Roos Secure AFLW Preliminary Final Spot, Extend Winning Streak to 25
North Melbourne are now just two wins away from completing an undefeated AFLW season after their victory over Hawthorn in the qualifying final on Friday night. Despite struggling in attack, the Roos showcased superior all-around gameplay against a resilient but injury-hit Hawks side in front of 4,392 fans at Ikon Park, Carlton.
The Roos’ winning streak, which began last season, has reached 25 consecutive games. They triumphed with a score of 5.12 (42) to Hawthorn’s 0.3 (3). North Melbourne will take a week to rest before their next match, while the Hawks face concerns over injuries ahead of next weekend’s elimination semi-final.
Coach's Reflection on the Match
“That’s probably be one area that we’ll look at,” said Roos coach Darren Crocker regarding their forward play. “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 and Injuries
- North Melbourne standouts included Libby Birch, Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell, and Erika O’Shea, who were strong throughout the intense match.
- For Hawthorn, Eliza West, Laura Stone, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, and Aileen Gilroy performed well despite the team’s struggles.
- Kaitlyn Ashmore suffered a calf injury and did not return in the final quarter.
- Aine McDonagh played on despite appearing to have a painful knee injury.
The Roos' solid team effort and experience overcame Hawthorn’s valiant attempts, continuing their dominance in the AFLW competition.
Summary: North Melbourne remain undefeated in AFLW with 25 consecutive wins, progressing steadily to a premiership as injuries challenge their opponents.