### Coach’s tough decision
North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker admitted that omitting Mia King from the AFLW grand final lineup was one of the hardest decisions of the season. Despite King being considered a long shot for a recall, the call weighed heavily on him and the coaching team.
> “Just because Mia was at long odds to play doesn’t make the decision any easier,” Crocker said.
He emphasized that King’s effort and professionalism made the selection dilemma even more challenging, describing her as a valuable and respected team member.
### Team considerations
Crocker explained that the final selection came down to maintaining team balance and structure for the grand final match. He praised King’s attitude, noting she handled the news with maturity and continued to support her teammates.
> “She’s been exceptional in the way she’s handled everything,” he added.
### Looking ahead
While King missed out on the final game, Crocker highlighted her importance to the club’s future, reaffirming that decisions like these are part of the demanding nature of elite sport.
> “In elite football, tough calls have to be made, but it doesn’t make them any easier,” the coach said.
> “Mia’s professionalism ensures she’ll be right back in contention next season.”
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**Author’s summary:** Darren Crocker called the decision to leave Mia King out of the AFLW grand final lineup one of the toughest of his coaching career, praising her professionalism and commitment.
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Yahoo News Australia — 2025-11-28