In a heart-stopping AFLW qualifying final, the undefeated North Melbourne Kangaroos have kept their premiership dreams alive, edging out the Adelaide Crows by seven points in a thriller at Ikon Park. The Kangaroos had to dig deep after being challenged by the Crows, but their star-studded midfield stood tall to guide them to a third consecutive preliminary final berth.
Roos’ Midfield Mastery
North Melbourne’s success was orchestrated by their brilliant on-ball brigade, led by Ash Riddell, Jasmine Garner, and Mia King. The trio were unstoppable, amassing a combined 87 disposals and 29 clearances to drive the Kangaroos forward.
What a cracking game. Adelaide are a great outfit – we know that – and they really challenged us in that second quarter. We worked so hard for this. I’m really proud of the way we fought back.
– North Melbourne forward Bella Eddey
Riddell, in particular, was a ball magnet, racking up a game-high 34 touches and 10 clearances. Her ability to win the contested ball and distribute to her teammates was crucial in wrestling momentum back from the Crows.
Crows’ Fightback Falls Short
Despite the loss, Adelaide showed why they are perennial contenders with a spirited second-quarter fightback. The Crows dominated the inside-50 count 11-1 for the term, but could only manage one goal, to Caitlin Gould, in the shadows of halftime.
Adelaide midfielder Ebony Marinoff was tireless all night, finishing with 30 disposals and 13 tackles, while Chelsea Randall booted two inspiring goals to keep her side in the contest.
Roos’ Resilience Shines Through
Facing a 10-point deficit at the main break, the Kangaroos responded in emphatic fashion in the premiership quarter. Led by the bullocking work of Garner and King at the coalface, North flipped the script, dominating the inside-50 count 15-2 and slamming on 3.2 to the Crows’ solitary behind.
While Adelaide refused to go quietly, with Randall adding her second major in the final term, the damage had been done. North Melbourne’s third-quarter burst proved the difference, booking them a week off and a home preliminary final.
The Road Ahead
The Crows now face a cut-throat semi-final against the winner of Saturday’s elimination final between Fremantle and Essendon. The Kangaroos will watch on with interest, knowing they are just one win away from a maiden AFLW Grand Final appearance.
On the strength of this performance, and with their midfield firing on all cylinders, North Melbourne will take some stopping in Season 7. The unbeaten Roos are primed to break through for their first flag, but as the Crows showed, they won’t have it all their own way.
| Midfield Dominance | Scoring Power | Defensive Pressure |
| Riddell – 34 disposals, 10 clearances | Eddey – 2 goals | King – 6 tackles |
| Garner – 29 disposals, 10 clearances | Randall (ADE) – 2 goals | Riddell – 5 tackles |
| King – 24 disposals, 9 clearances | Gould (ADE) – 2 goals | Garner – 4 tackles |
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the AFLW season. With powerhouses like Brisbane, Melbourne, and Fremantle still in contention, the Kangaroos will need to be at their absolute best to claim that elusive premiership cup.
But if their qualifying final win over Adelaide is any indication, North Melbourne have the talent, system, and belief to go all the way. Bring on the prelim!
Adelaide midfielder Ebony Marinoff was tireless all night, finishing with 30 disposals and 13 tackles, while Chelsea Randall booted two inspiring goals to keep her side in the contest.
Roos’ Resilience Shines Through
Facing a 10-point deficit at the main break, the Kangaroos responded in emphatic fashion in the premiership quarter. Led by the bullocking work of Garner and King at the coalface, North flipped the script, dominating the inside-50 count 15-2 and slamming on 3.2 to the Crows’ solitary behind.
While Adelaide refused to go quietly, with Randall adding her second major in the final term, the damage had been done. North Melbourne’s third-quarter burst proved the difference, booking them a week off and a home preliminary final.
The Road Ahead
The Crows now face a cut-throat semi-final against the winner of Saturday’s elimination final between Fremantle and Essendon. The Kangaroos will watch on with interest, knowing they are just one win away from a maiden AFLW Grand Final appearance.
On the strength of this performance, and with their midfield firing on all cylinders, North Melbourne will take some stopping in Season 7. The unbeaten Roos are primed to break through for their first flag, but as the Crows showed, they won’t have it all their own way.
| Midfield Dominance | Scoring Power | Defensive Pressure |
| Riddell – 34 disposals, 10 clearances | Eddey – 2 goals | King – 6 tackles |
| Garner – 29 disposals, 10 clearances | Randall (ADE) – 2 goals | Riddell – 5 tackles |
| King – 24 disposals, 9 clearances | Gould (ADE) – 2 goals | Garner – 4 tackles |
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the AFLW season. With powerhouses like Brisbane, Melbourne, and Fremantle still in contention, the Kangaroos will need to be at their absolute best to claim that elusive premiership cup.
But if their qualifying final win over Adelaide is any indication, North Melbourne have the talent, system, and belief to go all the way. Bring on the prelim!
