North Melbourne have been knocking on the door of success since their inaugural AFLW season in 2019, but a grand final berth had ultimately eluded them. That is no longer the case following a thrilling preliminary final victory over Adelaide, and with the same inaugural captain in Emma Kearney and a host of other original players – Jasmine Garner, Ash Riddell, Jenna Bruton, Emma King, Tahlia Randall and Nicole Bresnehan – the foundations have been built, slowly but surely, for this moment.
Kearney used the word “relief” to describe how she felt at the conclusion of the gripping clash with three-time AFLW premiers Adelaide, but the relief of moving past five seasons of “almosts” runs deeper for this side. Kearney added “It’s finally here,” and for many who have watched the side develop that sentiment rings true.
Since the controversial conference system was abolished in season five in favour of a more traditional fixture format, the Kangaroos have always finished inside the top eight. They have also managed to keep seven players from their inaugural side, while most other contenders have been gutted.
Kearney won a premiership with the Western Bulldogs alongside current Kangaroos Bruton and Kim Rennie, before jumping ship to Arden Street, a place she has been overtly proud to be a part of. That AFLW grand final in 2018 was the last one played in Melbourne, as the decider went to Adelaide three times and Brisbane once, and one finals series was called off due to Covid-19.
Garner is another player who goes into the grand final clash with years of hard work to attest to. The star midfielder will first be one of the favourites for the AFLW best and fairest award on Monday, having never quite been able to clinch the title (admittedly this is partly due to having some very talented teammates, such as Riddell, who tend to pinch votes). Arguably the strongest player in the competition, the 29-year-old Garner has twice been North Melbourne’s leading goalkicker, is currently ranked third in the league for average disposals (29), second for clearances (79), and second for kicks (234). Last week Garner signed a three-year contract extension that runs until the end of 2027, telling club media “It was a no-brainer,” in fitting words from a top player in a contending finals side.
The deservedness of the achievement extends off-field with the leadership at North Melbourne having consciously turned things around to focus on the women’s game. Darren Crocker replaced now Sydney coach Scott Gowans in 2020, and has remained at the helm since then while appearing to rule with consistency and fairness. The head coach was a Kangaroo himself for 13 years, was part of the men’s 1996 premiership side, and now has the chance to add coaching a flag to his repertoire.
This year, Sonja Hood and Jennifer Watt made history when they became the first women to run an AFL club, in the roles of president and CEO respectively at Arden Street. Watt is only the second woman to be the CEO of an AFL club, and Hood the fourth to be president, while current AFL Executive General Manager Laura Kane hails from the Kangaroos.
It’s clear to see the club is making a strong statement, these women are in charge and it’s no surprise that the attitude has trickled down to staff, administration and players, to see the AFLW program continually flourish in its first handful of years of operation.
It was only apt to hear Kearney filled with joy and resolve as the Kangaroos look ahead to Sunday’s grand final clash against Brisbane at Ikon Park, which will likely be filled to the brim of young women who have followed the journey of the side from the beginning.
To see the growth of the core group of players, supporters and passionate staff receive the ultimate prize of playing for the premiership cup is a win for the league and for women all over.
