Jasmine Garner is named best afield after the Roos’ win on Saturday. Picture: AFL Photos
After seasons of disappointment, North Melbourne has become the first AFLW expansion club to win a premiership.
The Kangaroos also became the first AFLW team to go undefeated with their 6.3(39) to 1.3(9) win over Brisbane at a sold-out Ikon Park (12,122) on Saturday night.
Jasmine Garner was named best-afield for her 35-disposal, 10-clearance performance.
And coach Darren Crocker, a former premiership player, was able to deliver some silverware to Arden Street for the first time in 25 years.
AFL website www.afl.com.au reports that the game proved to be a slog with just one goal kicked between the two teams across in the second and third terms.
The deadlock was finally broken by a smart one-two between Jenna Bruton and Kate Shierlaw as Bruton burst through to hit up Vikki Wall.
Her second goal took the margin to 23 points at the start of the fourth.
The Roos had 30 more touches in the first term as they denied Brisbane the ball but the visitors’ pressure stopped the Roos from fully running away.
North dominated the second term as Jen Dunne, Shannon Campbell and Bre Koenen hung on grimly on the last line of defence and the Roos only added one goal for the term, taking a 17-point lead into half-time.
While Brisbane managed to right the ship somewhat in the third term with ball ownership, North’s backline was incredibly disciplined, with Sarah Wright, Jas Ferguson and Libby Birch moving in unison to shut down forward forays.
Roos defender Birch has also made history, becoming the first player (male or female) to win a premiership at three clubs.
Birch joined the Roos in a whirlwind trade last off-season after she had won flags at Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
