The Kangaroos have executed an undefeated season, extending their history-making winning streak to 27 games with a masterclass performance against the Lions.
At a sold-out Ikon Park on Saturday, the Lions were ultimately no match for the dominant Kangaroos, who secured the 40-point victory 9.2 (56) – 2.4 (16) to become the first team in AFLW history to secure back-to-back premierships.
Recruit Eilish Sheerin starred for the Kangaroos, providing the crucial firepower with two first-half goals, 28 disposals, and nine clearances.
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Eilish Sheerin and Kangaroos teammate Tess Craven embrace during the 2025 AFLW grand final. Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images
The two-time All-Australian was subsequently crowned best on ground, having polled the maximum three votes from all four judges.
Midfielder Jenna Bruton also capped off a grand final to remember, leading the scoresheet with three majors.
“It was an absolute mauling, a monstering that many of us didn’t see coming,” Kelli Underwood said in commentary for Fox Footy.
The Lions struck first when midfielder Charlotte Mullins’ pressure on opposing defender Jasmine Ferguson earned her a free kick for holding the ball, which she slotted for the opening goal.
Mullins has a history in this area, having also kicked the first goal in the 2023 grand final against North Melbourne, which Brisbane ultimately went on to win.
The Kangaroos wasted no time hitting back, with Sheerin delivering the immediate reply.
Sheerin capitalised on the contested ball, shrugging off a tackle with a huge ‘don’t argue’, before finishing with a goal.
However, the major was shrouded in controversy.
In the lead-up to the goal, teammate Tahlia Randall initially caught the ball cleanly out of the ruck but was immediately tackled. She attempted a hasty kick and completely missed it.
Tahlia Randall quickly tries to dispose of the ball with an unsuccesful kick as the tackle closes in. Fox Footy
Despite Randall appearing to have had prior opportunity, the whistle remained silent.
An excellent intercept by Erika O’Shea across half-back for the Kangaroos sparked a rapid attack, which was finished off by Bella Eddey for North Melbourne’s second major.
After absorbing the Lions’ early pressure, the Kangaroos steadied to secure a five-point advantage at quarter time.
The second quarter began with North Melbourne being gifted a crucial goal when veteran Shannon Campbell conceded a 50-metre penalty, then immediately doubled the infringement by failing to move out of the protected area.
Shannon Campbell failed to move out of the protected area while tracking back toward the defensive 50. Fox Footy
As a result, Kate Shierlaw made no mistake from point-blank range down the other end.
“That’s just complete unawareness of the rule … I thought the umpire gave her too many warnings anyway,” Kate McCarthy said in commentary.
“That is hugely costly in a grand final.”
The impact of the earlier penalty seemed to deflate the Lions, as North Melbourne quickly capitalised with Bruton scoring before Sheerin added her second goal of the match.
The Kangaroos held a strong 22-point buffer at the main break.
To start the second half, the Kangaroos picked up exactly where they left off as Randall converted from a set shot to immediately extend their lead.
Forward Ruby Svarc pegged one back for the Lions, successfully snapping the Kangaroos’ devastating six-goal run.
As both teams kicked one goal apiece, the 22-point buffer held firm, setting up a decisive final term.
A turnover deep in the Lions’ defensive 50 gifted Kangaroos captain Jasmine Garner a goal to extend the lead and effectively settle the contest.
Jasmine Garner celebrates a dagger of a goal for the Kangaroos in the 2025 AFLW grand final. Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
“They can just soak it in now, it’s theirs,” caller Alister Nicholson said.
Bruton added two rapid-fire goals for North Melbourne, pushing the margin out to 40 points.
Lions midfielder Belle Dawes was the lone standout for Brisbane, delivering the most inspirational individual performance despite her team’s ill-disciplined showing.
The Kangaroos’ last defeat, which kick-started their record-breaking run, was ironically against Brisbane in the 2023 grand final.