Across recent AFLW seasons, no team has demonstrated the consistency and dominance of North Melbourne. This weekend, they face the Brisbane Lions in the 2025 AFLW Grand Final, marking their third consecutive decider against Brisbane. Remarkably, the Kangaroos enter this match with an unprecedented 26-game winning streak, a feat that has redefined dominance in women’s football.
North Melbourne’s journey to this point is a testament to meticulous planning and strategic execution. Since joining the AFLW in 2019, the Kangaroos have crafted a team that blends All-Australian caliber stars with seasoned role players, all operating within a finely-tuned system. This approach has made victory feel almost inevitable from the first bounce of each game.
The Genesis of North Melbourne’s Success
North Melbourne, alongside Geelong, was granted a license to join the AFLW as part of the league’s expansion in 2019. From the outset, the Kangaroos have been a formidable force, thanks in large part to their strategic player acquisitions. One of their most significant signings was Jasmine Garner, a player who has become synonymous with excellence in the league.
Garner, who transitioned from Collingwood to North Melbourne at the end of the 2018 season, has been a constant presence in the All-Australian team, earning her eighth consecutive blazer this season. She stands alongside club legend Emma Kearney as the only players in the league’s history to achieve this feat.
Building a Winning Culture
The Kangaroos’ success extends beyond individual talent. Their stability and depth in the midfield, led by the league’s most recent best and fairest winner Ash Riddell, have been crucial. Riddell’s staggering average of 35.3 disposals per game in the 2025 season, along with her impressive clearance and tackle stats, underscore the team’s dominance.
“Ridiculous,” noted Fox Footy commentator and AFLW expert Chyloe Kurdas, highlighting Riddell’s exceptional performance.
The Role of ‘The Huddle’ in North Melbourne’s Rise
North Melbourne’s success story began well before their inaugural AFLW season. A pivotal program known as ‘The Huddle’ played a significant role in establishing the club’s now-admired culture. According to Kurdas, North Melbourne’s early commitment to female football development laid the groundwork for their current achievements.
“North Melbourne were very unlucky not to get a license initially,” Kurdas explained. “They were one of the first clubs to truly embrace female footy.”
Under the leadership of Sonja Hood, ‘The Huddle’ fostered an environment that was female-empowered and ready for the AFLW. Hood’s insights, drawn from her daughter’s experiences in junior footy, informed the club’s approach to creating a supportive and equitable environment for women.
Strategic Foundations and Recruitment
By the time AFLW licenses were distributed, North Melbourne had already established structures and philosophies that aligned with elite women’s football. Unlike other clubs that scrambled to adjust, North Melbourne was prepared both culturally and operationally to integrate a full-fledged AFLW program.
This preparation made recruiting top talent like Jasmine Garner and Emma Kearney less daunting. The club’s commitment to gender equity and a supportive culture attracted players who valued leadership and skill, contributing to the team’s consistent performance.
“When you do all that groundwork, it’s much easier to recruit players,” Kurdas noted. “They know they’ll be looked after from a cultural perspective.”
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of North Melbourne’s AFLW Dominance
North Melbourne’s on-field predictability and off-field consistency position them as favorites to become the first AFLW team to win back-to-back premierships. Their success is not just a result of talent but of a decade-long vision for women’s football, implemented before many others recognized its potential.
As the Kangaroos continue to set new standards in the AFLW, their story serves as a blueprint for building a successful and sustainable women’s sports program. Their rise is a product of strategic planning, cultural commitment, and the integration of lived experiences into their operational framework.
Ultimately, North Melbourne’s dominance is no accident. It is the culmination of years of preparation and the right people in the right roles, ensuring that their impact on the AFLW will be felt for years to come.
