AFTER his team dominated Richmond in the semi final, North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker praised his team’s ability to execute in the match.

“I’m just so pleased for the players and the program that we were able to execute so well today,” he said.

“Last week we just found a way to win, which can be a sign of a quality side that if things aren’t going your way you just grind out a win. But I thought that was closer to some of our better footy today.”

He noted how important certain team changes since the Round 10 draw allowed his team to get the win this time around.

“We obviously got back our skipper from the Round 10 game Emma Kearney, who they then put a bit of time into today and also Kim Rennie coming back into the ruck which allows Emma King to play more forward. So just structurally I felt that was always going to make a difference against the Tiges, but there were some things that we learnt from the last time we played.

“It was a drawn game, there was a fair bit on the result. We came away disappointed, I know the players were disappointed and the coaches. We’ve got to work this week, I thought it was a really positive week both behind closed doors and on the track and to come away with an emphatic win like that is really pleasing.”

He also agreed that improved scoring made a difference to his side.

“Well it helps to be able to put them through the big sticks no doubt and especially this time of year, it can be the difference.

“You saw last week with Geelong, their inaccuracy, they put a few more through the big sticks and they roll us. Collingwood, five 10 that nearly cost them last week in a final as well. So accuracy and just that composure to get some quality shots is important I think when it comes to finals time.”

He spoke glowingly of Jasmine Garner, who was able to shake a tag better then she did in Round 10 and have quite the influence on the game.

“I admire Jas. She’s just an out and out pro. She was disappointed to have her colours lowered last time we played them and not be able to help the team. She’s such a quality person and so good to have in our program because it’s all about how do I help the team, and she just got to work with the midfield group this week, learn a lot about herself and how she can shake a tag better and I thought she was outstanding. A couple of things we put in place as well really allowed her to be able to play the type of game she did and bounce back.”

Looking ahead to next week, Crocker firmly believes his side deserves a spot in the final four, but is fully aware of the challenge ahead of them next week against the Dees.

“The Dees are a quality team, they have been for a number of years, not just seasons, number of years.

“I think all of the three teams that are left, personally, and hopefully this doesn’t come across arrogant in any way whatsoever, but I felt like we should be up in that top echelon as a top four team. We’ve now been able to prove that, and we get a great opportunity against some strong opposition going forward and the first one is Melbourne next week.

“They’re a really, really well coached team with some really good players. They play with a strong brand of football and again we’re going to have to be at our best.”