North Melbourne has secured a commanding **39-point victory** over Hawthorn in the first qualifying final of the **AFLW**, solidifying their place in a home preliminary final. The match, held at **Princes Park** on **March 15, 2024**, marked the Kangaroos’ **25th consecutive win**, with the final score reading **5.12 (42)** to **0.3 (3)**.
The defending champions dominated the scoreboard, holding Hawthorn scoreless throughout the match. This performance follows a previous encounter where North Melbourne triumphed over the Hawks by **49 points**, setting a new record for the most consecutive wins in the VFL/AFL at **23 victories**.
In this qualifying final, Hawthorn faced significant challenges, particularly due to injuries. The team lost forward **Kaitlyn Ashmore** early in the match to a calf injury, followed by **Emily Everist** (concussion) and **Laura Elliott** (chest injury) during the third quarter. Despite these setbacks, the Hawks managed to stay competitive until the injury toll took its toll.
Key Performers Shine for Kangaroos
North Melbourne’s midfield powerhouse duo, **Jasmine Garner** and **Ash Riddell**, both delivered standout performances, each recording **26 disposals** with Garner also achieving **four clearances**. Their contributions were pivotal in maintaining control over the match.
Defensively, **Erika O’Shea** and **Libby Birch** excelled, effectively limiting Hawthorn’s scoring opportunities. On the other side, **Eliza West** led the way for Hawthorn with **24 disposals** and **four clearances**, but struggled to find adequate support in the contest.
The match began with a solid defensive display from both teams, as North Melbourne took a **10-point lead** at the end of the first quarter. This marked the **50th time** the Kangaroos have held an opponent goalless in a quarter during their winning streak. Despite the scoreboard pressure, Hawthorn managed to limit the damage, with **Kim Rennie** scoring the first and only goal of the opening term after North Melbourne’s early offensive pushes.
As the second quarter progressed, Hawthorn’s **Aine McDonagh** attempted to make her mark but faced a head clash with North defender **Jasmine Ferguson**, leading to a temporary sideline assessment. Fortunately, McDonagh returned to the match before halftime.
Final Quarter Dominance
While the Kangaroos failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities in the second quarter, they managed to extend their lead to **18 points** with a goal from forward **Alice O’Loughlin**. Tensions rose in the third quarter, highlighted by a heated exchange between **Greta Bodey** and **Emma Kearney**, energizing the crowd at Princes Park.
As the match neared its conclusion, Hawthorn’s injury woes continued, with McDonagh clutching her knee after a collision with O’Shea. Despite her pain, she persevered to remain in the contest.
In a final push, North Melbourne broke away, scoring three goals in the last term to solidify their victory. This decisive performance not only highlighted the Kangaroos’ dominance but also set the stage for their next challenge as they prepare for the preliminary final.
The win underscores North Melbourne’s status as a formidable force in the AFLW, while Hawthorn will have to regroup quickly as they face a sudden-death semifinal against the winner of the upcoming elimination final between **Carlton** and **West Coast**.
