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As if there wasn’t already plenty of buzz around a Preliminary Final against two of the competition’s top teams, Saturday’s venue will add an extra element of excitement.

Scheduled the take place at the MCG, Saturday’s Final between the Lions and the Demons will be the first time an AFLW game has ever taken place at the MCG.

The last time any competitive women’s football was held there was back in 2016 when Brisbane and Melbourne met in an AFL Women’s Exhibition Match.

Only two Lions named in Saturday’s team have ever played at the historic venue; Captain Bre Koenen and Vice-Captain Emily Bates.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Nat Grider said that the team was thrilled to be part of this moment for AFLW.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Grider said.

“No AFL Women’s team has played on the MCG yet, so we’re really pumped to be part of this history making game.

“It’s a massive stadium and we’re hopeful we’ll get a big crowd there. Having the crowd on the weekend at the Gabba was huge for us and the support just really got us over the line."

Battle of the Rucks

All eyes will be on the match-up between Brisbane’s Tahlia Hickie and Melbourne’s Lauren Pearce come Saturday.

Undeniably two of the best rucks in the competition, they’ll go head-to-head in the Preliminary Final.

After making a name for herself in 2021, Tahlia Hickie has taken her game to new heights this season.

With an average 21 hitouts, 2.5 clearances, and 8.8 disposals a game, as well as a career-high 34 hitouts against Geelong earlier in the season, Hickie has shown she can hang with the best of them this season.

While Melbourne’s Lauren Pearce etched her name into the AFLW record books earlier this season, becoming the first AFLW player to register 20+ hit outs and 20+ disposals in a match.

Week-to-week, Pearce has averaged a solid 14.2 hitouts, 4.7 clearances and 13.4 disposals a game, with her season's work earning her an All Australian squad inclusion.

With both players strong performers, it’s clear that whichever ruck can work best with their midfield on Saturday will have the upper hand in the fight for a spot in the Grand Final.

All Roads Lead Here

We’re down to the pointy end of the season and both sides will have everything to play for come Saturday.

Set to go down to the wire, both sides will be throwing everything at their chance for a spot in the AFLW Grand Final.

Fresh off a 50-point decimation of Collingwood in their Qualifying Final, Brisbane will head into Saturday’s decider in strong form and with plenty of lessons from their last meeting with Melbourne under their belt.

While the Demons will have waited 20-days since their last game for their home Preliminary Final and a chance at a place in the AFLW Grand Final.

With so many factors at play including a history-making venue and in-form AFLW stars, Saturday could be anyone’s game.

Be there to witness AFLW history and grab your FREE ticket today HERE.

Can’t make it to the ‘G? Catch all the action live and free on Seven.