AFLW Grand Final 2024: Eliza Reilly analyses North Melbourne’s victory over Brisbane Lions

North Melbourne didn’t just set AFLW records on its way to a maiden premiership. As ELIZA REILLY writes, the Roos produced a style which has changed the way AFLW is played and will be the benchmark for the future.

Good old North Melbourne, they’re champions you’ll agree.

The Kangaroos have transformed women’s football as we know it. Just you wait and see.

First in offence, first in defence, first on the ladder and a thoroughly deserved first premiership, North Melbourne has broken new ground in 2024.

With a 30 point win over Brisbane in this year’s decider, the Kangaroos have become the first club in AFLW history to complete the perfect season.

And they have redefined the trajectory of women’s football in the process.

North Melbourne won this year’s premiership playing some of the most entertaining football we’ve seen in nine seasons of AFLW.

Brisbane have won flags with manic pressure. Talent and skill played a big role in Melbourne’s season seven breakthrough. The Crows conceded just six goals across their three grand final victories.

The Kangaroos are the product of those who’ve come before them.

North Melbourne didn’t play their best football on grand final day. The Lions were never going to let them do that. But their victory was a reflection of a near faultless season.

If anything, the Kangaroos should’ve won by more.

North Melbourne’s start spelt trouble for Brisbane.

After battling a badly corked back all week, Tess Craven opened the Kangaroos account from a set shot inside 50. Her opportunity, from straight in front, was thanks to a perfectly weighted pass from Jasmine Garner.

Alice O’Loughlin snagged North’s second, snapping truly after Tahlia Randall’s slick hands in congestion. O’Loughlin added a third for the Kangaroos from a holding the ball free kick before Brisbane kicked its first.

Jasmine Garner is mobbed by teammates after being named best afield. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

It was a lethal combination of pressure and poise.

Garner overwhelmed attempted tagger Jade Ellenger. O’Loughlin’s speed overawed Brisbane’s defence. And captain Emma Kearney was back running at full tilt after a cautious return from a hamstring injury in the preliminary final.

At half-time, North were +50 in disposals, +33 in uncontested possession, +18 in marks, +17 in contested possession and +6 in inside 50s. They had the game looking the way they wanted it to with possession and control at a premium.

The Roos in celebration mode after their 30-point victory. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The only thing missing was that the Kangaroos weren’t making the most of their inside 50s, something we haven’t said often of them this season.

But you could sense that the floodgates would eventually fling open.

Even when Brisbane surged in the third quarter and mistakes started to creep into North Melbourne’s game, its defence ensured that the Lions blows weren’t fatal.

It was led by Kearney but Sarah Wright was a brick wall and continually found targets coming out of defence. Libby Birch became the first AFLW player to win three premiership at three different clubs and blanketed last year’s match winner Dakota Davidson.

Emma Kearney embraces Tahlia Randall. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Belle Dawes was spirited throughout and looked like she’d will her side to victory at times, underlined by back-to-back smothers in the second term.

But she couldn’t compete with the class of Garner (35 disposals, 13 tackles 10 clearances) and Ash Riddell (30 disposals, five clearances, 319 metres gained).

North added two goals in the final quarter and the assault was complete under lights at Ikon Park. And you feel as though the premiership window will be open for a little while longer yet.

Stingy. Potent. Entertaining.

Premiers.

Originally published as AFLW Grand Final 2024: Eliza Reilly analyses North Melbourne’s victory over Brisbane Lions