Dear Members,

On Saturday night, our AFLW team made history. Not only did they win the club’s first AFLW premiership, but they became the first team in the history of the AFLW, AFL and VFL to end a season without losing a single game.

What a team. We are so proud of every single one of them. And while I don’t want to individualise too much, there are two key people who deserve a special mention.

Premiership coach, Darren Crocker. ‘Crock’ becomes just the second person to win an AFL premiership as a player, and an AFLW premiership as a coach, joining Craig Starcevich to create an elite group.

Post-game, Crock said “whenever there’s a first, it becomes pretty special, so we’ve now just created history by becoming the first ever AFLW premiership team for the North Melbourne footy club,” and he’s right. (Although it’s more than pretty special).

Crock went on to reflect that in years to come those in the crowd on Saturday night would be able to say they were there the night North Melbourne’s AFLW side won their first-ever premiership – and that thought made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

Crock is as North Melbourne as they come and that gives you the perfect insight into the person he is. The ultimate Shinboner with a blue and white heart. 

Captain, Emma Kearney. One of the greatest players in the history of the game. The spiritual leader of our side. And now a North Melbourne premiership captain.

She revealed in the aftermath of the win that she tore her calf only a few weeks ago during her rehab back from a hamstring injury. So, the fact that she was out there at all reflects her grit and determination as a player and person – and her impact on the game reflects her astounding skill and drive. Who will ever forget her desperation to get back onto the ground in the dying minutes? 

In times like these, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and not stop to really appreciate how we got here.

Premierships don’t happen by accident, they’re not the result of sheer luck. Sure, luck plays a part – but not nearly as much as planning, vision and persistence. The right people with the right skills in the right roles – on-field and off.

This letter is about AFLW, but I’ve been asked so many times this week about the contrasting performance of the men’s and women’s teams, and I think it’s important to make this point. Our women’s and men’s programs have gone through different deliberate builds in recent years – but they are both on the same path.

Our AFLW build started from scratch. From the time we were granted an AFLW licence in 2017, to entering the competition in 2019, the journey from “no team” to “Premiers” certainly had its challenges. And make no mistake – we were determined from the outset to build a program that would attract the best players and win silverware. That we got there is testament to so many people.  The build of our talent on and off-field has been purposeful and persistent. And on Saturday, we saw the results.

It’s been no secret that since the end of 2020 we have also been on a quest to rebuild the men’s program, on and off-field. That program has more than 150 years of history behind it – and that rebuild has, necessarily, been a little different. But the same principles apply – bring in people with the right skills and character and give them the tools to do their jobs properly. Bring in young players you can develop into stars and older players who can help where you need it most. Change the things that need to be changed – but otherwise, give people the time and space to do what needs to be done.

And as our AFLW team demonstrated this weekend – if you get those things right, the reward is enormous.

Finally, there’s a saying that teams win games, but clubs win premierships. 

This flag is not a women’s program success, it’s a North Melbourne Football Club success. Yes, our women held up the cup, but it was the whole club, coaches, staff, volunteers, families, friends, members and supporters who got them there.

Next year, the club celebrates our centenary in the VFL/AFL competition. To have written an AFLW (and VFLW) flag into our 100-year history is incredible.

And, on a personal note, it’s the first North Melbourne premiership I’ve witnessed in person. And that’s pretty special too.

Go Roos!!