NORTH Melbourne Werribee has stormed home in the second grand final rematch of the season, overturning a six-point three-quarter-time deficit to defeat Collingwood by six points and move into second spot with one round remaining.

North Melbourne Werribee 7.6 (48) def. Collingwood 6.6 (42)

The Magpies made the better start at Arden Street Oval, kicking 2.3 to 2.0 in the opening term to lead by three points. North Melbourne Werribee answered in the second quarter, adding 2.2 to 1.1 and taking a four-point advantage into the main break.

That momentum swung again in the third term. Collingwood held the Roos to three behinds while kicking 2.1 of its own, regaining the lead by six points with one quarter to play. But North Melbourne Werribee delivered when it counted, booting 3.1 to 1.1 in the final term to complete the comeback and secure a vital win.

Trailing by six points at the last change, the Roos kicked three of the final four goals to turn the result around and claim second spot ahead of the last home-and-away round.

The raw ball-winning numbers favoured Collingwood, which had four more disposals, seven more marks, seven more contested possessions and six more clearances. North Melbourne Werribee’s pressure and territory work were more telling, however. The Roos laid 13 more tackles, won the hitouts 30-28 and generated 34 inside 50s to 30, giving themselves the extra chances needed to break the deadlock late.

Emma King proved the match-winner in a commanding ruck-forward display, kicking three goals from 10 disposals while adding 18 hitouts. Alana Barba was influential through the middle with 22 disposals – 11 contested – nine tackles and three clearances, while Ava Seton had 20 disposals – 12 contested – eight tackles, three clearances and a game-high five inside 50s.

Tessa Boyd matched Seton’s 20 disposals and worked hard at both ends, recording four inside 50s and three rebound 50s. Renee Tierney contributed 15 disposals – nine contested – three clearances and a goal, while Poppy Schaap booted two majors from 15 touches, two clearances and four inside 50s.

For Collingwood, Tahlia Sanger led the ball-winning with 24 disposals – 13 contested – seven tackles and three rebound 50s. Dominique Carbone was prolific at the contest with 23 disposals – 14 contested – six tackles, a game-high nine clearances and three inside 50s, while Jemma Ramsdale amassed 20 disposals, six marks and four rebound 50s.

Abbey Tregellis (18 disposals, three clearances and three inside 50s) also battled hard through the middle. Up forward, Amelia Peck kicked three goals from 12 disposals and six marks, while Georgia Knight booted two goals from nine touches and three inside 50s.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Geelong won a thrilling three-point victory over finals-bound Carlton, and while the Cats’ percentage means they will miss out on finals – barring catching the 30 per cent from the Bulldogs – a penultimate round win will feel good. They narrowly lead for the most part, and while the Blues hit the front early in the fourth term, Geelong held on to win, 3.9 (27) to 3.6 (24).

A host of AFLW players impressed with Jasmin Stewart (23 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances, four isnsside 50s and a goal) and Kate Surman (20 disposals, three marks, five tackles and five clearances) both impressing for the Cats. Brooke Boileau continued to press her claims for a senior debut in the Navy Blue with eight clearances from 22 touches and seven tackles, while Lucy Burke had a whopping 14 rebound 50s from 23 disposals.

The Western Bulldogs essentially put the gap on the Cats thanks to a dominant 75-point victory over Darebin Falcons at Preston City Oval. After a relatively tight first half, the Dogs booted 10 goals to two in the second half to run out 14.7 (91) to 2.4 (16) winners. Analea McKee five goals) and Olivia Jesser (three) starred in front of the big sticks, while Isabella Daddo was a clear standout for the Falcons in defeat.

Port Melbourne guaranteed itself a finals spot with an 11-point win over the Hawks at Box Hill, booting 4.5 (29) to 2.6 (18). Lauren Caruso (22 disposals, five marks, three tackles and eight rebound 50s) was enormous in defence, while Emear Scally (21 disposals, four tackles, six clearances, three inside 50s and a goal) impressed. Hannah Stuart was phenomenal for the brown and gold with 24 touches, five tackles and 10 clearances, while Stasia Stevenson laid a dozen tackles from her 23 disposals.

In the last game of the round, Tasmania Devils scored a 23-point victory over last placed Casey Demons. The Devils shrugged off an early challenge to boot three goals to one in the second half and win, 7.8 (50) to 4.3 (27). Ava Read slammed home four goals from 17 touches to be the difference, while Perri King and Angelica Clark combined for 39 disposals, 17 clearances, 12 inside 50s and 14 tackles in the win. Meg Macdonald was a shining light for Casey with 24 disposals, six tackles, six clearances and six inside 50s.