North Melbourne’s historic premiership drought in the AFLW has finally come to an end. After a heartbreaking loss in last year’s grand final, the Kangaroos returned with vengeance and determination, claiming their first AFLW title with a commanding 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9) victory over the Brisbane Lions in Saturday night’s grand final at Ikon Park.
North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker had spoken softly to his players after their devastating defeat in the 2022 grand final, urging them to trust in the process and to remain resilient, knowing that their journey would eventually bring them back to the grand stage. For the next 12 months, Crocker’s vision of perseverance and belief would come to fruition, as his team, undeterred by the pressures of the past, stormed their way through an undefeated season to lift the cup.
A Perfect Season Culminates in a Grand Final Victory
From the opening moments of the grand final, it was clear that North Melbourne was not to be denied. The Kangaroos raced out of the blocks, kicking four of the first five goals to take an early lead that Brisbane could never quite bridge. The Roos established an unassailable advantage, leading by 16 points at the final break, and from there, they sealed their 30-point victory.
This wasn’t just a case of Brisbane failing to perform – the Lions simply had no answer to the relentless pressure and skill displayed by the Kangaroos. North Melbourne’s ability to control general play and maintain defensive shape throughout the game was a testament to their growth as a team over the past year. The Lions, while competitive, were unable to get past the ironclad defense that the Roos had put in place.
Kearney and Garner Lead the Roos to Glory
North Melbourne’s captain, Emma Kearney, was instrumental in her team’s success. After some concerns about her hamstring injury, Kearney’s performance in the grand final was a revelation. She was unstoppable, gathering 23 disposals, intercepting eight times, and breaking through the lines of halfback at will. Despite being cautious with her usage during the preliminary final, Kearney proved she was more than ready for the big stage, running explosively and contributing significantly to her team’s win.
Kearney’s leadership and composure under pressure were evident throughout the match. The 35-year-old veteran’s experience in such high-stakes games proved invaluable, as she maintained a high level of intensity, driving the team forward with her leadership on the field. Her ability to read the play and break through opposition lines was a crucial factor in neutralizing Brisbane’s attacking threats.
Jasmine Garner also played a crucial role in the victory. With 35 disposals and 13 tackles, Garner dominated in the midfield, where she was the focal point of North Melbourne’s dominance. Her work at the stoppages was particularly important, as she fought off the Brisbane players to win crucial clearances. Garner’s ability to run out the game strongly in the low-scoring second half was pivotal in ensuring the Kangaroos stayed in control.
North Melbourne’s Unbeaten Season
The 2023 AFLW season has been one of the most dominant in recent memory, and North Melbourne’s unbeaten run was a testament to their preparation, discipline, and sheer quality across all areas of the game. Throughout the season, the Kangaroos had their sights firmly set on the grand final. The squad remained focused, refusing to be distracted by the pressures and expectations that came with their perfect record.
Even when the going got tough, particularly in the second half of the grand final, North Melbourne maintained their defensive structure and discipline. The team’s ability to control the tempo and pace of the game, coupled with their high-pressure tactics, allowed them to restrict Brisbane to just one goal for the entire match. The Lions were simply overwhelmed by North Melbourne’s skill and composure.
Brisbane’s Resilience Under Fire
While Brisbane had moments of promise, the Lions were ultimately unable to break through the Kangaroos’ defense. The loss to North Melbourne was a tough pill to swallow for a team that has been a dominant force in the AFLW since its inception. Despite their resilience and previous finals experience, the Lions were kept at arm’s length by a North Melbourne side that played with intensity and belief from start to finish.
Brisbane’s inability to unsettle their opponents or produce enough attacking drive left them with little chance to get back into the game. North Melbourne’s suffocating pressure, combined with excellent ball movement and solid team defense, nullified any opportunities the Lions could create. It was a performance of real class from the Kangaroos.
A New Era for North Melbourne
For North Melbourne, this victory marks a new era for the club. The breakthrough premiership is not just a reward for a single season of excellence, but the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and team development. After years of near-misses and heartbreak, the Kangaroos have now firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the AFLW.
Coach Darren Crocker’s vision of staying the course and trusting the process has paid off, and this premiership will be remembered as one of the defining moments in the club’s history. The win is a reflection of the team’s resilience, determination, and commitment to improving and growing as a unit.
The victory is also a testament to the leadership of Kearney, Garner, and other senior players, who set the example for the younger players coming through the ranks. Their ability to step up when it mattered most was crucial in ensuring that the Kangaroos finally claimed the premiership they had worked so hard for.
Looking Ahead
As the celebrations continue, North Melbourne will be savoring the sweet taste of victory, but they will also be looking to the future. The AFLW competition continues to grow, and with their talented squad and solid foundation, the Kangaroos will no doubt be one of the teams to watch in the years to come.
For now, however, the North Melbourne faithful can bask in the glory of their club’s first AFLW premiership. It has been a long time coming, but the Kangaroos have finally broken their premiership drought and firmly announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the AFLW.