MELBOURNE is through to its second Grand Final of 2022, after defeating North Melbourne 5.3 (33) to 2.4 (16), winning by a double-digit margin for the first time ever against the Kangaroos.

It was a tough, physical battle from the opening bounce, and the intensity was fitting to be associated with a final and also matches between these two sides. Although not necessarily on the scoreboard, it felt as though North was on top for much of the game, as the Dees kept playing from behind and kicking it straight to their opposition.

However, things really started to click into gear for the Dees in the last quarter and they ultimately ran over the top, with two last quarter goals from Kate Hore and Daisy Pearce sealing the progression through to the Grand Final.

TALKING POINTS

North did not make the most of its chances in the third term

North certainly had its opportunities to run away with the game in the third term, but could not do it. The Roos had 18 inside inside 50s in the third quarter to Melbourne’s two, but could only register two behinds as reward for all that effort and forward half dominance.

What did Mick say at three quarter time?

After surviving the barrage of North Melbourne attacks in the third term but not even looking close to scoring themselves, the Dees came in at three quarter time and coach Mick Stinear must have said something moving, because things then really started to click for the Dees.

They really improved their kicking accuracy and focus while kicking, and also played in front more then they had all afternoon. This improvement resulted in the goals to Hore and Pearce, which ultimately proved to be the match winners.

Chaplin stood up

Although plenty of Dees played well yesterday, one Demon defender really stood up and showed how she is taking her second chance at AFLW level and running with it.

Maeve Chaplin may have only had the seven touches, but she took a number of crucial marks in defence, played a strong defensive role and really created a lot of run off half back for her team.

Pearce’s poetic sealer

Melbourne kicked two goals to none in the last quarter, and it was somewhat poetic that the sealer came from none other than Melbourne skipper Pearce. Her snap around the body had fans jumping out of their seats, knowing that that was the sealer and the Dees were off to another decider.

North’s impressive defence

Arguably the most impressive aspect of North’s game yesterday was its defence. Playing a spare behind the ball allowed them to outnumber the Dees on a number of occasions, and the likes of Nicole Bresnehan and Brooke Brown really benefitted from that, taking a number of intercept marks and really halting the Dees forward momentum.