In a monumental night for the AFL Women’s league, the North Melbourne Kangaroos etched their name in the history books by securing their first-ever premiership title. The Kangaroos put on a dominant display, overpowering the Brisbane Lions by 30 points in front of an electrified crowd at Ikon Park.
An Undefeated Season Culminates in Glory
The Kangaroos’ path to the premiership was nothing short of remarkable. Led by the brilliant coaching of Darren Crocker, they navigated through the entire season without a single loss, with their only blemish being a draw against Geelong in round two. This undefeated run set the stage for a historic grand final showdown.
Garner and Kearney: The Driving Forces
On the biggest stage, it was the Kangaroos’ star players who shone the brightest. Jasmine Garner, the midfield maestro, put on a masterclass with an astounding 35 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 13 tackles, and 10 clearances. Despite the close attention from Brisbane’s Jade Ellenger and Bre Koenen, Garner’s influence on the game was undeniable.
Captain Emma Kearney also played a pivotal role, showcasing her leadership and skill across half-back. Kearney’s 23 disposals were crucial in setting up the Kangaroos’ attacking forays and nullifying the Lions’ offensive efforts. Her presence on the field, just two games after returning from a hamstring injury, was a testament to her resilience and dedication.
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
The Kangaroos wasted no time asserting their dominance, kicking the first three goals of the game in a blistering opening quarter. Tess Craven and Alice O’Loughlin contributed two majors each, giving North Melbourne a commanding 17-point lead early on. The Lions managed to respond through Ellie Hampson, benefiting from a downfield free kick, but the Kangaroos held a comfortable 4.1 to 1.2 advantage at the main break.
Unbreakable Defense and Clinical Finishing
As the game progressed, the Kangaroos’ defensive resilience came to the fore. They limited the Lions to a solitary rushed behind in a hard-fought third quarter, showcasing their ability to absorb pressure and deny their opponents any easy scoring opportunities.
In the final term, Irish forward Vikki Wall put the exclamation point on the Kangaroos’ performance, slotting a crucial goal to extend their lead to an unassailable 23 points. The Lions’ hopes of a comeback were further dashed when Jade Ellenger was forced off the field with an ankle injury.
Making History and Breaking Droughts
The Kangaroos’ triumph marked a significant milestone in AFLW history. They became the first expansion team to claim the premiership in the league’s ninth season, showcasing the rapid growth and development of women’s football. Moreover, this victory ended a 25-year premiership drought for the North Melbourne football club, with their last success coming in the 1999 AFL men’s competition.
This is an incredible moment for our club and the AFLW. The girls have worked tirelessly all season, and to see it culminate in this historic premiership is truly special. We’ve broken barriers and set a new standard for what expansion teams can achieve.
– North Melbourne Kangaroos Coach, Darren Crocker
For the Brisbane Lions, the defeat marked their fourth loss in six AFLW grand final appearances. While the disappointment was palpable, their journey to the season decider was a testament to their consistent excellence and the fierce competition within the league.
A New Era for the Kangaroos
As the final siren sounded and the North Melbourne Kangaroos celebrated their inaugural AFLW premiership, the significance of the moment reverberated throughout the football community. This victory not only solidified the Kangaroos’ place in the annals of AFLW history but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female footballers across the nation.
The Kangaroos’ success was built on a foundation of resilience, unity, and unwavering belief in their abilities. From the leadership of Emma Kearney to the brilliance of Jasmine Garner and the contributions of every player on the field, this premiership was a true team effort.
As the AFLW continues to grow and evolve, the North Melbourne Kangaroos have set a new benchmark for excellence. Their undefeated season and dominant grand final performance will forever be remembered as a defining moment in the league’s history, inspiring a new generation of footballers to dream big and strive for greatness.
With the premiership cup held aloft and the tears of joy flowing freely, the North Melbourne Kangaroos savored the fruits of their labor. The road ahead may present new challenges, but for now, they stand tall as the queens of the AFLW, forever etched in the annals of footballing glory.
