Jasmine Garner Leads North Melbourne’s Charge into AFLW Grand Final After Record All-Australian Selection
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north Melbourne captain Jasmine Garner is poised to lead her team in a bid for back-to-back premierships after a stellar season culminating in her third All-Australian captaincy and a record-equalling eighth selection to the AFLW Team of the Year. Garner’s leadership and on-field prowess have been instrumental to the Kangaroos’ success,and the honor,announced Monday night,underscores her important impact on the AFLW over its ten seasons. Garner, a ruck-rover, laughed when acknowledging her eighth All-Australian selection, stating, “I’m feeling a little bit old… I love what I do and I’m so lucky and I just try to enjoy the ride.” Her teammate,Emma Kearney,also boasts eight All-Australian selections,highlighting the depth of talent within the North Melbourne squad.
The team’s success is built on strong player connections. A key relationship is with teammate ash Riddell, who was also named in the All-Australian team as a rover. According to sources close to the team, Riddell highlighted her connection with Garner, noting, “We just make each other better, we’re byproducts of each other on the field and we have some realy good times off the field as well.” Further bolstering North Melbourne’s portrayal were Tahlia Randall (center-half forward) and Blaithin Bogue (interchange).
Rising Star Fish Makes Waves in Debut Season
Alongside Garner’s accolades, Sydney Swans midfielder Zippy Fish captivated the league in her rookie season, earning the Rising Star award. fish edged out Carlton’s Poppy Scholtz for the honor, and Indy Tahau was recognized as the league’s leading goal-kicker.
Speaking after receiving the award, Fish expressed gratitude to her parents, saying, “I think I’ve turned out to be a really good person as well, so thank you to them.” Fish, a proud Larrakia, Wongi, Noongar and Nunga woman, is celebrated for her extraordinary aerial skills, athleticism, and speed – qualities reflected in her nickname. She averaged 21 disposals per game across her 12 matches this season, making an immediate and significant contribution to the Swans.
North Melbourne Favored to Secure Back-to-Back Titles
North Melbourne enters the grand final as the clear favorite, maintaining an remarkable 27-game winning streak that includes last year’s championship victory over the Brisbane Lions. Their only defeat since 2023 came in the 2023 grand final, also against Brisbane.
The Lions will be represented in the All-Australian team by defender jennifer Dunne and forward Courtney Hodder. Teams eliminated in the preliminary finals – Melbourne (represented by Maeve Chaplin, Tyla Hanks, and Kate Hore) and Carlton (Harriet Cordner and Dayna Finn) – also saw players recognized for their outstanding performances. In total, 12 of the 18 AFLW clubs had at least one player selected for the All-Australian team.
International Impact Growing in AFLW
The increasing influence of international players is also evident, with the inclusion of imports like Dunne and Bogue, alongside Irish players Niamh McLaughlin (Gold Coast) and Aine McDonagh (Hawthorn). This trend highlights the growing global appeal and talent pool within the AFLW.
Further AFLW awards, including the league’s best and fairest, are scheduled to be announced Monday night. The stage is set for a thrilling grand final showdown,with North Melbourne aiming to cement its dynasty and brisbane seeking redemption.