Once written off as wooden spoon favourites, the undefeated Brisbane Lions now have the inaugural AFLW flag in their sights after booking an historic grand final berth on Saturday.

The Lions were made to earn their sixth straight win, holding out a spirited Western Bulldogs 2.11 (23) to 2.4 (16) at South Pine Sports Complex in front of about 5,000.

Brisbane’s never say die spirit was summed up by marquee player Sabrina Frederick-Traub, who endured a quad injury to help the Lions book a slice of history.

Coach Craig Starcevich’s Brisbane have now become the first team to secure a place in the maiden AFLW grand final on March 25 with one round still to play.

And they can book a home grand final if they win their final regular season clash against Carlton at Ikon Park.

The final would be staged at either the Gabba or at Metricon Stadium as a curtain-raiser to the round one AFL Q-Clash.

Frederick-Traub still managed five telling marks and 10 touches despite appearing in pain after aggravating the quad complaint she suffered in last round’s tough win over Adelaide.

Emily Bates was also inspirational for Brisbane with 16 disposals.

The Bulldogs were playing for pride after winning just one of their first five games – and it showed.

The visitors lifted in the second half, whittling away at a 17 point halftime lead despite being without captain Katie Brennan (quad) and Aasta O’Connor (knee).

Emma Kearney (30 disposals) and Ellie Blackburn (17 touches) were inspirational as the Dogs gave the hosts a huge scare.

Brisbane didn’t boot their first goal until early in the second term – an impressive left foot snap by Jess Wuetschner – but still kicked away 2.6 (18) to 0.1 (1) by halftime.

However, two goals by Jaimee Lambert turned the match on its head, cutting Brisbane’s lead to just four points by three quarter-time.

But the Lions were not to be denied.