The biggest day in women’s football has arrived, and it’s a tantalizing Grand Final rematch on the docket. The undefeated minor premiers, the North Melbourne Kangaroos, play host to the reigning champions, the Brisbane Lions, in a clash of the AFLW’s titans. After falling agonizingly short in last year’s decider, the Roos are hungrier than ever to claim that elusive first premiership. But the battle-hardened Lions have proven time and again they rise tallest when the stakes are highest. As the ball is bounced to start this epic showdown, we analyze the three burning questions that will determine who emerges victorious and lifts the coveted silverware.
Redemption or Repeat?
For the Kangaroos, the pain of last year’s Grand Final defeat still stings. After a dominant season, they fell flat on the big stage, kept scoreless by a relentless Brisbane outfit in a decisive fourth quarter. North Melbourne’s star players Jasmine Garner and Ashleigh Riddell were valiant in a losing effort, but the Lions’ unyielding defensive pressure, led by skipper Breanna Koenen, proved too suffocating.
But this is a different North Melbourne side, galvanized by the disappointment and laser-focused on atonement. They sent an emphatic message in the teams’ only meeting this season, handing Brisbane a historic 44-point drubbing – their biggest defeat ever. The Roos’ vaunted midfield will need to assert its dominance early and prevent the Lions from finding their trademark third quarter groove. Keeping hard tag specialist Jade Ellenger away from ball magnets Garner and Riddell will be pivotal. If they can gain ascendancy around the contest and deprive Brisbane of momentum, the Kangaroos will go a long way towards flipping the script from last year’s heartache.
Can North Combat the Lions’ Big Game Know-How?
Standing in North Melbourne’s way is a prideful Brisbane Lions outfit on the precipice of a dynasty. Already with two flags from the past three seasons, the Lions are battle-tested and brimming with big game experience. This is their sixth Grand Final appearance, a testament to the winning culture instilled by coach Craig Starcevich.
The Lions are no strangers to adversity, and seem to thrive when backed into a corner. Despite finishing third this season, they stormed into the decider with convincing wins over Collingwood and Melbourne. Their vaunted “talls department” of Dakota Davidson, Jesse Wardlaw, and Greta Bodey looms large as match-defining aerial threats.
“I think that’s been a real growth in our group, and I think that’s why we’re better placed this year, coming into the Grand Final. There’s been a level of calmness and being considered right throughout the whole year, trying to stay as present as we possibly can,” North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker said.
The Roos will need to be at their very best to dethrone this Lions dynasty. But if any team is equal to the challenge, it’s this special North Melbourne crew.
The Kearney Effect
Complicating matters for the Roos is the uncertain status of captain Emma Kearney. The talismanic midfielder has been sidelined since Round 7 with a hamstring injury. She made a tentative return in last week’s preliminary final win over Port Adelaide, but spent much of the second half on the bench as North opted for caution with the match in hand.
Kearney’s presence in the starting lineup would provide a massive boost for North Melbourne. Her ability to impact the contest both in tight and with damaging run-and-carry is the stuff of legend. Coach Darren Crocker insists the champ will not be unduly hampered and that she’s ready to unleash four quarters of fury.
“She’s all good. It was just going to be a matter of how the game was looking, and we felt like we had it under control enough at three-quarter time to not have to put her out there and put her under any more duress than we needed to,” Crocker said. “With another week under her belt, there wouldn’t be a cap. We’ll rotate the defenders like we normally would, and she’ll be part of those rotations.”
If Kearney can recapture anything close to her scintillating best, she could prove the X-factor that carries North Melbourne over the line. The inspirational skipper has been the heart and soul of this Roos outfit throughout their journey to prominence. Her return to the on-field leadership mantle can galvanize her teammates to even greater heights.
As the final siren sounds on Saturday night, many expect we will crown a first-time premier, with North Melbourne shedding the bridesmaid tag in spectacular fashion. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about these Brisbane Lions, it’s to never, ever count them out. Their insatiable hunger for success, coupled with their unparalleled Finals pedigree, means they will take some mighty conquering.
Make no mistake, this is a Grand Final for the ages. Will the Kangaroos’ irrepressible will to triumph propel them to a cathartic conquest? Or will the Lions’ dynasty endure by once again finding a way to hold the silver aloft? The answers to our three burning questions will decide the destination of the 2024 AFLW flag. Buckle up, folks – we’re in for a heart-stopping ride to the finish!
