Overview
- Ash Riddell won the W Award with 23 votes, becoming North Melbourne’s first AFLW best and fairest after a season averaging 35.3 disposals and repeatedly breaking the single‑game record.
- Jasmine Garner was named All-Australian captain with a record-equalling eighth selection, as a record 15 first-time players made the team and North led all clubs with four picks.
- The vote count drew scrutiny when Riddell received no umpire votes in games with 45 and 44 disposals, and the AFL’s football boss said umpires may get post-game statistics to inform voting as soon as next season.
- North enter a third straight decider on a 26-match winning streak and will face Brisbane at Princes Park on November 29.
- Selection and tactics dominate the build-up, with North weighing a recall for Mia King after a knee injury and Brisbane’s midfield declaring itself ready to challenge Riddell and Garner following a nine-game surge back into the final.