Notorious for never going down without a fight, the Brisbane Lions AFLW side mounted a strong second-half fightback last Friday night against the Melbourne Demons.

Halfback Kate Lutkins continued her tremendous season by collecting 26 disposals, four marks and four tackles to minimise the Demons’ impact upon the scoreboard.

Lutkins’ movement out of defence saw her produce a new AFLW record of nine rebound 50s, earning herself a nomination for the AFL Players’ AFLW MVP of the Week.

Melbourne managed to dominate contested footy in the first half of the game, but the Lions returned to form in the second half to even out the contested possessions with 101 to Melbourne’s 120.

The Lions had 12 fewer opportunities inside 50, but luckily, Sabrina Frederick-Traub was in splendid form. 

Alongside Lutkins, Frederick-Traub was one of the Lions' best on ground.

She was dangerous inside 50, kicking three goals and looking likely to lift the Lions back to victory.

Frederick-Traub is currently the league’s second most competitive for contested marks equal with Melbourne’s Tegan Cunningham.

Overall, Melbourne dominated team statistics during Round 5, collecting more disposals, clearances and tackles to prove they were the stronger side on the day. 

Nat Exon was given the tough role of tagging Demons' star Daisy Pearce and tallied a team-high six tackles.

Interestingly, it was Lions players who sat on top for the top five statistics with Lutkins collecting the most disposals while Tahlia Randall was dominant in the ruck contests yet again with 16 hit-outs.

Kaitlyn Ashmore grabbed the most marks of the game (eight marks), double that of Melbourne’s Elise O’Dea.

Following her outstanding efforts through the midfield last weekend, Kaitlyn Ashmore is now the tied record holder for uncontested marks (seven marks).

The Lions remain in second place on the ladder, ahead of Melbourne on percentage. The Western Bulldogs sit a game clear on top.

Disposals: 

Kate Lutkins (26)
Ally Anderson (19)
Kaitlyn Ashmore (16)
Sabrina Frederick-Traub (15)
Emily Bates (15) 

Marks:

Kaitlyn Ashmore (8)
Kate Lutkins (4)
Sabrina Frederick-Traub (3)
Bre Koenen (3)
Jess Wuetschner (3)
Emma Zielke (3)
Ally Anderson (3)

Tackles:

Nat Exon (6)
Ally Anderson (5)
Emily Bates (5)
Emma Zielke (4)
Shannon Campbell (4)
Jamie Stanton (4)
Kate Lutkins (4)
Leah Kaslar (4)