In a stunning display of skill and determination, the North Melbourne Kangaroos have claimed their maiden AFLW Premiership, defeating the Brisbane Lions in a resounding Grand Final victory. The win marks a historic breakthrough for the Kangaroos, who not only secured their first women’s footy flag but also completed an undefeated season – a feat never before achieved in VFL/AFL/AFLW history.
A Season of Firsts
The 2024 AFLW season will forever be remembered as one of unprecedented success for North Melbourne. The Kangaroos not only won their first minor premiership but also bounced back from last year’s Grand Final heartbreak to go one better and claim the ultimate prize.
For a club that only entered the AFLW competition in 2019, becoming the first expansion side to win a premiership is a truly remarkable achievement. It’s a testament to the talent, hard work, and culture that has been built within the women’s program at Arden Street.
Undefeated Champions
Perhaps most impressive about North Melbourne’s premiership triumph is the manner in which they achieved it. The Kangaroos navigated the entire 2024 season without losing a single game – a historic first across both men’s and women’s football at the elite level in Australia.
“I feel relief, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little bit of weight of expectation coming into tonight. To go through a season undefeated to this point, to have made a Grand Final last year and be in front at three-quarter time and get overrun…”
– North Melbourne AFLW coach Darren Crocker
Coach Darren Crocker, who himself played 165 games for the Kangaroos men’s side, couldn’t hide his elation and relief after steering his charges to the promised land. The pressure of expectation weighed heavily, but his team rose to the occasion on the biggest stage.
Garner’s Time to Shine
While the premiership was undoubtedly a full team effort, the Grand Final saw star midfielder Jasmine Garner finally earn some well-overdue individual recognition. Garner was magnificent, racking up 35 disposals and 10 clearances in a best-on-ground performance.
For a player who has consistently been among the AFLW’s elite but has somehow always missed out on winning the league best and fairest award, it was fitting that Garner’s standout display came on the most significant day of the season.
A Guiding Light for the Club
North Melbourne’s AFLW premiership success takes on even greater significance when contrasted with the struggles of the club’s men’s side. The Kangaroos men have not tasted premiership glory since 1999 and have managed just 12 wins across the past four seasons.
“We haven’t had a lot to cheer about obviously in the men’s program but hopefully the women’s program are giving [fans] something to come to the footy, something to look forward to and I’m sure that the men’s program will turn things around and piggyback on the back of our success.”
– North Melbourne AFLW coach Darren Crocker
In this context, the AFLW flag stands as a beacon of hope for the entire North Melbourne Football Club and its faithful supporters. It’s a tangible reward for the years of hard work and dedication invested into the women’s program, and proof that the club is on the right path.
A Promising Future
With the AFLW team showing the way, there is a sense of optimism building at Arden Street. The men’s side, led by coaching great Alastair Clarkson, is watching on closely and taking notes.
“The girls are setting the example for us and showing us how it’s done… That’s what you play footy for – you want to be in big finals, you want to win flags… Hopefully we can follow in their footsteps.”
– Harry Sheezel, North Melbourne AFL men’s player
As Sheezel’s words illustrate, the AFLW premiership isn’t just a victory for the women’s side – it’s a uniting force that is bringing the two programs closer together. The success is fueling belief, driving standards, and paving the way for a bright future at North Melbourne.
So as the AFLW Kangaroos bask in the afterglow of their historic achievement, the rest of the club is watching on with immense pride, soaking in the lessons, and dreaming of the day when they too can ascend the dais and hold the premiership cup aloft. The time of the Kangaroos may just be beginning.
