Melbourne came within a whisker of snatching the AFLW minor premiership, after handing West Coast an absolute belting on Saturday.
The Demons showed no mercy in the 11.13 (79) to 0.1 (1) victory at Casey Fields.
Despite the drubbing, it wasn’t enough for last season’s grand finalists to take top spot from Brisbane – missing out by just 0.3 per cent.
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It was a disappointing showing by the Eagles, who registered their lowest score of season seven, after showing plenty of promise.
Kate Hore was the pick of the Demons with two goals as the Eagles went scoreless in the second half.
Melbourne is now assured of a home final next weekend, with their opponent still to be determined.
Brisbane meantime locked in top spot with a 45-point victory over fellow finalists Collingwood at Metricon Stadium.
The Lions held the Magpies to just one goal on Friday night – coming with just 75 seconds remaining in the match – in the 8.7 (55) to 1.4 (10) win.
The loss ensures Collingwood head into an elimination final next week – and they could sink to as low as seventh by the end of the round.
And the Western Bulldogs have locked in a finals berth with a thrilling win over Carlton on Friday night.
Ellie Blackburn kicked the match-winner with just two minutes to go to secure the 5.4 (34) to 4.7 (31) win – and only the Dogs’ second-ever finals appearance in the AFLW.
Blackburn won the footy, produced a brilliant step and kicked her second goal of the night to get her side over the line.
Coach Nathan Burke was full of praise for his star after overcoming illness to play.
“I’m not going to go into it but you guys don’t know the issues that she’s had on a physical level over the last couple of weeks that she’s been dealing with,” Burke said.”
“The particular condition isn‘t helped by flying, and we flew to Perth and back last week.
“I honestly didn’t think she was going to play today, so from not being able to play today and not training throughout the whole week, and then to come out and do that, that’s special.”
