Eagles' Banner Defies Elements in Historic AFLW Clash
The West Coast Eagles' AFLW team made history on Saturday, 8 November 2025, but not before their celebratory banner endured a brutal battle against Melbourne's horrific weather conditions. In a scene more reminiscent of a mid-winter July clash than a November final, the team's maiden finals banner struggled to stay intact at IKON Park ahead of their historic match against Carlton.
Horror Conditions Test Finals Hype
Persistent rain fell throughout the day, accompanied by a relentless strong wind that threatened to ruin the special occasion. The Eagles, who don't typically run through a banner for regular season matches, were keen to amplify the excitement for their first ever AFLW final. However, the elements had other plans.
The dedicated cheer squad raised the banner early, only for the wind and rain to immediately begin tearing it apart. By the crucial moment when players needed to charge through it, the structure had already copped a significant battering. Against all odds, the banner somehow held together long enough for the players to make their traditional entrance as fireworks spectacularly lit up the stormy sky around them.
Fans Brave Weather for Historic Occasion
Meanwhile, loyal fans ensured they were rugged up against the challenging conditions to witness the historic event. The Eagles' women's team was looking to create their own piece of history, aiming to go one better than their men's team from 1988 by securing a victory in their inaugural finals appearance. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation despite the weather, as supporters hoped to witness a breakthrough finals win for the club.
The dramatic banner survival added an unexpected layer of drama to what was already a landmark moment for the West Coast Eagles AFLW program, proving that even the worst Melbourne weather couldn't dampen the spirit of this historic finals debut.
