In a stunning display of dominance, North Melbourne has marched one step closer to AFLW glory, leaving Hawthorn in the dust with a historic goalless defeat. This 39-point qualifying final victory wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Roos, led by a relentless defense and strategic precision, held the Hawks to a mere 0.3 (3), marking the lowest score ever recorded in an AFLW final. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it North Melbourne’s brilliance or Hawthorn’s lack of firepower that defined this match? Let’s dive in.
The game, played in front of a somewhat hostile crowd at Ikon Park, was a tale of two teams: one unstoppable, the other struggling to find their footing. Despite the Hawks’ best efforts, they couldn’t breach the Roos’ fortress-like defense, with Libby Birch and ex-Hawk Eliza Shannon standing tall. North Melbourne’s lowest score of the season (5.12 or 42) was enough to secure the win, but it was their ability to keep Hawthorn goalless that stole the show.
And this is the part most people miss: Hawthorn’s inability to convert opportunities wasn’t just bad luck—it’s a season-long trend. The Hawks have been heavily reliant on Aine McDonagh, who entered the match with 21 goals, while the rest of the forward line has struggled to contribute. Kaitlyn Ashmore and Laura Stone, with just three goals each, highlight a glaring issue: Hawthorn’s lack of a secondary scoring threat. This game exposed that weakness in the harshest way possible.
The match itself was a chaotic affair, with murky weather adding to the drama. Humid, windy, and slippery conditions made for a frantic start, with fumbles and missed opportunities aplenty. North Melbourne’s Nat Exon gifted Kim Rennie a 50m penalty, leading to the Roos’ first goal, but it was Jasmine Garner’s precision disposal and Ash Riddell’s steady presence that kept the momentum in their favor.
Hawthorn’s Eliza West fought valiantly with a game-high 27 touches, but it wasn’t enough. The Hawks’ pressure was strong, but they couldn’t convert it into scores. Meanwhile, North Melbourne’s floodgates finally opened in the fourth quarter, as Hawthorn’s resistance crumbled.
The third quarter was particularly eventful, with tempers flaring and injuries piling up for the Hawks. Kaitlyn Ashmore’s calf injury, Emily Everist’s HIA test, and Aine McDonagh’s slow exit with a knee injury left Hawthorn reeling. Greta Bodey’s elbow to Emma Kearney’s back sparked a tussle, adding to the tension. It was a quarter that had it all—drama, injuries, and missed chances.
Looking ahead, North Melbourne enjoys a well-deserved 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. But the question remains: Can the Hawks address their scoring woes in time, or will this goalless defeat be a recurring theme?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Hawthorn’s reliance on a single forward a tactical oversight, or is it a symptom of a deeper issue in their game plan? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this controversial topic!
