It would be hard to find a happier person at the final siren of North Melbourne’s win over Brisbane on Saturday night than Kangaroos president Sonia Hood.
She is someone who has seen the club through many ups and downs and joined the board in 2019, when the Kangaroos entered the AFLW.
“It’s our first silverware in 25 years. It means so much to the club. You can hear out there [the stands] what it means to them. It’s wonderful, it’s really wonderful,” Hood told ABC.
“They may not have seen a lot of success in the men’s program but they haven’t lost their ability to cheer and geez have they seen some amazing success in the women’s program.”
North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker and captain Emma Kearney hoist the AFLW premiership trophy.
The men’s team last won in 1999.
In front of a sold out 12,122 crowd, the Kangaroos beat the Lions by 30 points in a rematch of last year’s decider.
It’s the first AFLW flag to be won by an expansion team.
Despite being in front from the first goal kicked, Hood said she didn’t let herself believe they had two hands on the cup until the bench held up the 1 minute sign.
The Kangaroos took control early with three goals in the first 16 minutes, two off the boot of Alice O’Loughlin. From then on, they never dropped being at least two goals ahead.
But Hood knew, like most AFLW fans, to never count out the Lions.
“I felt good at quarter time. I felt good at half-time time, but we were ahead of every change last year and they won. So, Brisbane are an amazing team, there’s always the chance they’re coming back.”
North Melbourne’s Jenna Burton celebrates grand final win against Brisbane.
Yet unlike last year — when the Lions booted four final-quarter goals and held the Roos scoreless, Hood’s Kangaroos held on this time.
And standing amongst the players’ friends and families just before they each received their premiership medals, she beamed.
“Absolutely over the moon, could not be happier. I am so delighted. I am so proud of these girls and everything they’ve done and everything they’ve worked for. I’m so proud of this club,” she said.
This one meant a lot.
North Melbourne players celebrate the premiership win over Brisbane.
Even Emma Kearney — after telling Darren Crocker “you’re now a premiership coach” and thanking Brisbane for “constantly setting the benchmark” — couldn’t help but throw out a cheeky quip with a smirk in her captain’s victory speech: “Maybe the men can do it next.”
And it wasn’t just a win for the club, but a good indication of the state of women’s football. They didn’t just beat anyone but comprehensively outdid a powerhouse of the competition. It was the Lions sixth grand final in eight seasons and third in a row.
Fans frustrated by venue for sold out AFLW decider
Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich couldn’t deny he was impressed.
“I’m one of the coaches who has been here since [AFLW’s] inception and what I saw in that first half was the best footy I’ve seen in AFLW,” Starcevich said.
“We were on the receiving end, trying to keep our heads above water. They were awesome, the Kangas — their pressure, their quick decisions, their ball use was phenomenal.
“So it was very difficult to hang on.”
Making the night even sweeter for Kangaroo fans was fan-favourite and superstar of the competition Jasmine Garner taking out the best on ground.
Jasmine Garner powers through Brisbane players in the grand final.
Garner received a huge cheer at the league best and fairest on Monday night when she polled three votes for the first time in round five.
It is generally accepted within AFLW circles that Garner, who is regarded as one of the best the competition has ever seen, doesn’t get the respect she deserves on the coveted night.
Now at least she has a premiership medal and grand final best on ground, which she would argue is a preferred outcome.
“A year ago today, you lose one, and [then] the journey this year … I’m so proud of everyone,” Garner told Seven after the match.
“We had the belief and we got the job done.”
