In a stunning display of dominance, the North Melbourne Kangaroos have punched their ticket to a second straight AFLW Grand Final with a resounding 57-point thrashing of the Port Adelaide Power. The minor premiers left no doubt about their premiership credentials, setting up a tantalizing decider against either the reigning champion Brisbane Lions or Adelaide Crows next Saturday night at Ikon Park.
From the opening bounce, the Kangaroos asserted their authority, piling on three goals in the first seven minutes to stun the young Power squad. North’s midfield stars Jasmine Garner (25 disposals, 8 clearances) and Ashleigh Riddell (27 disposals, 5 clearances) were at their brilliant best, giving their forwards silver service all day.
Powerhouse Forwards Fire
Up forward, the Kangaroos had no shortage of options. Irish sensation Vikki Wall led the way with three majors, while Alice O’Loughlin, Tahlia Randall, Kate Shierlaw, and Taylah Gatt each chipped in with two goals apiece. The Kangaroos’ forward line depth was on full display, with nine individual goal kickers for the match.
Kearney Makes Successful Return
In a major boost, North Melbourne skipper Emma Kearney made a successful return from a hamstring injury that had sidelined her in recent weeks. Kearney’s leadership and experience will be crucial as the Kangaroos look to go one better than last year’s heartbreaking Grand Final loss to Brisbane.
Port Adelaide’s Bright Spots
For the Power, Piper Window (15 disposals, 8 tackles), Abbey Dowrick (18 disposals), and Shineah Goody battled hard all day but were simply outclassed by a North Melbourne unit operating at the peak of its powers. Port can hold their heads high after a gutsy finals run in just their second AFLW season.
The Numbers Behind North’s Dominance
A quick glance at the stats sheet underscores just how comprehensive North Melbourne’s victory was:
- Won the clearances 12-4 in the opening term
- Dominated contested possessions 33-20 in first quarter
- Had 17 inside 50s to Port’s 3 in the first quarter
- Kept Port Adelaide scoreless until early in the final term
They were just too good for us today. We couldn’t match their intensity and firepower up forward. Full credit to their midfielders – they were relentless.
– Port Adelaide Coach Lauren Arnell
With the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide Crows set to face off in a blockbuster preliminary final, the stage is now set for an epic conclusion to the AFLW season. The Kangaroos will be watching with keen interest, knowing they are just one win away from securing their elusive first premiership.
Can North Melbourne go all the way and etch their name in AFLW folklore? Or will the Lions or Crows spoil the party? One thing is certain – with the Kangaroos in this kind of form, they will take some serious stopping. Buckle up footy fans, this Grand Final is shaping up as an absolute classic!
