MELBOURNE and Brisbane will face off in an historic preliminary final held at the MCG as they vie off for a coveted place in the Grand Final. The Demons are coming off an extended break due to the delayed finals series, while the Lions are full steam ahead after beating Collingwood by 50 points on Sunday to qualify.

Last time they met

When these two sides faced off in round seven, the game proved to be eerily similar to their 2021 battle, ending with a Greta Bodey kicking after the siren falling agonisingly short. Karen Paxman won a game-high 23 disposals, with Brisbane midfielder Emily Bates hot on her heels with 22.

The Lions took control early in the game and on the quick deck of Metricon Stadium, they moved the ball cleanly into attack. Helping to swing the momentum back Melbourne's way was captain Daisy Pearce who moved into defence and really got the game on her side's terms. Forward recruit Tayla Harris stole the show with a record-equalling seven contested marks as the Lions had no answers for her height and strength without Kate Lutkins.

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Game plans

Melbourne wants to control the ball out of the back half, spot up an option in the corridor and then use run from behind and quick hands to get the ball forward. Lily Mithen, Casey Sherriff and Alyssa Bannan out on the wing provide plenty of attacking run, while on the ball Tyla Hanks, Maddi Gay and Eliza West offer a good balance of clearance work and defensive pressure.

Brisbane thrives on adapting to the game situation at hand. They can handle a contested, chaotic game just as well as controlled outside ball, and will no doubt bring the pressure on Saturday. In attack they are averaging a huge 5.4 individual goal kickers this year, while the Demons are goaling through an average of 4.1 players per game.

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Head to head

Melbourne and Brisbane have faced off in five matches in AFLW history, with the former claiming victory in four of those games. Brisbane's one win over the Demons came in their very first AFLW match back in round one, 2017. Their last two matchups have been decided by a combined margin of five points, and both came down to a dramatic kick after the siren.

These two sides have never met in a final. Melbourne has a 66.7 per cent win rate across its three finals appearances, while reigning premier Brisbane has won 50 per cent of its six finals - its last three.

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Players to watch

Shelley Heath

Heath will surely reprise her role against dangerous small forward Courtney Hodder after holding Hodder to just one goal across their two most recent meetings - and even then, it had to be goal of the year to break past Heath. The Demon has racked up countless head-to-head wins this season and will be key to Melbourne's fortunes on Saturday.

Sophie Conway

The winger's outside run and relentless work rate proved to be very damaging against the Pies on Sunday. In round seven against the Demons, Conway was uncharacteristically quiet, winning nine disposals and registering just 193 metres gained. If Conway can get the ball in her hands outside the contest, that spells trouble for Melbourne.

Dream matchups

Eliza West v Emily Bates

Bates' career-best season will be front of mind for the Demons midfield after the Lion won another game-high six clearances in their qualifying final win. Rookie Eliza West has become Melbourne's most relentless defensive midfielder this year, averaging 4.3 tackles per game and has the potential to lower Bates' impact at the contest.

Lauren Pearce v Tahlia Hickie

Arguably two of the best rucks in the league this season, giving their teammates first use and then expertly impacting around the ground. Pearce is averaging 14.2 hitouts, 13.4 disposals and 4.7 clearances this season, while Hickie is averaging 21 hitouts, 8.8 disposals and 2.5 clearances. Whichever ruck can combine better with her midfield group will have a big say in the result of this game.

Season so far

Melbourne

The Demons have lost just once this year, in round four against minor premiers Adelaide. They have looked best when winning the contest and then putting speed on the ball into attack, but have been found wanting when challenged with pressure by sides who expertly close down space.

Fremantle

The Lions have battled well to emerge from early COVID disruptions to get their season well and truly back on track. The Lions have lost only two games against Adelaide and Melbourne in opposing circumstances - battling against relentless pressure and significant injuries against the Crows, and just falling away after a condensed fixture against the Demons. Brisbane has notably broken its club high score of 65 coming into this season four times this year.

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