Demons stage dramatic comeback to beat Cats in AFLW qualifying final

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 05:08 · Archive

Melbourne recovered from 28 points down to beat Geelong by four points in an AFLW qualifying final.

Melbourne staged a remarkable comeback to beat Geelong by four points in their AFLW qualifying final, overturning a 28-point deficit to win 8.8 (56) to 8.4 (52) on Saturday at Ikon Park. The Demons kicked the final five goals of the match, with Paxy Paxman snapping a goal to put them in front. With 20 seconds remaining, Geelong forward Chloe Scheer marked and lined up a set shot that would have won the game, but pushed the kick wide.

Geelong dominated the early stages, leading by 22 points at half-time and stretching that advantage to 28 points in the third quarter. Geelong onballer Georgia Prespakis was best afield in the first half. Melbourne midfielder Liv Purcell helped spark their comeback, with both teams finishing with 34 possessions apiece. Geelong co-captain Becky Webster kicked the only goal of the first quarter.

The match marked the first time Mick Stinear has faced his former club since leaving Melbourne at the end of last season. Stinear was the 2022 premiership coach of Melbourne before joining Geelong. The game was delayed by 10 minutes on Saturday due to the threat of lightning, though much of the match was played in sunshine.

Melbourne have the week off before their preliminary final. Geelong will face the winner of the Sydney versus Western Bulldogs elimination final on Sunday at Henson Park.

Demons stage dramatic comeback to beat Cats in AFLW qualifying final — Image: The West Australian

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How it is being reported

Demons storm back to beat Cats in AFLW qualifying finalMelbourne kept Geelong goalless in the last quarter to recover and beat the Cats by four points in their AFLW qualifying final.The West Australian · 7 Nov, 04:37
Demons storm back to beat Cats in AFLW qualifying finalMelbourne kept Geelong goalless in the last quarter to recover and beat the Cats by four points in their AFLW qualifying final.Perth Now · 7 Nov, 04:37
AFLW Finals: Demons snatch victory from Cats in thrilling qualifying finalMelbourne have stormed back from 28 points down against Geelong to kick the final five goals of the game and book an AFLW preliminary final berth in stunning scenes at Ikon Park.WAtoday · 7 Nov, 04:26

In this story: Melbourne · Geelong · Paxy Paxman · Chloe Scheer · Georgia Prespakis · Liv Purcell · Mick Stinear · Becky Webster

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