PRODUCING an impressive 2024 season, Northern Knights made finals off a top four regular season finish, and though bowing out to Eastern Ranges in the first final, pushed the eventual grand finalists right down to the wire.

NORTHERN KNIGHTS

RECORD: 4th Overall | 3rd Metro | 10-4 | 178.7%
STREAK: WLWW | WLL | LWWWW | WW

THE STORY:

The Knights started the season on fire and finished in the same way, winning four of their five games – and only losing the other one by seven points after being in front all game – then ended the year with six straight victories. Aside from the three consecutive losses midseason, the Knights were ultra consistent, and even in defeat, lost by no more than 12 points, at an average of five points per game.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

Northern Knights had no shortage of highlights throughout the year, but their 88-point thrashing of Calder Cannons in Round 16 was certainly one of them. Producing their highest score of the year, the Knights had 25 scoring shots to two en route to the 13.12 (90) to 0.2 (2) victory. In an even team performance, Olivia Jesser and Kira Lemire both kicked three goals.

THE STAR:

A talented midfielder/forward who also had a role in defence at times, Zoe Hargreaves was once again an impressive performer for the Knights. Coming off a promising bottom-age campaign, the Vic Metro member really took the reigns on the inside and combined well with her skipper Holly Ridewood out the outside, before Ridewood also moved on-ball.

Hargreaves has a terrific powerful burst that allows her to breakthrough tackles or fend-off opponents, while bombing the ball forward to give her side field advantage. Both her and Ridewood who was equally a star throughout the course of the season helped guide the young Knights to a super competitive year with their metres gained and transition turning defence into offence.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Alongside Hargreaves and Ridewood who were the definition of mainstays in the side, the Knights also had a host of other top-age prospects who had their moments. Lemire proved a force inside 50 with her aerial ability, while Tahlia Plunkett has some jets to explode from the contest and go forward. Over-age duo Isabella Caminiti and Hannah Scott also put up competitive performances from the defensive half.

THE FUTURE:

Northern has a host of bottom-age stars who will drive the team forward into 2025. Tenacious small Marlo Graham captained the Under 17 Futures side at GMHBA Stadium this year and showed off her leadership potential there. She adds tenacious defensive pressure and speed in the front half of the ground, while Phoebe Hargreaves also packs a punch.

The dangerous Jesser and talented marking forward Scarlett Johnson have plenty of upside inside 50, while Olivia Gorman provided a handy option on the inside and was clean at extracting the ball to outside runners. Looking ahead to the double bottom-agers and Maddison Meagher has explosive speed and has played both half-back and wing in her debut season.