North Melbourne earned a spot in the AFLW grand final for the second straight year after defeating Port Adelaide by 57 points in Saturday’s preliminary final. The Kangaroos displayed superior skills and experience, proving they are determined to claim their first premiership.
Next weekend at Ikon Park, Darren Crocker’s team will take on either reigning premiers Brisbane or Adelaide, who clash on Saturday night. After losing last year’s decider to Brisbane by 17 points, North Melbourne enters the final as unbeaten minor premiers and strong favorites.
Blistering Start
Despite the heat, North Melbourne took control from the start at Ikon Park. In the first seven minutes, they scored three goals, paving the way for a 12.6 (78) to 2.9 (21) victory in front of 4,387 fans. By the end of the first quarter, they built a 26-point lead and pushed the margin to 50 by halftime. After the match, Crocker said, “The girls stamped their authority early and set it up in the first half. Lessons from last year have prepared us better this time.”
AFLW Midfield Maestro Performance
Jasmine Garner and Ashleigh Riddell shone for North Melbourne with standout performances. Garner recorded 25 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles, and a goal, while Riddell contributed 27 disposals and five clearances. Their consistent dominance this season positions them as top contenders for Monday night’s league best-and-fairest award. Crocker praised Garner, saying, “Jasmine Garner is a generational player. She and Ash are phenomenal, but their focus remains on next week’s game.”
Contributions Across the Board
The Kangaroos’ forward line dominated, with Vikki Wall kicking three goals, including an impressive long-range effort from outside 50. Alice O’Loughlin, Tahlia Randall, Kate Shierlaw, and Taylah Gatt each contributed two goals to the scoreboard. Captain Emma Kearney returned from a hamstring injury and showed promise before being substituted in the final 10 minutes. In contrast, Port Adelaide struggled in their first preliminary final. Despite strong efforts from Piper Window (15 disposals, eight tackles), Abbey Dowrick (18 disposals), and Shineah Goody, they remained goalless for the first three quarters. Gemma Houghton finally broke through early in the final term, but it was little more than a consolation in a one-sided match.
Lessons for Port Adelaide
Port coach Lauren Arnell stayed optimistic, highlighting the valuable learning experience of facing AFLW’s top team. “A 57-point loss in a prelim is not ideal,” Arnell acknowledged. “But it provides us with important insights. North Melbourne has shown they’re the best, and I’m proud we earned the opportunity to compete against them.”
AFLW Eyes on the Prize
Heading into the AFLW grand final, North Melbourne draws motivation from past lessons and their dominant form this season. With star players in peak condition and a clear determination to succeed, the Kangaroos are poised to claim their first AFLW premiership. Focused and driven, they are ready to seize this opportunity and finish their season on the ultimate high note.
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