North Melbourne has overcome minor premiers Williamstown to land a spot in the 2024 VFLW Grand Final, triumphing by 18 points in Sunday's semi-final at DSV Stadium.
The Roos went into the last quarter 11 points up but were on the back foot early as the Seagulls looked to forge a comeback on their home deck.
However, the Kangas' defence held firm until Alana Barba (16 disposals, eight tackles) put the result to bed with a scintillating running goal on the verge of the full-time siren.
The 8.5 (53) to 5.5 (35) victory means that in two weeks, North Melbourne will contest for the VFLW premiership for the first time in club history.
How's this for a sealer? ⭐️#Kangas https://t.co/49M1vvXXeH
— North Melbourne Women's (@NMFCWomens) July 7, 2024
The Seagulls - who hadn't been defeated since Round 4 - started solidly, goaling in the third minute through spearhead Sharnie Whiting before Molly Simpson converted a difficult shot from a forward pocket scrap as the first break neared.
The visitors managed to sneak one home in response though, with Georgia Nicholas (10 disposals, four inside 50s) getting out the back following a Kate Reynolds (53 hitouts, three contested marks, five tackles) intercept mark.
SEAGULLS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats
Whiting again got things rolling for the home side in the second quarter with a major inside the opening minute, but what came next was a North Melbourne avalanche.
The Roos snagged the next six goals in a flash with Tahlia Meier setting up Jen Guy for the fire-starter and Nyakoat Dojiok adding two in quick succession after a pair of strong plucks inside 50.
Audrey Rhodes (12 disposals, 15 tackles, eight clearances, one goal) was once again playing a starring role in midfield and capped off the six-goal flurry, while Matilda Zander (17 disposals) and Elisabeth Jackson (15 disposals, three tackles) continued to cover the ground well.
It's an avalanche at DSV Stadium! 🗻
— North Melbourne Women's (@NMFCWomens) July 7, 2024
Audrey Rhodes goes bang from close range.
🎥: https://t.co/BEqjhb78cA#Kangas pic.twitter.com/Var4auUmPf
As had been the trend, Williamstown owned the opening stages of the third term and pressed with early goals through Emily Eaves and Whiting.
The Roos' heat on the defensive side never dwindled, but they just couldn't tick the scoreboard over despite a couple of 50-metre penalties aiding them in their push for an eighth major.
With an 11-point advantage heading into the last stanza, the contest remained on a knife's edge, but some crucial efforts from Amanda Ling, Emily Paterno and Jess Jones saw Williamstown go scoreless in its attempt to rundown the determined visitors.
The Grand Finalist Roos now await the winner of next weekend's preliminary final between the Seagulls and Western Bulldogs.
Huge grab by Patty!
— North Melbourne Women's (@NMFCWomens) July 7, 2024
🎥: https://t.co/BEqjhb78cA#Kangas pic.twitter.com/0WhlfocHso
WILLIAMSTOWN 2.3 3.3 5.5 5.5 (35)
NORTH MELBOURNE 1.2 7.3 7.4 8.5 (53)
GOALS
Williamstown: Whiting 3, Eaves, Simpson
North Melbourne: Dojiok 2, Meier, Tierney, Guy, Rhodes, Nicholas, Barba
BEST
North Melbourne: Barba, Reynolds, Dojiok, Rhodes, Jackson, Nicholas
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