There are only four Ulster women left standing after a dramatic round one of the AFLW finals series this weekend.
The sole winner was Donegal defender Tanya Kennedy who made Australian rules history when she helped the Sydney Swans to win the first final in their history after they defeated the Gold Coast Suns 41-58 at Heritage Bank Stadium on the Gold Coast on Saturday.
The Swans didn't win a single game in their first season in the competition last year, but they are now two wins away from an unlikely Grand Final appearance.
After a blistering four-goal opening quarter, Sydney established a firm foothold in the elimination final to continue their fairytale run this year. The hosts tried to get back into the game but were never in the hunt.
Making history ✅#CheerThis pic.twitter.com/sdMhgdU0dG
— Sydney Swans AFLW (@SydneySwansAFLW) November 11, 2023
Sydney’s victory put a full stop on the 2023 AFLW season for former Donegal captain, and 2022 Ladies Footballer of the Year Niamh McLaughlin.
Down’s Clara Fitzpatrick and Tyrone’s Cara McCrossan were omitted from the Suns match-day squad.
Castlefinn woman Kennedy was named as one of the Swans best players after producing an outstanding four-quarter performance.
She not only shut down Claudia Whitfort, one of Gold Coast’s most creative midfielders, but she also finished with 22 disposals (15 kicks & 7 handballs), 2 marks, and ten tackles.
Kennedy also gained 337 metres, head and shoulders above than any other player from either side.
McLaughlin finished with 10 disposals (5 kicks & 5 handballs) and 2 tackles to complete an impressive firsts season as an AFLW player.
The Swans will travel to Adelaide for a semi-final against the Adelaide Crows at Norwood Oval next week when Kennedy will face with another Donegal native in Crows forward Yvonne Bonner.
A place in a preliminary final against North Melbourne is at stake for the winner.
The Crows, who finished top of the regular season ladder, lost 37-39 to the Brisbane Lions in Saturday’s qualifying final thriller at Norwood Oval between the two top four protagonists.
The hosts dominated the second and third quarters, but Brisbane would not be denied to underline their status as the three-time premiers' bogey side.
The Lions now lead the head-to-head count between the teams 8-3 and Saturday’s victory undoubtedly blew the premiership race wide open.
Tipperary footballer Orla Dwyer was outstanding for the Lions with two goals and nine tackles. Bonner, who booted a behind, finished with 10 disposal (7 kicks & 3 handballs), 3 marks, and 6 tackles.
On Sunday, the Mackin sisters were on the Melbourne Demons team who were hammered 9-50 by North Melbourne in a shock qualifying final result at Melbourne’s Ikon Park.
The reigning premiers, who had won their last six matches against the Kangaroos started as favourites, but North Melbourne stepped up a gear in the third quarter when they kicked three goals to Melbourne’s one behind to leave the Demons floundering.
Shane O’Neill’s and Armagh footballer Aimee Mackin returned to the Demons starting line-up after missing three consecutive matches with an ankle injury.
The older Mackin sibling collected 10 disposals (5 kicks & 5 handballs), and 1 mark in the Demons forward line.
Allstar winger Blaithin collected 7 disposals (6 kicks & 1 handball), 1 mark, and three tackles in midfield.
Melbourne will face Geelong next week in a semi-final, with the Brisbane Lions waiting for the winner in a preliminary final in a fortnight.
Geelong’s 51-33 defeat of Essendon in Sunday’s elimination final at GMHBA Stadium put an end to the Bombers season.
Former Fermanagh captain Joanne Doonan only played one game for Essendon during the regular season and her 2023 season is now over.