Imagine a team so unstoppable that it just keeps winning, week after week, shattering records and leaving opponents in the dust—now picture that in the thrilling world of women's Australian rules football. That's the epic saga of the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the AFLW, and it's got fans buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: is this dominance a sign of sheer brilliance, or does it highlight inequalities in the league that might make some matches feel a little too predictable? Stick around, because the drama from their latest qualifying final victory over Hawthorn is packed with twists, injuries, and moments that could spark endless debates.
In a commanding display at Princes Park on Friday night, North Melbourne clinched their 25th consecutive win, securing a spot in the home preliminary final with a whopping 39-point thrashing of an injury-plagued Hawthorn side. For those new to AFLW—which stands for the Australian Football League Women's competition, the premier women's league in Aussie rules football—this wasn't just any game; it was a qualifier that sets the stage for the finals, where only the strongest teams advance. The scoreboard told the story loud and clear: North Melbourne's Kangaroos dominated with 5 goals and 12 behinds for a total of 42 points, while Hawthorn could only manage 0 goals and 3 behinds, totaling a mere 3 points. That's right, the defending champions kept the Hawks completely goalless throughout the entire match, a feat that echoed their relentless streak.
With this win, the Kangaroos earn a well-deserved break next week, while the Hawks are thrust into a nail-biting sudden-death semifinal against the victor of Saturday's elimination final between Carlton and West Coast. Sudden-death means it's a one-and-done affair—no extra time or comebacks if it ends in a draw. The reigning premiers had already demolished Hawthorn by 49 points just the previous week, surpassing Geelong's VFL/AFL record of 23 straight wins, which included both men's and women's competitions. Think of it like breaking a long-standing streak in a sport where consistency is king—it's impressive, but it also raises questions: how long can a team keep this up before fatigue or complacency sets in?
Hawthorn wasn't about to roll over without a fight, staying neck-and-neck until disaster struck in the third quarter. Injuries are a harsh reality in contact sports like AFLW, where players tackle, mark, and collide at high speeds, often leading to setbacks that can swing a game. Hawks forward Kaitlyn Ashmore was the first to go down with a calf injury, followed closely by Emily Everist suffering a concussion—a serious head knock that requires careful monitoring to prevent long-term issues—and Laura Elliott with a chest injury. These hits didn't just sideline players; they shifted the momentum, turning a close contest into a rout. And this is the part most people miss: was it the injuries that sealed Hawthorn's fate, or had the Kangaroos' pressure been building up to that point? It's a classic chicken-and-egg debate in sports analysis.
On the Kangaroos' side, their powerhouse midfielders were in fine form. Jasmine Garner racked up 26 disposals—think of that as successful touches or plays with the ball, like passes, kicks, or handballs—and four clearances, which are those pivotal moments where a player breaks free from a pack to advance the ball. Ash Riddell matched her with 26 disposals and two clearances, proving once again why they're a dynamic duo. In defense, Erika O'Shea and Libby Birch stood tall, shutting down threats and keeping the Hawks at bay. For Hawthorn, star midfielder Eliza West led the charge with 24 disposals and four clearances, but she fought a lonely battle without enough support in the contest areas where players clash for possession. It's a reminder for beginners: AFLW is all about teamwork, with positions like midfielders controlling the game's flow and defenders protecting their goal.
The game kicked off with the Kangaroos mirroring their aggressive start from the previous week's clash at Frankston Oval, holding Hawthorn scoreless and snatching a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter. This marked the 50th time in North's winning streak that the premiers had kept an opponent goalless in a quarter—talk about a streak within a streak! Hawthorn managed to stem the bleeding better this time, with Kim Rennie booting their only goal of the term after North had six consecutive forward entries, which are shots at goal that could have extended the lead. But the Kangaroos made some uncharacteristic errors under pressure, like Emma King hitting the post with her after-the-siren attempt, turning what could have been a bigger advantage into a missed opportunity.
The second quarter saw more back-and-forth drama. Aine McDonagh, the talented Irishwoman who recently signed a two-year deal with Hawthorn, hit a wayward shot for her team's first score, but then suffered a scary head clash with North defender Jasmine Ferguson. She was checked on the sidelines and fortunately returned before halftime, adding a layer of tension to the match. While Hawthorn couldn't narrow the gap further, North struggled to capitalize on their chances. After the siren, Blaithin Bogue sprayed her shot wide, but Kangaroos forward Alice O'Loughlin managed to kick the quarter's only goal, pushing the lead to 18 points. These moments highlight how AFLW games can hinge on precision— a well-placed kick can change everything, but a miss keeps the door open for comebacks.
The third quarter erupted with spot fires, those intense skirmishes that ignite the crowd. The Princes Park fans came alive after a tussle between Greta Bodey and Emma Kearney outside the main action, reminding us that emotions run high in finals football. Then, before the quarter ended, McDonagh went down in agony clutching her right knee after colliding with fellow Irish star Erika O'Shea, but she bravely refused to leave the field. Hawthorn's Najwa Allen tried desperately to rally the team in defense, but North finally broke free, powering through three goals in the final term to cement their victory.
This match wasn't just about the scoreline; it sparked debates about player welfare, the sustainability of long winning streaks, and whether leagues should adjust rules to make games more even. Is it fair for a team to dominate so thoroughly, or does it excite fans? What do you think—should AFLW introduce more measures to protect players from injuries, or is this all part of the game's rugged charm? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree with North's supremacy or if you root for the underdogs like Hawthorn to turn it around. And here's a controversial take: maybe these streaks are great for entertainment, but they could discourage smaller clubs from investing in women's football. What say you?
AAP
