West Coast Eagles' historic AFLW finals hopes were dashed after a loss to Carlton on Friday night, but the team secured a finals berth for the first time following Sydney Swans' shock three-point loss to Essendon. The Swans needed to beat Essendon to qualify but fell 2.2 (14) to 1.5 (11) at Coffs Harbour, allowing West Coast to advance.
Essendon led 14-2 early in the final quarter after Sophie Alexander's goal. Sydney cut the margin to three points with four minutes left when Zippy Fish scored their first goal, but the Bombers held firm. The result also kept Fremantle's finals hopes alive, with the winner of Sunday's Fremantle-Adelaide match to claim the final spot.
Melbourne secured second spot on the AFLW table with a 14-point win over Geelong, 9.5 (59) to 6.9 (45), at GMBHA Stadium. The win spoiled the farewell for retiring Geelong veterans Kate Darby, Meghan McDonald, and Shelley Scott. Eden Zanker kicked four goals for Melbourne, including two in a third-quarter surge.
Melbourne midfielder Tyla Hanks was influential with 27 disposals and six clearances. Geelong's Georgie Prespakis had 32 disposals and 10 tackles. The Demons could be without star forward Kate Hore for the finals after she copped a late head knock.
