THERE might have been just two games played over semi-final weekend, but it wasn't without its storylines. Debate over Richmond's choice to host its game at Punt Road raged, and the Adelaide versus Collingwood match-up was delayed more than once due to massive storms over Unley Oval. But the footy? It was brilliant. 

Each week, Gemma Bastiani will look at a key talking point in each game in this handy wrap-up, just in case you missed it. 

Straight sets, but it's not all bad

Richmond might have been dismissed in straight sets in its first finals series, but there are countless positives to come out of the season and one big one from the semi-final loss. Despite going down by 36 points to North Melbourne, unheralded defender Katelyn Cox showed just what she is made of. After being signed by the Kangaroos as an inactive player replacement in 2021, and delisted without making her debut, Cox went back to the VFLW and developed her footy. That earned her selection at the most recent draft and Cox has since played every possible game for the Tigers this season. Typically a running, rebounding defender, Cox was tasked with a defensive forward role on Roos captain Emma Kearney and didn't just work to stop the star, but also kicked her first ever AFLW goal to open the game.

You can't keep a good woman down

Much of the talk before the Richmond v North Melbourne match-up was focused on Tiger Meg Macdonald's tagging role on Kangaroos star Jasmine Garner, holding the latter to her lowest disposal count since 2019 and severely limiting her impact on the game. Richmond coach Ryan Ferguson looked to Macdonald once more to quell Garner, but 13 days later, the Roo simply couldn't be shut out of the game. Garner finished the game with 22 disposals, eight tackles, seven clearances and two goals - both of which came in a dominant second quarter whereby the visitors slammed home five goals to open the gap between the sides.

Madi Newman is like a new recruit

Madi Newman's season for Adelaide has been remarkable. Playing in several different positions throughout the season, it has been her ability to use the ball cleanly even when under immense pressure that has added an element to the Crows. In some of the toughest, slipperiest conditions ever seen in AFLW, Newman did not only win 19 disposals, but used the ball at 78.9 per cent efficiency, looking like the only player dealing with a dry ball. Still just 21 years old, her development will only continue, and Crows fans will reap the rewards.

The Pies can't crack finals

Collingwood has made each of the last four finals series' but won just two finals, winning by six and five points in that time. Although COVID-19 bettered them last season, the Pies simply struggle to move deep into finals, indicative of their ability - or inability - to bring their best footy against the best sides. Set to regain vital duo Brianna Davey and Britt Bonnici next season, and the development of Eliza James up forward and Jordyn Allen in defence and up on the wing suggests that Collingwood will be a force to be reckoned with in season eight, out for some redemption.