Roos Secure AFLW Preliminary Final Spot with Record Winning Streak
North Melbourne took a step closer to an undefeated AFLW season by beating Hawthorn in a qualifying final on Friday night. Despite a struggling offense, the Roos showcased superior control around the ground, overcoming injuries that severely affected the outmatched Hawks before 4,392 fans at Ikon Park in Carlton.
Their winning streak, which dates back to the previous season, now extends to 25 consecutive games after a 5.12 (42) to 0.3 (3) victory. North Melbourne will take a week off before the next round, while Hawthorn hopes their injury concerns will not impact the upcoming elimination semi-final.
Coach’s Reflection on the Game
“That’s probably be one area that we’ll look at,” said Roos coach Darren Crocker about 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.”
Standout Players
- Libby Birch
- Jasmine Garner
- Ash Riddell
- Erika O’Shea
These players were highlights for North Melbourne in a tough and competitive match. On Hawthorn’s side, notable performers included Eliza West, Laura Stone, Tilly Lucas-Rodd, and Aileen Gilroy.
Injuries During the Match
- Kaitlyn Ashmore injured her calf and did not return in the final term.
- Aine McDonagh continued playing despite a painful knee injury.
Hawthorn's injury issues will be a concern heading into their next game.
Summary
North Melbourne extended their AFLW winning streak to 25 games with a disciplined yet imperfect performance against a resilient but injured Hawthorn side.
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