North Melbourne has entered the record books by equalling the AFL record for consecutive wins. They pulled off this remarkable double after clinching the AFLW minor premiership with an absolute decimation of St Kilda. On Sunday at North Hobart Oval, North Melbourne triumphed over St Kilda with a decisive 46-point victory, ending St Kilda’s six-game win streak and solidifying their own dominance in the league.
Right from the opening whistle, North Melbourne made it clear they were going all out for the four points. After an early 5-0 start to their online run, it was clear that they’d blown their competitors out of the water. By half-time, they had developed a sizeable 38-point lead. They glided to an easy victory, having travelled the match to 9.13 (67) against 3.3 (21) at ¾ time. This win is a key turning point for North Melbourne. Unless they lose to Hawthorn next Friday night, they will be the first team in AFL or AFLW history to win 24 straight matches.
A Season of Dominance
In retrospect, everything that North Melbourne has done this season has been spectacular. The team has never failed to kick at least 50 points in each of the 11 games, displaying their strong offensive firepower and sophisticated offensive play. Excelsior’s current point differential percentage is an amazing 317.9, which showcases both their offensive firepower and their defensive ferocity.
As important in the dominating win was Ash Riddell. She hit a remarkable double, logging her sixth 40+ disposal game, five of them occurring already this season. Her ability to dictate the tempo and direction of the midfield has been the secret ingredient in North Melbourne’s recipe for dominance. Jas Garner was a wall in the back line with ten clearances and thirty possessions, igniting the field. Her talents were on display, both on the defensive end and in transition.
Emma King was equally as pivotal in that first half, scoring a hat trick within the first half hour of play. Her early contributions helped make that emphatic victory a foregone conclusion. These errors handed North Melbourne the momentum they needed to uphold their lead from start to finish.
Record-Breaking Potential
With this victory, North Melbourne has tied the all-time record established by Geelong over the course of the 1952-53 VFL seasons. The possibility of ending this more than 120-year-old mark makes the clash between them and Hawthorn on the 18th of July all that more alluring. If North Melbourne wins, it will be a historic first. Such a feat would see the team become the first to record 24 straight wins across both the AFL and AFLW competitions.
The nature of the team’s play and continued cohesion has them operating in a golden spot within MLS. North Melbourne’s players and coaching staff have already started preparing for their impending challenge. Beyond the title defence, they face the challenge of overcoming a tough AFLW landscape.
Player Highlights and Team Development
Riddell, Garner and King all put forth dominant performances. North Melbourne rejoiced at Ella Slocombe’s landmark debut performance à la Matt Rowell. The introduction of new talent into the lineup reflects the team’s commitment to developing players while sustaining their competitive edge.
Importantly, stalwart veterans Emma Kearney and Jenna Bruton were rested for this match. The team flourished without them, a testament to the wealth of talent on their stacked roster. That depth further enabled strategic rotations as the season goes on, something that North Melbourne is sure to reap as the season lengthens.
