### Darren Crocker on a Difficult Decision
North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker revealed that leaving star midfielder **Mia King** out of the AFLW grand final side was one of the most challenging decisions of his coaching career. He described the selection call as a deeply personal and emotional moment for both the coaching staff and the player.
> “It was one of the hardest conversations I’ve had with any player,” Crocker said. “Mia has been an integral part of our journey, and it was heartbreaking to leave her out.”
### Balancing Form and Team Goals
Crocker explained that the choice came down to balancing performance, fitness, and the team’s tactical approach against their grand final opponents. Although King had maintained a solid season, the final lineup demanded a specific structure and match-up flexibility.
> “When you get to a grand final, every role on the field carries significant weight,” he said. “We chose the team that gave us the best balance.”
### Team Unity and Character
Despite her disappointment, King reportedly responded with professionalism and maturity, attending training sessions and offering full support to her teammates. Crocker praised her for showing leadership and commitment even when sidelined.
> “That’s the kind of person Mia is. She puts the team first, even in tough moments,” the coach added.
### Looking Ahead
Crocker expressed confidence that King’s resilience would only strengthen her performance in future seasons, labeling her as a cornerstone of the club’s ongoing success.
> “Mia will learn from this, come back stronger, and continue to be a key player for us,” he said.
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*Author’s summary:* Darren Crocker emotionally discussed benching Mia King for the AFLW grand final, calling it one of the hardest decisions of his career and praising her professionalism and resilience.
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Townsville Bulletin — 2025-11-28