North Melbourne into AFLW Grand Final after thrilling win over Melbourne
Melbourne threw everything at the reigning premier at Ikon Park on Saturday – and, for much of the game, it appeared the Roos’ streak was about to end. Enter Jasmine Garner.
Premiership favourites North Melbourne staved off a Melbourne miracle, claiming a 10-point victory to solidify both its victory streak and grand final berth.
Melbourne loomed large as the side to derail the now 26-game streak, and laid everything on the line in its attempt to do so in one of the best AFLW battles to date.
But star Kangaroo Jasmine Garner had the final say, kicking a game-breaking goal in the fourth term to book her club’s third consecutive appearance in the premiership decider.
She recorded 12 of her 32 disposals – and six contested possessions – in the final term to secure the 6.10 (46) to 5.6 (36) win.
JAS GARNER IS UNREAL 🤩@Toyota_Aus | #AFLWFinalspic.twitter.com/96tPI1ClsA
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) November 22, 2025
What began as a Melbourne onslaught evolved into a goalfest early at IKON Park, but a scrappy territory battle ensued for much of the final three quarters.
Flipping the script on the Kangaroos, Melbourne attacked the corridor and controlled play with six of the first seven marks.
A Kate Hore snap made it three Melbourne goals before North Melbourne had even found its first.
But Blaithin Bogue made sure the Kangaroos weren’t quiet for long, continuing her trend of scoring a goal in every game this year.
After recording an uncharacteristic four disposals in the first term, Ash Riddell handed North Melbourne the lead for the first time early in the second term, but it was Melbourne who led by two points at the main break.
To this point, the Kangaroos marginally led inside 50s, uncontested and contested possession, but weren’t able to create chances as easily as they have across season 10.
Every possession, and every moment was amplified after half time as the tension rose, and both the contest and weather grew hotter.
The pressure rating sat at 232-225 Melbourne’s way for much of the third term, well above the competition average of 208.
North Melbourne went scoreless across the third term, but found the fight when they needed to in order to close out the contest.
Melbourne’s backline stood tall for much of the afternoon, with Saraid Taylor (eight marks) and Maeve Chapin (22 disposals, nine marks) playing integral roles.
North Melbourne was finally able to find a clean exit from stoppage, and it was none other than Bogue that stood up when it mattered most.
As the game wore on, the Kangaroos’ fitness shone through, and they finished with a 21 to 14 clearance differential as a result.
Eilish Sheerin (18 disposals, one goal) impressed upon her return, and North Melbourne still have Mia King in contention to feature next week.
Ultimately though, it was North Melbourne’s efficiency inside 50 – and its star power – that solidified its third consecutive grand final appearance.
BOGUE’S BRILLIANCE
It was 4:25am in Fermanagh when Blaithin Bogue scored her 24th goal of the season, and her career.
In her debut season, the young Irish star is among contention for a maiden All-Australian blazer at Monday night’s AFLW Awards.
Bogue changed the game, converting two first term goals to bring North Melbourne back into the contest early.
She then regained her side’s lead late in the final quarter.
HARRIS LAUNCHES, TWICE
Tayla Harris converted an impressive long range set shot to steady her side’s lead in the final minutes of the first term.
Her effort was outdone only moments later though by no other than herself, grabbing a stellar mark on the wing.
Darren Crocker sent forward Kate Shierlaw back to man Harris in an attempt to quell her influence.
TAYLA HARRIS ARE YOU KIDDING 🤯@Toyota_Aus | #AFLWFinalspic.twitter.com/XObzEg0uwW
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) November 22, 2025
LUCKY SHOES?
Nat Edwards revealed on Fox Footy that North Melbourne President Sonja Hood swapped out her lucky shoes – which she wore for the duration of their winning streak – for a brand new blue pair today.
She would have been breathing a sigh of relief as Bogue and Garner steadied the ship late in the final term.
Scoreboard
NORTH MELBOURNE: 3.1 (19), 4.6 (30), 4.6 (30), 6.10 (46)
MELBOURNE: 4.2 (26), 5.2 (32), 5.6 (38), 5.6 (36)
GOALS:
Kangaroos: Bogue (3), Sheerin, Riddell, Garner
Demons: Hore (2), Paxman, Wotherspoon, Harris
BEST:
Kangaroos: Garner, Riddell, Sheerin, Bogue
Demons: McNamara, Chaplin, Hore, Taylor
Injuries:
Kangaroos: Nil
Demons: Nil
Originally published as North Melbourne into AFLW Grand Final after thrilling win over Melbourne
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