Melbourne has secured a place in the AFLW preliminary finals after producing a remarkable comeback against Geelong, giving the Demons a significant advantage in their push for another premiership. Trailing by as many as 28 points, Melbourne recovered to win 8.8 (56) to 8.4 (52) at Ikon Park on Saturday, November 7. The result sends the Demons directly into the preliminary final with a week off, while Geelong must return next weekend for another chance to progress. Chloe Scheer's missed opportunity in the final seconds proved decisive in one of the most dramatic matches of the finals series.
How Melbourne Secured the Comeback
The contest initially appeared to be heading Geelong's way. Both teams struggled to convert their early opportunities, but Rebecca Webster broke the deadlock with a long-range goal from beyond 50 metres. The Cats subsequently found greater attacking rhythm, with Georgie Prespakis, Chloe Scheer and Jacqueline Parry helping establish a commanding advantage.
Melbourne managed only one goal before half-time, with Eliza McNamara providing the breakthrough late in the second quarter. Geelong's defensive pressure and Melbourne's inaccurate kicking had made the Demons' task increasingly difficult. The Cats also benefited from a 50-metre penalty in the closing moments of the second quarter, allowing Parry to score after the half-time siren.
At one stage in the third term, Geelong held a 28-point advantage. However, Melbourne gradually changed the momentum. Tyla Hanks celebrated her 100th AFLW appearance with a goal, while Kate Hore followed with another important contribution. The Demons finished the quarter with renewed confidence, reducing the deficit and putting pressure on the Cats' defence.
The Key Details
The qualifying final was played at Ikon Park on Saturday, November 7, as part of an AFLW finals double-header. Melbourne won by four points, finishing with 8.8 (56) against Geelong's 8.4 (52).
The decisive moment arrived during the final quarter. Alyssa Bannan scored twice in the second half, including two important goals during the fourth quarter, helping Melbourne move within reach of victory. Veteran midfielder Paxy Paxman then produced the goal that ultimately put the Demons ahead.
Geelong still had an opportunity to reclaim the lead. Scheer marked approximately 15 metres from goal with only seconds remaining. Her set shot drifted wide, ending the Cats' immediate hopes of securing the win.
Key individual performances included:
- Georgie Prespakis: 34 disposals and eight clearances for Geelong.
- Liv Purcell: 34 disposals and seven clearances for Melbourne.
- Alyssa Bannan: Two important goals that helped Melbourne complete its recovery.
- Paxy Paxman: The veteran midfielder kicked the decisive goal.
- Tyla Hanks: Contributed a crucial goal in her 100th game.
The match also attracted a crowd of 4,743 spectators. Windy conditions, heavy rain and a 15-minute lightning delay added further difficulty to an already unpredictable contest.
Why Melbourne Won
Melbourne's recovery was built on improved composure after half-time and greater effectiveness inside attacking range. The Demons had struggled to make their opportunities count during the opening half, but their movement and pressure improved as the game progressed.
Bannan's second-half contribution was particularly significant. After an uncomfortable opening period in which she missed opportunities and struggled to find her rhythm, she became a major attacking threat. Her two fourth-quarter goals helped turn the contest into a genuine opportunity for Melbourne.
The tactical adjustment involving Kate Hore also mattered. She moved into the midfield at the beginning of the final quarter, providing another option around the contest. Meanwhile, Melbourne's ability to exploit Geelong's defensive uncertainty at ground level helped create the opportunities needed to complete the comeback.
Geelong had several outstanding performers, particularly Prespakis and Webster. However, its inability to maintain the defensive control established during the first half ultimately cost the Cats a direct passage into the preliminary final.
What It Means for Both Clubs
For Melbourne, the victory provides an important advantage. The Demons have earned a week off and secured direct entry into the preliminary final, reducing the immediate demands of the finals campaign. They will also have additional time to prepare for their next opponent.
The result continues Melbourne's strong record of competing in important finals matches. The team showed that it could recover from a substantial deficit rather than allowing an increasingly difficult scoreboard situation to determine the outcome.
Geelong faces a different challenge. The Cats will host the winner of the Sydney versus Western Bulldogs elimination final next weekend, with the possibility of playing at GMHBA Stadium if the venue is available. Their qualifying-final defeat does not end their premiership campaign, but it removes the opportunity to progress directly to the preliminary final.
Geelong can take encouragement from its strong opening half and the performances of Prespakis and Webster. Nevertheless, the defensive problems that emerged after the break will require attention before its next finals appearance.
Reactions and What Comes Next
Geelong veteran Bec Webster acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Scheer's late miss while expressing confidence that the team could recover. She described the immediate feeling as being numb, but also pointed to the opportunity provided by the qualifying-final format to return the following week.
The match was particularly significant for Geelong coach Mick Stinear, who previously coached Melbourne for 10 seasons before moving to the Cats. He faced his former team in a high-pressure finals contest, with Melbourne now coached by Tom Wilson.
Both clubs also had injury concerns. Geelong ruck Piper Dunlop managed a back issue during the match and will require further investigation early next week. Melbourne defender Saraid Taylor appeared to hurt her ankle during a tackle but returned to finish the game. Geelong's Nina Morrison also spent time on the bench after a heavy but fair bump from Tayla Harris.
Melbourne now turns its attention to the preliminary final, while Geelong awaits its next opponent. The remaining qualifying final between North Melbourne and Carlton will also shape the developing finals bracket. North is pursuing an AFLW-record third consecutive premiership, while Carlton enters the contest with a top-four finish and the benefit of a double chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Melbourne beat Geelong in the 2026 AFLW finals?
Yes. Melbourne defeated Geelong 8.8 (56) to 8.4 (52) in their qualifying final at Ikon Park on November 7, 2026.
How many points was Melbourne behind Geelong?
Melbourne trailed by as many as 28 points during the third quarter before recovering to win by four points.
Why did Geelong lose the qualifying final?
Geelong surrendered its advantage during the second half, while Melbourne improved its attacking pressure. Chloe Scheer also missed a late set shot that could have put the Cats ahead.
What happens to Melbourne after the victory?
Melbourne advances directly to the AFLW preliminary final and receives a week off before its next match.
Who will Geelong play next?
Geelong will face the winner of the Sydney versus Western Bulldogs elimination final next weekend.