NORTH Melbourne-Werribee had to do it the hard way, but it turned out third time is a charm, finally toppling Collingwood in 2025 in what was the only match that counted. The Roos once again fell behind early in the fourth after being well clear early, but they steadied to secure the VFL Women’s premiership with a 5.4 (34) to 4.4 (28) triumph at ETU Stadium.

After losing to the Magpies in the qualifying final, North Melbourne-Werribee had to knock off Williamstown and Box Hill to earn a rematch, while Collingwood’s win over the Hawks was the only game the black and whites had to play before a well-earned rest last weekend.

Battle hardened, North Melbourne burst out of the blocks with two goals in the first 10 minutes to former Pie Nyakoat Dojiok and ex-Tiger Stella Reid. Dojiok would head into quarter time with two majors to her name, while Tayla Christensen joined her with two either side of the first break.

The Magpies closed within five points thanks to her second major, and when Amelia Peck – who was the qualifying final match-winner with four goals – booted one, the Pies had hit the front midway through the quarter.

North Melbourne continued to pepper the goals, but could only nudge ahead by a point at the main break, before an early major to Bella Clarke off the back of forward half dominance gave the Magpies a seven-point buffer. Reid responded five minutes later, and by the time the teams headed into the final change, the match was set for an all time classic finish.

Alana Barba was huge throughout the game and clear best afield, while Pies skipper Dominique Carbone and young gun Tahlia Sanger were crucial for the black and whites. However it would be Reid who became the hero after misses from Renee Tierney and Dojiok. With scores level, Reid showed her class with a terrific finish for a third goal to give her team a six-point lead.

That proved the match-winning goal in the end, with the Roos able to celebrate an incredible victory and become the first side since Darebin Falcons in 2016-17 to go back-to-back. For Collingwood, it was heartbreak as it marked another grand final defeat having lost to Port Melbourne in 2023 and been unable to play when minor premiers in 2021.

Barba won the Lisa Hardeman Medal for best on ground with a herculean effort of 35 disposals, 13 tackles, 11 clearances and four inside 50s. She was supported by the likes of Charlotte Ryan (19 disposals, three tackles, four clearances and two rebound 50s) and Maddie Di Cosmo (17 disposals, 13 tackles and eight inside 50s), while Reid and Dojiok combined for the Roos’ five goals.

Carbone (22 disposals, six clearances, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s) did all she could, while Sanger (15 disposals, three marks, 14 tackles, five clearances and three inside 50s) and Lauren Szigeti (12 disposals, six tackles and three clearances) worked hard around the ball. In defence, Jaide Anthony battled hard, while Courtney Jones was busy transitioning the ball forward.

COLLINGWOOD 1.1 | 3.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 (28)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.0 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 5.4 (34)

GOALS:
Collingwood: T. Christensen 2, A. Peck, B. Clarke
North Melbourne-Werribee: S. Reid 3, N. Dojiok 2

RMC BEST:
Collingwood: D. Carbone, T. Sanger, J. Anthony, C. Jones, L. Szigeti
North Melbourne-Werribee: A. Barba, S. Reid, C. Ryan, N. Dojiok, M. Di Cosmo