North Melbourne easily handled Hawthorn in the first qualifying final of the AFLW. Their victory on the merits was significant, claiming a 39-point victory on the ballot. The Kangaroos absolutely ploughed through the contest, winning by a belting 5.12 – 0.3 This special victory was their 25th straight win, proving that they were not a one-hit-wonder but a league powerhouse. The game at North Melbourne’s home ground punched the Kangaroos’ ticket to a home preliminary final. It acted as a reminder of their defensive strength, holding Hawthorn to a goalless quarter for the 50th time in their winning run.
The victory came at a crucial time for North Melbourne, providing them with a week off while Hawthorn faced the pressure of a sudden-death semifinal. The game served to cement North Melbourne’s claim as a true contender in the fledgling AFLW. They proved dominant offensively and defensively all game long.
Stellar Performances from North Melbourne
North Melbourne’s midfielders Jasmine Garner and Ash Riddell stood out with remarkable performances, each contributing 26 disposals to the team’s success. Garner logged four clearances, underlining her importance in dictating the tempo of the match and jumping on counterattacks. Riddell’s strong presence in the midfield complemented Garner’s efforts, providing vital support in both attack and defense.
Further to the Royals’ midfield superiority, North Melbourne’s defensive unit was another key factor in the match. Erika O’Shea and Libby Birch excelled in repelling Hawthorn’s advances, ensuring that the Hawks struggled to convert opportunities into scoring chances. That defensive solidity proved crucial in helping them to their clean sheet against Hawthorn for large portions of the game.
North Melbourne were absolutely stoked with what they had accomplished. When Emma King rattled the goal post with a shot after the siren, sending an opportunity to extend their lead wide, a wave of doubt crashed over the team. When Alice O’Loughlin scored with just a minute’s worth of playing time, North Melbourne claimed a healthy 18-point advantage. Her opening goal ensured she would be the standard bearer throughout the competition.
Hawthorn’s Challenges in the Match
After going into their clash against North Melbourne with optimism aplenty, things came crashing down around Hawthorn early in this contest. The team had a hard time finding their groove, at times being completely stymied for large stretches of the match. Eliza West emerged as one of Hawthorn’s standout players, recording 24 disposals and four tackles despite her team’s difficulties.
In a worrying scene for the Hawks, Aine McDonagh was forced to exit after a head-on-head collision with North Melbourne’s Jasmine Ferguson. McDonagh was evaluated on the sideline but soon returned to action, taking the field again just before half-time. She proved it as she battled through a physical game. Earlier this week, McDonagh had re-signed with Hawthorn on a two-year deal, marking her intent to remain with the side.
McDonagh’s injury concerns were not the sole issue for Hawthorn. Throughout the game, a series of injuries continued to stomp on the team and broke their performance. These blows stacked the odds against Hawthorn and created an uphill battle for the organization. They just couldn’t find a way to break down a talented, disciplined, evenly matched North Melbourne side.
Looking Ahead
North Melbourne’s Tanisha Smith prepares for her club’s home preliminary final. The team’s focus seems firmly locked on maintaining its winning streak and adding to victories the squad achieved in recent months. Garner and Riddell feature both in exceptional form, poised to deliver the performance of their lives. On the other hand, O’Shea and Birch anchor a stout defense, making them an equally dangerous adversary to any potential attacker!
Hawthorn will have to learn to pick themselves up fast as they head into next week’s sudden-death semifinal. Injuries have decimated their talented roster, with key addition Ryan McDonagh particularly in need of time to heal. They are all fiercely committed to uncovering the answers that will help them raise their game when it matters most.
