Roos Secure AFLW Preliminary Final Spot with 25-Game Winning Streak
North Melbourne moved two wins away from an undefeated season by defeating Hawthorn in the AFLW qualifying final on Friday night. Despite struggling in attack, the Roos showcased superior teamwork and resilience, overcoming injuries that impacted the brave but outmatched Hawks in front of 4,392 fans at Ikon Park in Carlton.
Match Summary
The Roos extended their winning streak, now reaching 25 consecutive games dating back to last season, with a final score of 5.12 (42) to Hawthorn’s 0.3 (3). North Melbourne will use the upcoming week to rest, while the Hawks face concerns over injuries as they prepare for next weekend’s elimination semi-final.
Coach's Reflections
“That’s probably be one area that we’ll look at,” said Roos coach Darren Crocker. “Their ability to not just defend inside the defensive 50m [arc], but also put pressure on the ball carrier - sometimes the ball carrier was under pressure and they couldn’t get the ball in the areas they wanted to. We could have been a little bit better with where we put the ball at times.”
Key Players
- North Melbourne: Libby Birch, Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell, Erika O’Shea – standout performers across a fiercely contested match
- Hawthorn: Eliza West, Laura Stone, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Aileen Gilroy – top performers despite the tough situation
Injury Updates
- Kaitlyn Ashmore suffered a calf injury and did not return in the final quarter.
- Aine McDonagh continued playing despite what appeared to be a painful knee injury.
North Melbourne’s consistent excellence and resilience underline their status as a dominant force in the AFLW.