In a stunning display of dominance, North Melbourne has taken another giant leap toward their second premiership, leaving Hawthorn in the dust with a 39-point qualifying final victory. But here's where it gets controversial... While the Roos secured the win, the Hawks were left goalless in a match that has sparked debates about Hawthorn's offensive strategy. Could this be a wake-up call for the team, or is it a sign of deeper issues? Let’s dive in.
The final score, 5.12 (42) to 0.3 (3), marked the lowest-scoring AFLW final in history, with the game unfolding in front of a somewhat hostile crowd at Ikon Park. Despite holding North Melbourne to their lowest score of the season, Hawthorn simply couldn’t find the back of the net. And this is the part most people miss... The Roos’ defensive line, anchored by Libby Birch and ex-Hawk Eliza Shannon, proved impenetrable, raising questions about Hawthorn’s ability to diversify their attack.
With both teams meeting twice in seven days, North Melbourne bolstered their lineup with Vikki Wall and Kate Shierlaw, while Hawthorn brought back Jess Vukic to replace the injured Ellie Symonds. The match kicked off in murky, indecisive weather—humid, windy, and slightly wet—making for slippery conditions that added to the finals pressure. The start was frantic, with fumbles and mistakes on both sides.
A pivotal moment came when Nat Exon stepped over the mark, gifting Kim Rennie a 50m penalty. Rennie capitalized, scoring the Roos’ first goal and her third AFLW major in 86 games. North Melbourne’s skill was on full display, but Hawthorn’s toughness kept them in the contest. However, their pressure couldn’t translate into goals, as the Roos’ defense stood firm.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you... Is Hawthorn’s reliance on Aine McDonagh—who had 21 goals coming into the match—a sustainable strategy? The Hawks’ lack of secondary scoring options was glaringly evident, with Greta Bodey (11 goals) and Kaitlyn Ashmore and Laura Stone (3 goals each) failing to step up.
The third quarter was a whirlwind of action, with tempers flaring and injuries piling up for Hawthorn. Kaitlyn Ashmore left the field with a calf injury, Emily Everist underwent a HIA test, and Aine McDonagh exited slowly with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Greta Bodey’s elbow to Emma Kearney’s back sparked a scuffle, adding to the chaos. Despite returning after the break, McDonagh and Ashmore’s limited game time further exposed Hawthorn’s depth issues.
North Melbourne’s stars shone brightly, with Jasmine Garner’s pinpoint passes slicing open the game, even if her stats didn’t reflect her impact. Ash Riddell’s 26 disposals were below her usual standard, but Erika O’Shea, Jenna Bruton, and Tess Craven provided ample run and class. For Hawthorn, Eliza West stood out with 27 touches, while Jenna Richardson held the defense together amid the chaos.
Looking ahead, North Melbourne enjoys a week off before their home preliminary final at Ikon Park. Hawthorn, meanwhile, faces the winner of the Carlton-West Coast clash in a semi-final, also at Ikon Park. What do you think? Can Hawthorn address their scoring woes in time, or is their season on the brink? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a discussion!
