Ruthless Roos march into prelim after keeping Hawks goalless
North Melbourne advanced confidently to the preliminary final with a commanding 39-point victory over a goalless Hawthorn in the AFLW qualifying finals. The final score stood at 5.12 (42) to 0.3 (3), marking the lowest total ever recorded by a team in an AFLW final.
While the Hawks managed to restrict the Kangaroos to their lowest total of the season, they struggled to score under pressure from North's formidable defense. The match, held at Ikon Park, unfolded before a tense and restless crowd.
"It is the lowest score in an AFLW final."
North Melbourne’s line-up gained further strength with the inclusion of Vikki Wall and Kate Shierlaw, following last week’s win. Meanwhile, Hawthorn made changes among their tall players, bringing back Jess Vukic in place of the injured Ellie Symonds.
The weather at Ikon Park was unpredictable — both humid and breezy, alternating between dry and drizzly. These mixed conditions created a slick ground surface, making for a scrappy and high-pressure opening term as both sides struggled for clean execution.
Erika O’Shea was prominent off half-back, repeatedly driving the ball forward and setting up North’s attack as the Roos rolled toward another preliminary final appearance.
Match notes
- North Melbourne defeated Hawthorn by 39 points.
- Final score: 5.12 (42) to 0.3 (3).
- Hawthorn recorded the lowest-ever score in an AFLW final.
- Vikki Wall and Kate Shierlaw boosted North’s roster for the qualifier.
- Jess Vukic replaced the injured Ellie Symonds for the Hawks.
Author’s summary: North Melbourne charged into the AFLW preliminary final, crushing Hawthorn in wet, scrappy conditions and setting a record for the lowest opponent score in finals history.