Never-say-die Port Adelaide came from the clouds to claim a home final in stunning fashion on Sunday, with Gemma Houghton kicking a goal with a minute remaining to break GWS hearts and extend the Power’s winning streak to six games.
Led brilliantly by skipper Bec Beeson, the brave Giants led from the outset until Houghton marked 35m out on a tricky angle as the clock ticked down.
IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD BE BUYING INSTEAD. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Watch every game of the NAB AFL Women’s Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
Lions secure top 4 spot, smash Swans | 01:33
With fans on the edge of their seats, Alberton Oval erupted when the star forward coolly sent her set shot sailing through the middle to put her side up by a point.
Houghton’s clutch goal was preceded by a controversial sling tackle free kick given in favour of the Power, with the reset 60 metres out from their goal ending up bang on the chest of the 30-year-old.
Lauren Arnell’s team had already locked up a historic first finals berth before the clash, but the result moved Port from eighth to sixth with a home final at the club’s spiritual home to come.
“I’m elated with the result,” Arnell said.
“The heart and soul of our footy club is Alberton and to know that we’re coming home to play our first final is great for our fans.
“In our third season in the comp, to be playing a home final – our first final – at Alberton and for our people to show up continually as they do … it’s really special.”
Maria Moloney, Piper Window, and Olivia Levicki impressed for the Power, who secured finals with a 7-4 record.
The Giants, who couldn’t move out of 16th on the ladder regardless of the result, took a seven-game losing streak into the clash with their past four defeats coming at an average losing margin of just over 41 points.
The Giants’ only win of the season came back in August when they prevailed over the Western Bulldogs in Round 1, but the visitors, perhaps inspired by Alicia Eva’s 75th-game milestone, set the tone from the outset and made it difficult for the home side to play the game on its own terms.
North remain undefeated in AFLW | 00:42
LATE BLOW
The Power, already without teen ruck sensation Matilda Scholz due to calf tightness, suffered a blow in the warm-up when a sore Abbey Dowrick was a late withdrawal.
That duo are Port’s top two clearance players and their absence appeared to be a factor early when a red-hot GWS side jumped out of the blocks.
With Beeson and Alyce Parker getting plenty of the ball, the Giants had nearly double the number of clearances (21-11) and 37 more possessions thanks to their superior work rate and pressure in the first half, the visitors with a well-deserved nine-point lead at the main break.
That lead should really have been larger, with Meghan Gaffney missing back-to-back shots at goal from close range late in the second term.
Gaffney’s day ended early when she twisted a leg awkwardly in a tackle late in the third quarter and was helped from the field by trainers.
MOWBRAY STRIKES
Tarni Evans started the scoring in the second half with another miss from a set shot from 20m out then Brodee Mowbray missed a tougher one shortly after.
But just when it seemed the visitors might be kicking themselves out of the contest, Mowbray struck.
The 22-year-old deftly gathered a loose ball after a marking contest then threw it on her boot, with her goal extending the margin to a game-high 17 points.
Caitlin Wendland was able to drag one back before the last break, converting a set shot for her second major to set up the tense finale.
Discussion about this post