what you need to know about the big game.

ADELAIDE CROWS v BRISBANE LIONS

WHERE: Adelaide Oval

WHEN: Saturday 17 April, 2pm AEDT

 

GRAND FINAL HISTORY

Saturday’s clash is a re-match of the inaugural Grand Final back in 2017. The Crows came out on top that day by six points, claiming a historic AFLW premiership. Two years later, they won another flag, making them the most successful AFLW club so far. Brisbane on the other hand has always been the bridesmaid. After the 2017 Grand Final loss, they backed up with another stellar season only to fall short once again, this time to the Western Bulldogs.

Adelaide’s side is littered with dual premiership players and that winning experience will count for a lot, especially in front of a parochial home crowd at the Adelaide Oval.

Adelaide Crows 2017 AFLW Premiers

KEY MATCH-UP

Brisbane midfielder Cathy Svarc has made a name for herself in 2021 as the AFLW’s premier tagger. Her scalps this season include Collingwood co-captain Bri Davey and last year’s MVP Maddy Prespakis. The big question is who will she line-up next to on Saturday afternoon? Crows star Ebony Marinoff had 35 disposals and 13 tackles in last week’s preliminary final win over the Demons, while Anne Hatchard had 27 touches and kicked a goal. Both are damaging players that will need to be limited, that said, Brisbane also boasts an elite midfield with Ally Anderson leading the charge.

 

HOW TO STOP ERIN PHILLIPS

Not only is Phillips a two-time premiership player, she’s also won two best on ground medals on Grand Final day. Last time these two sides met in round four, she tore the Lions apart with a dominant performance which saw her kick four goals and amass 21 possessions. Brisbane’s defence is super solid with the likes of Shannon Campbell, Breanna Koenen, Kate Lutkins and Emma Zielke back there, but stopping Phillips will be a team effort. And the best way to do that, is cut off her supply. If the Lions can win the midfield battle, then they’ll starve her of opportunities. Adelaide will also be mindful of the red-hot Dakota Davidson who kicked three goals last week in the Lions’ preliminary final win over Collingwood. Davidson is full of confidence and a dangerous proposition for Adelaide’s defence.

 

WHO WINS?

Well the stage is set for a classic Grand Final that goes down to the wire. The pain of losing two AFLW Grand Finals will be driving a number of inaugural Lions. They have been the form side in the back half of the season and while they aren’t a team littered with superstars, they are so even across the board and one of the best drilled teams in the competition. The Crows though have already tasted success, they know how to get the job done on Grand Final day and that will count in their favour, especially with nerves early in the game. The heart says Lions, but the head says Crows. Your guess is as good as mine.