Kangaroos Make History with Flawless Victory
The North Melbourne Kangaroos have carved their names into the history books, completing a perfect AFLW season and becoming the first club to ever win back-to-back premierships. They sealed their legendary status with a dominant 40-point win over the Brisbane Lions in a sold-out Grand Final at Ikon Park on Saturday night.
The final scoreline of 9.2 (56) to 2.4 (16) reflected the Kangaroos' sheer dominance, capping off an unprecedented 27th consecutive victory. This remarkable winning streak extends back to their loss against these very Lions in the 2023 decider, a defeat they have well and truly avenged.
Stars Shine on the Biggest Stage
The league's best-and-fairest winner, Ash Riddell, was simply magnificent, putting on a masterclass that broke yet another record. Riddell amassed a staggering 39 disposals, the highest tally ever recorded in an AFLW season decider, controlling the game from the midfield.
She was far from alone in her brilliance. Fellow midfield star Jasmine Garner was also instrumental, collecting 28 touches and slotting a goal. Jenna Bruton proved lethal in front of goal, kicking three majors, including two in the final term as the Kangaroos blew the margin out. Eilish Sheerin was hugely influential early with 28 disposals, nine clearances, and two goals, while the experienced defensive duo of Emma Kearney and Libby Birch led superbly down back.
Grand Final Unravels for the Lions
In a third consecutive Grand Final meeting between these two powerhouse teams, the contest was tight early. Charlotte Mullins gave Brisbane the perfect start with the first goal of the game. However, North Melbourne settled and kicked the next five goals before halftime, building a commanding 22-point lead at the main break.
The Lions' hopes suffered a further blow at the start of the second term when experienced defender Shannon Campbell gave away twin 50-metre penalties. This costly error gifted Kate Shierlaw an easy goal, advancing her from half-back directly to the goal square.
Any chance of a Brisbane fightback was extinguished after halftime. Tahlia Randall kicked North's sixth consecutive goal, and while Ruby Svarc ended a 40-minute goal drought for the Lions, it was only brief respite. Belle Dawes (31 disposals), Sophie Conway (22), and Mullins (20) fought hard, but the Lions were ultimately outclassed.
Legacies Forged and Dreams Denied
The victory created a new piece of individual history, making veteran defender Libby Birch the first four-time AFLW premiership player. Her triumphs now span the Western Bulldogs (2018), Melbourne (2022), and the Kangaroos (2024-25). For three Roos—Blaithin Bogue, Eliza Shannon, and Eilish Sheerin—it was a celebration of their first-ever flag.
The hard-luck story was tough midfielder Mia King, who missed selection after a mooted recall from a knee injury was deemed too big a risk for the decider.
For Craig Starcevich's Lions, it was more end-of-season heartbreak. The club has now lost in five of its seven Grand Final appearances. The result also denied the city of Brisbane a cross-code grand slam, following the premiership successes of the AFL Lions and the NRL and NRLW Broncos in September and October.
