In a breathtaking display of resilience, the Melbourne Demons have staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat the Adelaide Crows by 11 points in a pulsating AFLW semi-final at Ikon Park on Saturday.
Dramatic Second Half Turnaround
The Demons found themselves trailing by 13 points at half-time after Adelaide dominated the second quarter, but emerged from the break with renewed vigour. The final scoreline read 9.6 (60) to 7.7 (49), sending Melbourne through to a preliminary final clash against the undefeated North Melbourne.
Emotions ran high at the final siren, with coach Mick Stinear moved to tears by his team's extraordinary effort. The victory was built on relentless pressure and standout individual performances that swung the momentum decisively in Melbourne's favour.
Captain's Masterclass and Defensive Heroics
Demons skipper Kate Hore produced a career-defining performance, booting three crucial goals and accumulating 26 disposals to lead her team from the front. Her brilliant boundary-side dribbler in the third quarter was a particular highlight, helping to reclaim the lead for Melbourne.
The midfield brigade provided outstanding support, with Shelley Heath (24 touches, six clearances) and Elizabeth McNamara (25 disposals) dominating through the centre. Meanwhile, defender Tahlia Gillard produced two epic goal-saving chasedown tackles in the second half that proved crucial to the outcome.
Gillard first denied Niamh Kelly late in the third term, then stopped Chelsea Randall's three-bounce surge in the dying seconds of the match, showcasing incredible desperation and skill under pressure.
Match Progression and Key Moments
Melbourne burst from the blocks with the opening two goals inside the first four minutes, using their outside run to trouble Adelaide early. They maintained a 12-point lead at quarter-time after Maggie Mahoney snapped truly on the siren.
Adelaide responded emphatically in the second term, piling on 5.2 to 1.1 to seize control, capped by Danielle Ponter's strong mark and goal right on the half-time horn.
The tactical move of throwing Tayla Harris into the ruck to start the third quarter provided Melbourne with fresh energy. Blaithin Mackin's first goal of the season followed by Hore's clever dribbler put the Demons back in front.
The scores were level at three-quarter-time before Hore sealed the victory with her third major. Adelaide dominated inside-50s in the final term (13-4) but were left to rue wasted opportunities, epitomised by Caitlin Gould dropping a chest mark 25 metres out.
For the defeated Crows, Ebony Marinoff (27 touches, one goal) and Niamh Kelly (23, one) were prolific, but couldn't counter Melbourne's overwhelming second-half pressure.
Significant Consequences
The defeat marks the end of an era for Adelaide, breaking their run of five successive preliminary final appearances. It also concludes Matthew Clarke's tenure as Crows coach, who finishes with an impressive 65-27 record.
An elated Kate Hore expressed her disbelief after the match, stating: "I can't believe it. They're a tough outfit, we've played against them for so many years and had so many great battles. Unreal to get the job done and through to a prelim."
The Demons now face their toughest challenge yet against an undefeated North Melbourne side, with a place in the AFLW grand final on the line.
