Adelaide Crows have held on to defeat the Fremantle Dockers, earning a home AFLW elimination final. In wet conditions at Norwood Oval, the Crows prevailed 4.5 (29) to 2.5 (17) in a thrilling low-scoring contest.
Superstar Anne Hatchard kicked the winning goal with seven minutes remaining in her 100th game, securing the victory that ends Fremantle's season. The result sets up a home elimination final for Adelaide against seventh-placed St Kilda next week.
Fremantle dominated the opening quarter but only led by one point, failing to capitalise on their inside-50 entries. Adelaide's big-game experience proved decisive, with forward Grace Kelly kicking two goals before hobbling off in the final term.
Ebony Marinoff was influential with 26 disposals for the Crows, while Gabby Newton was the Dockers' best. Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke is in his final season, and the team is determined to go deep into finals.
St Kilda will travel to Adelaide after suffering an upset loss to the Western Bulldogs, 10.12 (72) to 4.3 (27). The Saints could have secured a home final with a win but were outplayed, losing star Jaimee Lambert to a suspected calf injury.
The Brisbane Lions extended their winning streak to seven games, defeating Collingwood in Melbourne to finish third in the regular season.
