Ruthless Roos march into prelim after keeping Hawks goalless
North Melbourne continued its confident charge toward a second AFLW premiership with a commanding 39-point win over a goalless Hawthorn in their qualifying final.
The scoreboard read 5.12 (42) to 0.3 (3) at Ikon Park, marking the lowest score ever recorded in an AFLW final. Despite holding the Roos to their smallest total of the season, the Hawks were unable to convert any of their chances into goals.
Team Line-ups and Changes
North Melbourne welcomed back Vikki Wall and Kate Shierlaw after last week’s victory, adding depth to their already strong side. Hawthorn made one key change, bringing in Jess Vukic to replace the injured Ellie Symonds.
Match Conditions and Atmosphere
The game unfolded under moody weather that couldn’t decide between humid, windy, dry, or wet. Slippery conditions combined with finals tension created a scrappy start as players struggled to maintain control of the ball.
Player Spotlight
Erika O’Shea remained a persistent threat off half-back as the Roos secured a spot in yet another preliminary final.
Match Summary
- Venue: Ikon Park
- Final Score: North Melbourne 5.12 (42) def. Hawthorn 0.3 (3)
- Margin: 39 points
- Highlight: Lowest ever AFLW final score for Hawthorn
Post-Game Coverage
Press conferences from both clubs followed the match, reflecting on the defining moments and North Melbourne’s continuing momentum toward the grand final.
Author’s Summary: North Melbourne powered into the preliminary final with record-breaking defensive dominance, holding Hawthorn scoreless in a wet, tense AFLW qualifier.