## Roos coach shares difficulty over AFLW final omission
North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker described telling midfielder Mia King she would not play in the AFLW grand final as "one of the harder conversations" in his coaching career. Despite King’s strong season, she was unexpectedly omitted from the team lineup for the decisive match.
Crocker emphasized the emotional weight of such decisions, reflecting the tough nature of final team selections when balancing player form, fitness, and strategic considerations.
> "Those conversations are never easy, especially when you have great players who give their all throughout the season," Crocker said.
The decision came as a surprise to fans who had followed King’s consistent performances. However, the coach pointed out that grand final team selection is inherently difficult and sometimes heartbreaking, underscoring the competitive depth within the Kangaroos squad.
Crocker also praised the entire team’s commitment leading up to the grand final, stressing that every player contributed meaningfully to North Melbourne’s success this season.
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The balance between team strategy and individual aspirations in elite sport can lead to difficult but necessary decisions, as demonstrated by the Roos coach’s candidness about King's omission.
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ABC News — 2025-11-28