North Melbourne has capped the first-ever undefeated season, claiming the 2024 AFLW premiership in a 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9) triumph over the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.
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The Kangaroos, whose last loss was to the Lions in last year’s grand final, exacted their revenge in convincing fashion in front of a North-dominant attendance at Ikon Park.
In the league’s inaugural night grand final, the Roos asserted their possession-winning dominance, winning the disposal count 303 to 193 and the inside-50 tally 37-20, led by superstar captain Emma Kearney.
The 35-year-old Kearney, who refused to allow recent hamstring troubles to hinder her performance, finished with 23 disposals and eight intercepts.
Jasmine Garner was equally as influential with 35 disposals and 13 tackles, taking out the best-on-ground award post-match.
Alice O’Loughlin, meanwhile, slotted three of the Roos’ six goals for the evening.
Brisbane, now 2-4 in grand finals, were unable to become the first side to win consecutive AFLW premierships after entering as underdogs.
Post-game, Roos coach Darren Crocker didn’t hold back in praising Garner, labelling her a generational talent amid celebrations.
“You’ve just got an insight into the humility that Jas has, the unflappable nature. She just gets on with it, she’s one of the easiest players to coach that I have ever coached,” Crocker told media.
“She’s just a generational player. We’ll look back in 50 years time (to) this period of AFLW, and Jas Garner will be right at the very, very top of the tree as just one of the best players in the AFLW’s infancy.”
Roos celebrate Grand final triumph! | 04:05
Garner also pointed out that preparation differed to that of their 2023 grand final loss to the Lions, and were better off from last year’s heartbreak.
“This year, today even just felt different, it was calm … each week it all stayed the same for us, and I think that’s really helped us this year,” she said.
“I think we’re going to have a few good days, enjoying this.”
“Every single person that was here can go away, and at some point in time down the track, say ‘I was there the night that the North Melbourne AFLW team won their first ever premiership’; that goes down in history,” Crocker added.
NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS — AS IT HAPPENED
Both North Melbourne and Brisbane took unchanged sides into Saturday evening; both boasting incredible availability with their lists at the business end of the season.
There are no late changes, with the Kangaroos and Lions to go in as selected. Meanwhile, the skies have cleared in Carlton!
FIRST QUARTER
In front of a Roos-dominant crowd, North drew first blood as Tess Craven found a paddock of space to mark and goal.
With North Melbourne starting to really own possession — leading the uncontested possession count 29-8 in the early going — Alice O’Loughlin snapped the Roos’ second of the evening to extend their lead to 12 points.
O’Loughlin added her second not long later, capitalising on a set shot to make it three unanswered goals.
“(These are) danger signs early for the Brisbane Lions and Craig Starcevich,” commentator Abbey Holmes said on Seven.
The inside-50 count was tied 7-7 but it was North that was making the most of its early opportunities.
Ellie Hampson slotted a neat set shot for a much-needed Brisbane goal late in the first quarter — 11-point game. That would be the quarter-time margin.
SECOND QUARTER
The Roos, who look threatening every time they go inside 50, again created a mark and goal close to the big sticks — this time Vikki Wall was the beneficiary.
North Melbourne is currently +27 for uncontested possessions.
“It’s so evident they’re outworking and outhunting the footy (over) the Brisbane Lions,” Holmes noted.
At the main change, the Roos led by 17 points and held the advantage in disposals (146-96), inside-50s (20-14), contested possessions (65-49) and uncontested possessions (80-45).
“North Melbourne is owning all facets of the game at the moment,” dual AFLW All-Australian Ruby Schleicher told Fox Footy’s coverage.
“They’ve been able to control the ball, and it helps when you’ve got your captain Emma Kearney back in the side and really directing play from the back half.
“She’s been involved in so much of the play and using her smarts, and she’s really helping North Melbourne contain that possession.”
Roos ‘absolutely owning’ first half | 02:48
THIRD QUARTER
Despite Brisbane needing to make up a 17-point half-time deficit, it was still North Melbourne asking questions of the Lions’ defence — who seem like they’re hanging by a thread as the Roos keep controlling territory.
And when Brisbane did go forward, North looked stout. The Lions’ efficiency inside-50 is just 16.7 per cent.
Kearney continued her best-on-ground effort into the second half, with her 19th disposal of the evening culminating in another mark inside 50 for O’Loughlin.
The Lions won the third quarter, but just by a solitary point as the Kangaroos close in on their maiden premiership. One quarter to go.
FOURTH QUARTER
Vikki Wall kicked the first goal of the second to open the final quarter, and it’s an almighty task for the Lions from here — it’s a game-high 23-point margin.
The Roos currently have a whipping 106-disposal edge on the Lions.
“The Lions have not been able to shut that down (Roos accumulation) from the start of the night,” Holmes said.
After drawing a free kick for a dangerous tackle, Alice O’Loughlin kicked her third goal of the grand final — half of the Roos’ majors for the night — to push out North’s unassailable lead even further.