Lions just hanging on in nailbiter
FORMER Australian representative sprinter Kate McCarthy kicked arguably the goal of the AFL Women’s competition so far, with Brisbane maintaining their unbeaten record in a nailbiting four-point win over Collingwood.
The 23-year-old, who had also played touch football for Australia and cricket for Queensland, switched on the afterburners with a stunning run-and-gun goal in yesterday’s second quarter.
Believed to be the only AFL player in history to wear a pacemaker, McCarthy left chasing Magpies opponents in her wake as she took five bounces from behind the centre circle all the way to the goal square before converting.
She also kicked another in the last quarter to send the Lions on their way to a hardfought 4.3 (27) to 3.5 (23) victory, with Collingwood still searching for their maiden AFLW win.
An official crowd of 5500 was on hand at the South Pine Sports Complex for Brisbane’s first home game.
A strong wind and tough 34C heat contributed to the low scoring.
The Lions dominated the first half and led by 10 points at halftime, but Collingwood closed to within three points.
It took desperate defence from Brisbane to close it out.