NORTH Melbourne Werribee will have the chance to secure an unprecedented third consecutive VFLW premiership after brushing aside Collingwood by 61 points in the preliminary final. The reigning back-to-back premiers booked their grand final place in dominant fashion, while minor premiers Williamstown survived a stirring Port Melbourne finish to win a pulsating derby by two points.

North Melbourne Werribee 12.5 (77) def. Collingwood 2.4 (16)

North Melbourne Werribee flexed its premiership muscle from the outset at Arden Street Oval, kicking four goals to one in the opening quarter to establish an 18-point lead. Collingwood found a first major before the first break, but the Magpies could not manufacture any lasting momentum against the competition’s benchmark side.

The Roos added another three goals to one behind in the second term, stretching the half-time gap to 35 points. Their control only tightened after the main break, with a 3.2 to 1.0 third quarter putting the contest beyond doubt ahead of the final change. A further two goals in the last term completed a comprehensive 12.5 (77) to 2.4 (16) victory and sent North Melbourne Werribee through to another grand final.

Alana Barba led all comers with 23 disposals, and added five tackles across the ground. Ava Seton was influential in the contest with 21 disposals – 12 contested – six clearances and nine tackles, while also kicking 1.1. Charlotte Ryan (21 disposals – 11 contested – and seven tackles) and Abby Favell (21 disposals and eight tackles) were similarly industrious.

Maddison Torpey was pivotal around the stoppages, recording 12 hitouts and six clearances to go with 14 disposals and 1.1. Renee Tierney gathered 14 disposals – 11 contested – and booted 1.1, while the Roos’ pressure was underscored by strong tackling outputs from Favell, Seton and Shauna McElligott (five tackles).

For Collingwood, Abbey McDonald worked tirelessly for 19 disposals, five marks, six tackles and four inside 50s. Tahlia Sanger won 14 contested possessions among her 18 touches, adding six clearances and a game-high nine tackles, while Stella Huxtable also fought hard with 18 disposals – 11 contested – three clearances and seven tackles. Sophia De Castella was productive with 13 disposals, eight tackles, four inside 50s and a goal.

Williamstown 6.4 (40) def. Port Melbourne 5.8 (38)

Williamstown has earned its place in the VFLW grand final after holding off a fast-finishing Port Melbourne by two points in a tense preliminary final at DSV Stadium. The minor premiers recovered from a slow opening quarter to take command through the middle of the contest, then had just enough in reserve when the Borough threw everything forward late.

Port Melbourne jumped out of the blocks and kept Williamstown scoreless in the first term, taking an 11-point advantage to the first break. The Seagulls responded emphatically in the second quarter with three straight goals, turning the deficit into a five-point half-time lead. Williamstown added 1.2 to Port Melbourne’s 1.0 in the third term, leaving the Seagulls seven points clear at the final change.

The Borough launched one last charge in the final quarter, kicking 3.1 to 2.2 and reducing the margin to two points by the final siren. Williamstown’s 14-point last term proved just enough to preserve its lead and secure a hard-earned 6.4 (40) to 5.8 (38) win.

Bella Smith was outstanding in the Seagulls’ victory, collecting 19 disposals and six tackles. Emily Eaves had 16 disposals – 12 contested – five clearances, four tackles and a goal in a complete midfield performance, while Naomi Ferres brought relentless defensive pressure with eight tackles from 15 disposals.

Taelah Smith provided drive with 15 disposals, six marks, five tackles and four inside 50s. Lilly Pearce battled strongly in the ruck with 19 hitouts, six tackles and a goal, while Mia Zielinski made the most of her opportunities in attack, kicking two goals.

Port Melbourne was brave in defeat, with Bella Stutt (14 disposals, five clearances, four tackles, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s) providing a strong all-round influence. Mia Caffry won eight contested possessions, four clearances and laid seven tackles from 13 touches.

Courtney Jones was busy in the forward half with 13 disposals, six tackles and six inside 50s, while Kaitlyn O’Keefe added 12 disposals, six tackles, four inside 50s and 3.2. Mackenzie Bourne competed hard in the ruck with 18 hitouts, but the Borough fell agonisingly short of denying Williamstown a grand final berth.