The Brisbane Lions secured a decisive victory over the Carlton Blues, winning by a score of 10.7 (67) to 5.2 (32) in the AFLW semi-final on March 30, 2024. Star performer Ruby Svarc achieved a career-best with four goals, leading her team to a third consecutive grand final appearance against North Melbourne, set for next Saturday. The match took place at Brighton Homes Arena and drew a crowd of 6,511 fans.
Brisbane’s performance was marked by a stunning third quarter, where they scored five goals within just 11 minutes, effectively breaking open a contest that had remained competitive through the first half. Dakota Davidson added an impressive goal from a tight angle, contributing to a thrilling six-goal term that showcased the Lions’ offensive prowess.
This victory marks Brisbane’s ninth straight win, reversing the outcome of their earlier meeting with Carlton in round three. The Lions will now compete in their fourth consecutive grand final and their seventh in the past ten seasons, reinforcing their status as a dominant force in the league.
In the first quarter, Brisbane struggled to convert their opportunities, registering 12 inside-50 entries but failing to score. The Blues capitalized on their chances, with Dayne Finn scoring the only goal of the quarter. The tension remained high as the teams entered halftime with Carlton leading by just five points.
The second quarter saw Svarc take control. She scored her first goal after collecting a loose ball and executing a well-timed handball exchange. Moments later, she added a second goal, recovering quickly from a smothered shot. Despite Carlton’s efforts, including a goal from Tara Bohanna that found Poppy Scholz in the goal square, Brisbane kept the pressure on.
As the match progressed, Svarc’s influence grew. Her third goal, a remarkable banana kick from the pocket, extended Brisbane’s lead. The Lions continued to build momentum, with Courtney Hodder converting a set-up from Svarc, increasing the margin to 17 points. The Lions’ offensive outburst culminated in a series of goals, including a spectacular effort from Davidson.
The third quarter proved decisive, as Brisbane capitalized on a series of mistakes from the Blues. After a deliberate rushed behind led to a goal from Ellie Hampson, Davidson added her second goal from a distance of 45 metres, marking a significant turning point in the match. Despite a late goal from Carlton’s Sophie McKay, the Lions maintained their dominance, with Svarc sealing the victory by netting her fourth goal early in the final term.
This exceptional performance not only highlighted Svarc’s growth as a player but also set the stage for an exciting grand final showdown against North Melbourne. The Lions, riding a wave of confidence, will look to extend their unbeaten run and claim another championship title. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await next Saturday’s clash, which promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable teams.
