North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker has a simple message for the rest of the AFLW competition – catch us if you can.
It comes after the club’s 27th straight victory over Brisbane on Saturday night resulted in a second straight premiership.
The Roos have not lost since the 2023 grand final and have truly become an unbeatable force.
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Speaking after the win, Crocker said they have work to do to maintain their excellence, but know they are the benchmark.
Darren Crocker, Jasmine Garner and Nicole Bresnehan of the Kangaroos lift the premiership cup AFL Photos via Getty Images
“We will look at where the game is going and try to stay ahead of the curve,” Crocker said post match.
“The pleasing thing at the moment is we’re probably a little bit ahead of the curve, so there are a few teams that need to catch us with how we go about our football.
“It’s great to be the standard setters, and now it is for others to raise things from the bottom up.”
North Melbourne dominated in the 40-point win over Brisbane and never looked like losing. Trailing at three quarter time of the preliminary final against Melbourne was ultimately as close as anybody came to beating them.
“[There’s] no talking about a three-peat,” Crocker added
“We joked on the dais at the end about how we weren’t allowed to mention the words back-to-back this season. Now we can.”
Isabel Dawes and Lily Postlethwaite of the Lions look dejected after losing the AFLW Grand Final. via Getty Images
Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich, who has led his team to seven grand finals since 2017 for just two wins, was clearly frustrated post-match.
“Everyone is gettable,” Starcevich said.
“I thought our form line was on the rise and we were ready to challenge.
“You look at them tonight, and you say that is quite the level, but no one gets any younger, things happen, things change and sides catch up.”
He also lamented careless errors that piled up as the grand final slipped out of reach.
“Watching the game back is going to be painful viewing for a couple of them because there were some monumental blunders along the way, with giving away 50-metre penalties,” Starcevich said.
“But that happens in a footy person’s career. Our people are great people, and they will absorb it. That’s just life as a footballer.”
Emma Kearney celebrates with teammates. AFL Photos via Getty Images
North Melbourne star Emma Kearney is now the most decorated star in AFLW history.
The 36-year-old won her third premiership on Saturday night, to go with her league best and fairest award in 2018, seven All-Australian blazers and two club best and fairests at the Bulldogs.
Speaking with AFL Media after the game, Kearney said she wasn’t yet ready to hang up the boots.
“Hopefully I’ll sign on,” she said.
“I love playing footy, I just feel like I can contribute at the level, and I love doing it.
“You’re a long time retired.”