The mercury is rising and so are the stakes as the North Melbourne Kangaroos host the Port Adelaide Power in a cut-throat AFLW preliminary final at Ikon Park on Saturday. With temperatures set to soar to a blistering 37 degrees, both sides will need to dig deep to keep their premiership dreams alive in the sweltering conditions.
The Kangaroos enter the clash as hot favorites, having steamrolled through the home and away season undefeated to claim the minor premiership. After earning a week off with a hard-fought qualifying final victory over Adelaide, the well-rested Roos now stand just one win away from a return to the grand final stage.
“We’ve put ourselves in a great position but the job’s not done yet,” said North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker. “Port are the form side of the competition and we know they’ll throw everything at us. It’s going to be a real battle in the heat but the girls are ready for the challenge.”
Power Surging Into Uncharted Territory
On the other side of the equation, Port Adelaide has engineered a remarkable turnaround after a sluggish 1-4 start to the season. The Power have surged into their maiden AFLW finals appearance on the back of eight straight victories, none more impressive than last week’s heart-stopping come-from-behind triumph over Hawthorn.
Staring down a 20-point deficit at three-quarter time, Port Adelaide produced the greatest final-term comeback in the AFLW’s nine-season history to snatch a thrilling one-point win over the Hawks. It was a performance that showcased the never-say-die spirit and belief that has come to define this Power outfit.
“The belief among this group is something special,” Power coach Lauren Arnell revealed. “No matter the situation, they just never give up. To fight back the way we did against Hawthorn gives us immense confidence heading into this weekend.”
Key Match-Ups to Shape the Contest
While Port Adelaide has proven they cannot be underestimated, the Kangaroos boast match-winners across every line. The midfield battle looms as crucial, with North Melbourne star Ashleigh Riddell set to go head-to-head with Power ball-magnet Abbey Dowrick.
Riddell has been a driving force behind the Kangaroos’ dominance this season, averaging 22 disposals and five clearances per game. Her ability to win the ball at the source and drive her side forward will be key to establishing control in the expected trying conditions.
Dowrick has been no less influential for the Power, leading the AFLW in total possessions and consistently racking up big numbers around the contests. Her tireless work-rate and precise ball use make her a pivotal cog in Port Adelaide’s engine room.
Forward Firepower to Test Stingy Defenses
Both sides also possess serious firepower up forward, with the competition’s two leading goalkickers set to spearhead their respective attacks. North Melbourne sharpshooter Sophie Abbatangelo has been the focal point inside 50 for the Roos, booting 21 goals to top the AFLW goalkicking charts.
At the other end, the Power will look to the explosive Gemma Houghton to ignite their scoring. Fresh off a five-goal haul in the semi-final, Houghton’s strength, athleticism and innate goal sense make her a handful for any defense.
Quelling the influence of these two dynamic forwards will fall to a pair of undersized but resolute backlines renowned for their stinginess. The Kangaroos and Power ranked second and third respectively for fewest points conceded during the home and away season.
Can Port Complete Cinderella Story?
While North Melbourne deservedly enters as warm favourites given their flawless campaign to date, Port Adelaide’s thrilling run has captured the imagination of the football public. From also-rans to giant-killers, the Power suddenly find themselves on the cusp of a fairytale grand final appearance.
Upsetting the top-seeded Kangaroos on their home deck would mark the crowning achievement in Port Adelaide’s remarkable rise. But as they have proven throughout the finals, this Power side fears no challenge and will leave everything on the Ikon Park turf.
One thing is certain – with a spot in the decider on the line and the thermostat set to scorching, fans are in for an absolute furnace of a preliminary final between the flag favorites and the season’s surprise packet. It promises to be a clash for the ages.
When: Saturday, November 23 at 3:05pm AEDT
Where: Ikon Park, Melbourne
How to watch: Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo, AFLW Live App
