North Melbourne claims historic AFLW premiership victory

On November 30, 2024, North Melbourne achieved a historic victory by winning their first AFLW premiership at Ikon Park, Australia. They finished the season undefeated and faced Brisbane in the Grand Final for a rematch of last year's decider. The match ended with a convincing score of 6.3 (39) to 1.3 (9), showcasing North Melbourne's strong performance. Jasmine Garner, a key player, had an outstanding game, earning her the best on ground medal for her contributions, including 35 disposals, 22 being contested, along with 13 tackles and 10 clearances. The game was attended by 12,122 spectators, demonstrating significant interest and support for the women's league. Garner's early assist led to the first goal by Tess Craven, who successfully navigated her injury concerns to make a substantial impact. North Melbourne took control of the game's pace, with critical contributions from players like Emma Kearney and Vikki Wall, who helped to build an early lead. Despite some resistance from Brisbane, particularly with key players like Ally Anderson and Bre Koenen showing resilience, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals. North Melbourne's defensive strength was evident as they effectively countered Brisbane's fast-running style. The match became increasingly tense in the third quarter, with both teams showing desperation amid a frantic contest that offered little in scoring through that period. The final quarter saw North Melbourne tighten their grip on the match, and although Brisbane attempted to mount a comeback, the Kangaroos maintained their composure to secure the victory. Overall, this victory not only represents a significant milestone for the North Melbourne women's team but also highlights their growth and potential in the league as they aim for further success in the seasons to come.