Few key stats pointed towards a Brisbane Lions win in the AFLW premiership decider.
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But one that did told the tale of their second grand final triumph and set a new competition record in the process.
Craig Starcevich's side trailed throughout the first half at Ikon Park on Sunday before making North Melbourne wilt under their pressure after the main break.
Brisbane won the tackle count in a landslide (110-76), passing the previous mark set by Sydney (106), after they were behind in that stat at halftime (46-48).
The final tally continued a trend that included one-sided tackle counts in the Lions' finals wins over Adelaide (89-64) and Geelong (88-69).
At the forefront was lightning-quick small forward Courtney Hodder, who laid 18 tackles in the grand final, while Isabel Dawes (13), Ally Anderson (12) and Bre Koenen (11) were also in double figures.
"I base my game on my pressure and so do our other girls ... and we killed it," Hodder told AAP.
"It was so important, very crucial. It was a tight game and our pressure got us over the line.
"I don't like losing, so to go out and just tackle anything and everything is what I pride myself on."
Hodder's fearless approach resulted in her nursing a large bruise under her right eye, which she wore like a badge of honour.
"I've got a little shiner but I wouldn't have it any other way," she said.
"I go hard for my girls. I'm just happy to come away with a medal dangling around my neck."
Brisbane fans were outnumbered in Sunday's 12,616-strong crowd but made their voices heard, among them Lions men's coach Chris Fagan.
He marvelled as Starcevich's side bounced back from a scoreless first term and a seven-point deficit at the final change, kicking four unanswered goals in the last quarter to win by 17 points.
"They just play with a massive spirit and I think Craig coaches them really well," Fagan said.
"He knows how to tap into their mindset and get the best out of them, and they've got some great leaders like Bre Koenen.
"Does she ever play a bad grand final? What a game she played."
Captain Koenen was named best afield as the Lions claimed their second flag in a competition-high fifth grand final appearance from a possible seven.
Australian Associated Press
