Brisbane defender Nat Grider has pulled off a goal-saving tackle to keep Melbourne goalless in the opening quarter of the AFLW Grand Final.
The Lions got off to the perfect start as Dakota Davidson and Cath Svarc booted the opening goals of the match within the space of a minute, with the Demons looking to counter late into the opening quarter.
With less than a minute remaining in the first stanza, several Demons combined in a chain of handbells to see Megan Fitzsimon through on goal and looking likely to boot Melbourne's first major of the evening.
But Grider's pace and power were too much for Fitzsimon, who was brought to ground and penalised for holding the ball as Grider's last-line efforts halted any chance for a goal for the Demons.
Star forward Alyssa Bannan would've slotted the Demons first had the umpire not paid the free kick, with Melbourne instead forced to reset and see out the opening quarter without a goal.
Goal-saving tackle from Natalie Grider! What an effort!
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The effort adds to an enjoyable week for Grider, who claimed a spot in the AFLW Season Seven All-Australian side at Tuesday night's W Awards.
The quarter-time siren soon sounded, with Brisbane holding an 11-point buffer at the first break.
Both teams entered Sunday's grand final with just one loss for the season, with Brisbane looking to add to their 2021 premiership triumph, while the Demons are chasing their first flag.
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