After arguably the greatest AFLW campaign yet, it’s fitting we see a Grand Final few would’ve predicted coming into season eight.
North Melbourne and Brisbane clash for the 2023 premiership on Sunday afternoon at Melbourne’s Ikon Park, each attempting to write their own piece of history.
For the Kangaroos, it’s a chance to finally break through, having established themselves as an immediate and perennial contender upon their entry into the league via the first round of expansion.
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But they’ve never been able to take that step from good to great – and copped the unfortunate timing of having their best chance, 2020, cut short mid-finals campaign when Covid saw the entire season cancelled.
For the Lions, it’s a testament to their incredible ability to re-load year after year despite constantly being raided of their top talent.
Emily Bates, a 2021 premiership player and season six league best and fairest, was the most notable departure this past off-season – yet Craig Starcevich’s side just kept on keeping on. Remarkably this will be their fifth Grand Final appearance from a possible seven.
And after a pair of qualifying final upsets, with Brisbane knocking off Adelaide and North Melbourne surprising Melbourne, we have the AFLW’s first Grand Final that isn’t between the No.1 and No.2 seeds from the home and away season.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2023 AFLW Grand Final.
Conti claims AFLW’s best and fairest! | 00:32
WHEN IS THE AFLW GRAND FINAL AND HOW CAN I WATCH IT?
The season eight AFLW Grand Final will be played at Melbourne’s Ikon Park from 2:30pm AEDT on Sunday December 3.
It will be broadcast live on Fox Footy (channel 504) and streamed on Kayo Sports from 1:30pm AEDT, with no ad-breaks siren-to-siren.
If you’re outside of Australia, you can watch the Grand Final as well as Fox Footy coverage and TV shows on WatchAFL.
WHO IS PLAYING IN THE AFLW GRAND FINAL?
The biggest teams talking point heading into the Grand Final revolves around Brisbane’s star key forward Dakota Davidson.
It was feared the All-Australian would miss the flag decider after suffering a knee injury late in the tense preliminary final win over Geelong.
But scans cleared her of any serious ligament damage and, after being named in the squad on Thursday evening, completed a strong training session at Lions HQ.
While she had her knee heavily strapped Davidson did everything required of her during the session suggesting she’ll hold her spot – which is critical, given she was the forward line’s focal point in 2023 with 21 goals.
“It would be amazing to have her out there on Sunday, but if not, we’ve seen the depth of our team this year,” Brisbane vice-captain Nat Grider said earlier in the day.
“Regardless of who plays on Sunday I know they’ll fit in and do their role for the team.”
If Davidson is ruled out on Friday when the final 21-woman teams are named, Analea McKee looms as her replacement.
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Sarah Wright, Jasmine Ferguson
HB: Eliza Shannon, Emma Kearney, Erika O’Shea
C: Taylah Gatt, Mia King, Lulu Pullar
HF: Bella Eddey, Jenna Bruton, Alice O’Loughlin
F: Kate Shierlaw, Tahlia Randall
FOLL: Emma King, Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell
I/C (from): Nicole Bresnehan, Tess Craven, Amy Smith, Kim Rennie, Niamh Martin, Liz McGrath, Ellie Gavalas, Lucy Burke
In: Liz McGrath, Ellie Gavalas, Lucy Burke
Out: Nil
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Poppy Boltz, Jennifer Dunne
HB: Breanna Koenen, Nat Grider, Shannon Campbell
C: Orla O’Dwyer, Isabel Dawes, Jade Ellenger
HF: Lily Postlethwaite, Dakota Davidson, Sophie Conway
F: Taylor Smith, Courtney Hodder
FOLL: Tahlia Hickie, Cathy Svarc, Ally Anderson
I/C (from): Phoebe Monahan, Ellie Hampson, Ruby Svarc, Charlotte Mullins, Mikayla Pauga, Analea McKee, Caitlin Wendland, Bella K. Smith
In: Analea McKee, Caitlin Wendland, Bella K. Smith
Out: Nil
HOW DO I GET TICKETS TO THE AFLW GRAND FINAL?
Almost 13,000 tickets sold out on the first day of sales but a small number of additional tickets will be placed on sale on Friday.
“The AFLW Grand Final hosting venues were agreed to with our clubs prior to the start of the season,” an AFL spokesperson said.
“Ikon Park on Sunday will deliver a great atmosphere, hopefully in front of 13,000 fans.
“Marvel Stadium is not available this weekend due to hosting other major events in recent weeks and the turf is presently not suitable for any games.
“On Friday, a small number of tickets will be released for Sunday’s GF and hopefully they are all snapped up by fans.”
The venue’s capacity has been reduced from its previous 30,000 due to redevelopments to tenant Carlton’s headquarters.
WHO WILL PERFORM AT THE AFLW GRAND FINAL?
In a good omen for Brisbane, ARIA Award winner G Flip will be performing the pre-game entertainment – just as she did in 2021, when the Lions defeated Adelaide.
She was also part of the half-time entertainment for the 2022 men’s Grand Final.
WHO WILL PRESENT THE PREMIERSHIP CUP AND BEST-ON-GROUND MEDAL?
Two-time best-on-ground winner Erin Phillips will present the medal to the player voted best afield in the Grand Final.
She, along with Seven commentator Abbey Holmes (chair), AFL Media journalist Gemma Bastiani, Herald Sun journalist Lauren Wood and ABC broadcaster Quentin Hull will vote in a 3-2-1 method on the award.
If North Melbourne wins the premiership, former men’s team captain Jack Ziebell will present the cup to captain Emma Kearney and coach Darren Crocker.
If Brisbane wins the premiership, retired Lions 2021 AFLW premiership captain Emma Zielke will present the cup to captain Bre Koenen and coach Craig Starcevich.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER FORECAST?
It remains to be seen whether Melbourne’s very rainy week will continue but the current forecast is partly cloudy with a top of 24 degrees.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE’S A DRAW?
If scores are level at full-time:
1. Goal umpires confirm scores are identical;
2. There is a six-minute break (accredited coaches and staff are permitted to enter the playing arena during this period);
3. Teams change ends;
4. Three minutes of Additional Time shall be played, plus time-on;
5. At the end of the first Additional Time period, the siren will sound and teams will immediately change ends without a break;
6. The ball will be thrown up in the centre and a further three minutes of play (plus time-on) will commence;
7. At the conclusion of this period, the siren will sound and the team with the highest score is declared the winner;
8. If scores are still tied, steps three to eight are repeated until a result is determined.
The following shall also apply for Additional Time periods:
Interchange cap
Clubs shall receive 10 interchanges for the total two x three-minute period (excluding Medical Substitute). Any leftover interchanges from each period of Additional Time do not carry over into a subsequent period.
Runners
Runners may access the playing arena after a goal or a significant stoppage in play (eg. a stretcher is called).
Runners are also permitted to access the playing arena at the conclusion of each three-minute (plus time-on) period of Additional Time as players are changing ends.
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