AFLW 2022: The three match-ups that could define preliminary final between Fremantle and Adelaide

Ahead of Fremantle’s historic preliminary final against Adelaide, we look at the three battles that could have a significant say on the final outcome.

Up forward, down back, and through the midfield, there are mouthwatering match-ups all over the park.

Hayley Miller v Ebony Marinoff

The two went head-to-head at centre bounces in round eight, but Miller had her colours lowered, finishing with a season-low 11 touches.

Miller’s burst from stoppages will be crucial, while Marinoff is a tackling machine.

Jess Low v Ashleigh Woodland

The last time these two met it was an enthralling battle.

Low gave up 10cm to her seasoned opponent but kept her quiet up until the dying stages when Woodland kicked the sealer.

Aine Tighe v Sarah Allan

Tighe had one of her best games in Fremantle colours in the Docker’s qualifying final triumph over North Melbourne.

But Allan is one of the best key defenders in the game.

Both talls have proven their prowess at ground level this year.

Tighe is capable of hitting the scoreboard but is even better at reading the play and setting up her teammates.

While Allan can control the game in the air if you let her.

Adelaide v Fremantle at Adelaide Oval, 11:40am WST

Fremantle

B: L.Pugh 32 J.Cuthbertson 29HB: A.Stannett 4 E.O’Driscoll 3 S.Verrier 5C: A.Runnalls 22 K.Bowers 2 S.Cain 20HF: E.Antonio 12 G.Houghton 27 G.O’Sullivan 9F: K.Antonio 15 A.Tighe 10Foll: M.Strom 21 H.Miller – C 19 D.East 8I/C: B.Webb 26 J.Low 30 M.Hyde 28 R.Roux 17 M.Tuhakaraina 13

Emerg: M.Maclachlan 16 T.Toth 33

In: M.TuhakarainaOut: S.Wielstra (Ankle)

Adelaide

B: N.Gore 7 S.Allan 39HB: S.Thompson 14 C.Randall – C 26 M.Rajcic 32C: A.Considine 16 A.Hatchard 33 J.Mules 23HF: D.Ponter 15 E.Phillips 13 T.Charlton 25F: A.Woodland 24 R.Martin 5Foll: C.Gould 1 E.Marinoff 10 H.Button 6I/C: C.Biddell 12 M.Newman 17 H.Munyard 20 M.McKinnon 21 B.Tonon 28

Emerg: A.Ballard 27 Z.Prowse 4

In: M.Newman, H.Munyard, M.McKinnon, B.TononOut: M.Dowrick (Omitted), J.Hewett (Omitted), Z.Prowse (Omitted), E.Jones (Suspension)