Stylish AFLW Kangaroos romp past Lions in GF rematch

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Stylish AFLW Kangaroos romp past Lions in GF rematch

North Melbourne have stormed to a statement 44-point win over reigning premiers Brisbane to claim bragging rights and early AFLW flag favouritism in their grand final rematch.

In brutal heat, North Melbourne’s big guns stepped up to claim a drought-breaking 12.6 (78) to 5.4 (34) win at Brighton Homes Arena in Brisbane on Sunday.

Incredibly, North had gone 0-5 in their previous encounters with Brisbane, including last year’s 17-point grand final defeat – but a burst of six unanswered third-quarter goals ensured that wouldn’t happen again.

In the process, the Kangaroos inflicted Brisbane’s heaviest ever defeat, eclipsing Melbourne’s 39-point win over the Lions in 2019.

North’s midfield stars Jasmine Garner (28 disposals, six clearances, 17 contested possessions, one goal) and Ash Riddell (31 disposals, one goal) were typically brilliant, while captain Emma Kearney was superb off half-back.

Power forward Tahlia Randall was in everything, while Alice O’Loughlin and Bella Eddey kicked two goals apiece.

Brisbane star Ally Anderson (29 disposals, 15 clearances, 19 contested possessions) was a rare shining light for Craig Starcevich’s charges, with some help from winger Sophie Conway.

The Lions lost Shanae Davison after she landed awkwardly on her right arm early in the game.

North’s Irishwoman Vikki Wall (two goals) drew first blood, while O’Loughlin struck late as the Kangaroos kept Brisbane goalless in the opening quarter and took a 12-point lead into quarter-time.

Tempers flared when Wall tackled Shannon Campbell on the quarter-time siren and then flung her to ground.

With temperatures hitting 35 degrees, extreme heat measures were in place

Dakota Davidson and Taylor Smith gave the Lions a foothold in the game, but North took a 12-point lead into half-time.

But Riddell teed up Garner early in the term and the Lions appeared shell-shocked as North romped away from there.

The Kangaroos kicked the next five goals while keeping Brisbane scoreless for the quarter to lead by 49 at the final change.

North’s score in the third quarter alone (37 points) surpassed their previous highest total match score against the Lions (33 points).

Anderson stopped the rot when she jagged the first goal of the final term, but the damage had been done.

North’s O’Loughlin could come under match review officer scrutiny for a fourth-quarter tackle on Campbell, where the Lion’s head slammed into the ground.

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