Things got fiery after the final siren as Brisbane locked in a top four spot on the AFLW ladder, defeating Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday.
Magpies defender Jordyn Allen dropped a shoulder into Brisbane’s Ruby Svarc as the siren was blaring, leaving her to fall to the turf.
A sore Svarc took a moment to get to her feet, but that was only the beginning of a rare post-game scuffle.
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The incident and the aftermath. Â Fox Footy
Lions spearhead Dakota Davidson came in quickly to fly the flag for her teammate, going straight for Allen as both teams came in to get involved.
The tense exchange lasted well past the final siren, with Davidson aggressively pointing at the Pies players.
Collingwood captain Ruby Schleicher stepped up to her to settle both teams down.
“Allen takes out Svarc and then the Brisbane players come in to protest and protect, Dakota Davidson right up in the grill of Jordy Allen,” Seven commentator Nigel Carmody said.
“Pointing to the changerooms and maybe to the airport from Dakota Davidson.”
The Lions were inaccurate, kicking six goals and 16 behinds, keeping the Pies within arms reach in the 52-32 victory.
While the win locks Brisbane in at third on the ladder, it caps off a poor season for Collingwood, who finished 15th with three wins and a percentage of 62.
Former Adelaide premiership player Abbey Holmes liked what she saw from Davidson in the aftermath.
“You love to see that. You’re one big team. You protect one another. That’s all that was happening there,” Holmes said.
Jordyn Allen of the Magpies and Dakota Davidson of the Lions clash after the final siren. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Speaking after the game, Brisbane midfielder Belle Dawes admitted it was a heated contest.
“Just a little bit of push and shove. I think we all love that,” Dawes said.
“It’s funny because straight after it you’re like ‘good game, great season’, you know, I think it’s part of the game. We all get so competitive.
“Collingwood did that and we had a good arm wrestle so we just got pushy and shovey.”
The Lions will now return to Victoria to take on Melbourne in a qualifying final.
The undefeated North Melbourne will host Hawthorn in the other qualifying final, while Carlton, St Kilda and West Coast are also locked into the top eight.
The final spot will be determined on Sunday evening, with effectively a win-and-in game between Adelaide and Fremantle.
If the Crows win, they will jump to sixth and host the Saints, while the Eagles will travel to face the Blues.
If Freo wins, they will will either finish sixth or seven depending on percentage.
The Roos will be looking to complete back-to-back seasons without a loss in what could be shaping as a historic run.