____________________________________________________________

Now back to December 2025 when we start to speculate on Melbourne’s AFLW coaching position:-

Saw this on afl.com in the article about Mick Stinear luring North assistant (mids) Ryan Pendlebury to Geelong:

"A series of clubs have been expected to target North Melbourne's successful AFLW program for roles across this coming off-season, with fellow Kangas assistant Rhys Harwood another seen as a senior coach in waiting. Harwood is expected to figure prominently in Melbourne and Richmond's coaching search in the coming weeks, as the clubs look to replace Stinear and Ryan Ferguson respectively."

Shae Sloane was present for the draft last night, which would be expected, but she's obviously another name out there. Hopefully she's going to provide continuity for us, either way.

She has been awarded the Mentonians Person of the year 2026. Truly deserved, we would all agree.

Kate was not able to attend the Ceremony as she was abroad and her parents accepted it on her behalf. Typical of Kate, she has donated her $2500 prize to the Jim Stynes Foundation.

Well done Kate, wonderful person on the field and off.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

B: Charlie Thomas (West Coast), Emma O'Driscoll (Fremantle)
HB: Ruby Schleicher (Collingwood), Georgie Cleaver (West Coast), Zippy Fish (Sydney)
C: Steph Cain (Essendon), Kiara Bowers (Fremantle), Maggie MacLachlan (Essendon)
HF: Courtney Hodder (Brisbane), Ella Roberts (West Coast), Chelsea Randall (Adelaide)
F: Gemma Houghton (Port Adelaide), Emma King (North Melbourne)
Foll: Mim Strom (Fremantle), Bella Lewis (West Coast), Abbey Dowrick (Port Adelaide)
I/C: Zoe Wakfer (West Coast), Sabrina Frederick (Collingwood), Hayley Miller (Fremantle), Gabby O'Sullivan (Fremantle), Mikayla Bowen (Geelong)

VICTORIA

B: Harriet Cordner (Carlton), Libby Birch (North Melbourne)
HB: Emma Kearney (North Melbourne), Maeve Chaplin (Melbourne), Tilly Lucas-Rodd (GWS)
C: Mon Conti (Richmond), Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne), Gab Newton (Fremantle)
HF: Kate Hore (Melbourne), Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs), Bella Eddey (North Melbourne)
F: Eden Zanker (Fremantle), Chloe Molloy (Sydney)
Foll: Lucy Wales (Hawthorn), Ash Riddell (North Melbourne), Tyla Hanks (Melbourne)
I/C: Sophie McKay (Carlton), Emily Bates (Hawthorn), Charlie Rowbottom (Gold Coast), Georgie Prespakis (Geelong), Nicola Stevens (Geelong)

I think the Vics would have it, though perhaps not the trouncing they gave the Allies in 2017 when they won by about 100 points from memory.

https://x.com/edbourkeHS/status/2023623301189214580

Perhaps someone with access to Code Sports can post the linked article, but it seems as though homesickness is the issue here.

Apparently there will be another draft in April or thereabouts for teams to top up their lists, rather than it being open slather with replacement players.

https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1396344/clubs-growing-restless-over-aflw-contract-uncertainty

I feel as though the current tiered structure has penalised the top teams who have had limited flexibility around contracts for mid-tier players, allowing them to be picked off by weaker teams who can place them in a higher tier.

I know Eden Zanker left for lifestyle reasons, but it is also possible that Fremantle were able to offer her a contract on the top salary band, whereas she may have only been a tier three player at Melbourne.

It is very interesting that Brisbane apparently have all players being paid within the third salary tier. I guess the lure of regular premierships and finals every year is more attractive than a few extra dollars.

Once this is resolved it will also allow clubs to offer contracts that run beyond the length of the current CBA.

AFLW Salary Tier Structure (2025–2026 Season)

• Tier 1 (Top Tier):

  ≈$109,760is approximately equal to $ 109 comma 760

  ≈$109,760

  (approx. 2 players per club)

• Tier 2:

  ≈$89,559is approximately equal to $ 89 comma 559

  ≈$89,559

  (approx. 6 players per club)

• Tier 3:

  ≈$76,091is approximately equal to $ 76 comma 091

  ≈$76,091

  (approx. 6 players per club)

• Tier 4 (Base Tier):

  ≈$67,337is approximately equal to $ 67 comma 337

  ≈$67,337

  (approx. 16 players per club)

Ex Demon Lily Mithen, is leading the push for the Suns to move to get McNamara.

Information on contracts is very difficult to find, so I have done my best here.

if anyone sees any errors, just let me know :)

Presumably will be streamed on the AFLW website.

Hats off to Darren Crocker and his ‘invincibles’ — the North Melbourne Kangaroos — on winning the 2025 AFLW Premiership, going back-to-back and remaining undefeated since the 2023 grand final.

Only one team came close to toppling the royal blue and whites: the mighty Demons, who led by six points at the final change of Preliminary Final 1.  Alas, North held firm while Melbourne fatigued to lose by 10 points.  Take comfort — none of the other 16 teams got anywhere near this close.

In his grand final presser, Brisbane coach Craig Starcevich said his team “threw the kitchen sink” at North but admitted it barely made a dent.  A second-quarter brain fade from stalwart Shannon Campbell — gifting consecutive 50-metre penalties to Kate Shierlaw — swung momentum irreversibly.  The final margin of 40 points was a statement win.  Catch the Kangaroos if you can.

North Melbourne has assembled a mighty team: competitive, highly skilled, and lightning-fast ball movement that made Brisbane look helpless.  The Lions bring ferocity but lack finesse — their best footy thrives in chaos, not precision.

North lost the 2023 grand final, then added Libby Birch from Melbourne in 2024, grand final best-on-ground Elish Sheerin from Richmond in 2025, and in 2026 expect to secure former No. 1 draftee Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner from the Bulldogs via the draft.

An elite group that keeps adding quality without losing talent. 

With Kangaroos stars Jas Garner and Ash Riddell leading the charge, a three-peat in 2026 would not surprise.

Melbourne’s Season

A 10–5 record and official third-place finish was reward for effort.  We played scintillating footy at times, especially in the last two finals against Adelaide and North.  Club leaders Kate Hore, Tyla Hanks, and Maeve Chaplin were standouts, all enjoying personal-best seasons and earning All-Australian honours.

Megan Fitzsimon was thrusted into the midfield after Liv Purcell’s season-ending knee injury in Round 2 and delivered her best season yet.  Shelley Heath produced a career-high campaign, capped by a sublime semi-final against Adelaide.  Eliza McNamara burned up the wing, averaging 341 metres gained and 23 disposals.  Ruck Lauren Pearce looked the fittest she’s ever been, playing every match and anchoring the contest.

Tahlia Gillard missed the start of the season but returned in Round 6 and grew into a finals star.  Her deputy, Saraid “Radar” Taylor, played 12 games in a breakout year.  Up forward, Kate Hore (24 goals) reached the magical ton, Eden Zanker (22) and Tayla Harris (16) rounded out the top scorers.  Tayla’s versatility — forward, back, and ruck — made her an impact player, rewarded with a contract extension to 2027.

New kids on the block: Molly O’Hehir, Maggie Mahony, Laela Ebert, and Ryleigh Wotherspoon all showed plenty during the season to provide real excitement for the future. 

The season closed with much-loved premiership coach Mick Stinear stepping down after 10 seasons and is now heading to Geelong.  No announcement yet on Melbourne’s next coach — watch this space.

Season Highlights

From

• Melbourne: 10–5 record, 209.2% percentage, 3rd place finish; finals win over Adelaide, narrow prelim loss to North.

• Round 1 — Western Bulldogs (Mission Whitten Oval): 48-point win; debutants Molly O’Hehir, Maggie Mahony, and Laela Ebert impress; Shelley Heath kicks the opener and logs a career-high 23 disposals.

• Round 2 — St Kilda (Casey Fields): 74-point win; Lily Johnson kicks her first goal; heartbreak as Liv Purcell suffers a season-ending knee injury after 19 disposals.

• Round 3 — Collingwood (Victoria Park): Thrilling 4-point win; Kate Hore clutch goal; Grace Campbell misses after the siren; Jemma Rigoni debuts; 75-game milestones for Hanks, Pearce, Zanker.

• Round 4 — Richmond (Casey Fields): 37-point win; first use of goal-line technology overturns Fitzsimon’s shot; Hanks (32 disposals) and Hore (12 tackles, 2 goals) dominate.

• Round 5 — Port Adelaide (Alberton Oval): 2-point loss; milestones for Harris (75), Fitzsimon (50), Campbell (25).

• Round 6 — West Coast (Casey Fields): 51-point win; Zanker kicks five in the first half; McNamara’s 50th game; Daisy Pearce coaches against Melbourne for the first time.

• Round 7 — Gold Coast (Casey Fields): 87-point demolition; Suns held goalless; Ry Wotherspoon breakout game.

• Round 8 — Essendon (IKON Park): 14-point win; Bombers goalless for two quarters; Maeve Chaplin BOG with 24 disposals, 14 intercepts, 611m gained.

• Round 9 — Fremantle (Fremantle Oval): 5-point loss; late bus drama; Freo exploits the Doctor with four first-quarter goals.

• Round 10 — Sydney (Casey Fields): Finals clinched with a 44-point win; Rigoni kicks her first AFLW goal.

• Round 11 — Brisbane (Brighton Homes Arena): 9-point loss; Chaplin kicks her first AFLW goal after the three-quarter time siren; Ruby Svarc’s miracle snap seals it.

• Round 12 — Geelong (GMHBA Stadium): 14-point win; five-goal third-quarter blitz; Gillard drills her first AFLW goal; Heath’s 75th game.

• Qualifying Final — Brisbane (IKON Park): 13-point loss; Hore’s 100th career goal; Mahony kicks her first; Zanker concussed.

• Semi Final — Adelaide (IKON Park): 11-point win; Hore becomes first AFLW player with 25+ disposals and 3 goals in a final; Gillard’s chase-down of Randall epitomises #demonspirit.

• Preliminary Final — North Melbourne (IKON Park): 10-point loss; season-high crowd of 7,057; Harris takes mark-of-the-year contender; Melbourne leads at 3QT before North surges late.

Friendly fixture

When AFLW published its 2025 fixture, we breathed a sigh of relief.  It was clearly favourable for a return to finals.  During the home and away, we didn’t play 4 of the Top 8 teams: North, Adelaide, Hawthorn or Carlton.  Nine wins and 209.2% saw us finish in second after the home and away.

Awards

• Kate Hore:  2025 All-Australian (AA) forward line, AA vice-captain; widely rated among the league’s best.  Now a four-time winner of the Daisy Pearce Trophy for best and fairest MFC player during the home-and-away season.

• Tyla Hanks:  Finally, AA (centre) and third in W Awards.  Runner-up in the Daisy Pearce Trophy.

• Maeve Chaplin:  AA defender; intercept queen, leadership elevation and fifth place in the Daisy Pearce Trophy.

• Eliza McNamara:  Third place in the Daisy Pearce Trophy and leadership elevation.

• Tahlia Gillard:  MFC Coach’s Award 2025 and missed 5 games with injury!

• Maggie Mahony:  MFC Best Young Player, standout displays in November finals.

• Megan Fitzsimon:  MFC Demon Spirit Award for the second consecutive year and fourth place in the Daisy Pearce Trophy.

Congratulations to our Demon champions making an impact across the competition in Season 2025!

• Player Movements & Trade Period

With Mick Stinear stepping down after a decade at the helm and recruiting guru Todd Patterson long gone, the club is facing a pivotal moment in defining its future direction.

It’s a critical off-season where big calls and bold moves will reshape Melbourne’s list for the next chapter. 

Meggs asks who is spearheading list management and running the coach replacement process?

The headline trade saw star forward Eden Zanker (with Lily Johnson) depart for Fremantle, a decision that stings but Melbourne ultimately finished the trade period with an upgraded draft hand, including two first round draft picks 9 and 14 along with later selections (53, 71, 89). 

Expect the club to use only two picks, keeping list places available for targeted re-signings.

Fresh faces are already on board:

• Aoife Horisk, an Irish Gaelic Football speedster who lit up the draft combine, brings pace and forward flair.  She was fastest in the 20m sprint and came 10^th in the 2km time trial.

• Mia Austin, daughter of Carlton great Rod Austin, adds size and goal sense at 178cm — a young forward with serious upside.

Retirements and exits include Gaby Colvin hanging up her boots and Denby Taylor moving on. Meanwhile, the Club still has list spots to fill, with uncontracted names like Goldrick, Mahony, O’Hehir, Rigoni, and Dethridge in the mix.  Aimee Mackin is not expected to return.

With more than 650 players nominating for the draft and academy prospects expected to dominate the top end, draftees like Chloe Bown, Chloe Baker-West, and Jordynn Allan are tipped to dominate early selections but we’ll have to wait to see who’s available at our selections.

It’s exciting as Melbourne’s recruiters will have a golden opportunity to inject more fresh talent.  Meggs is hoping for a strong bodied skilled mid and another key defender with elite kicking.

The 2025 AFLW Draft takes place Monday, 15 December at 7pm —hopefully whoever is calling out the numbers has a good recruiters’ eye.

And to help you wade through the draft prospects on Monday night, here’s a very useful preview from afl.com.au -

afl.com.au/aflw

Signing Off

That’s a wrap for Season 10.  It feels like the end of the chapter with Mick’s departure, but optimism abounds as we turn the page.  A strong core, fresh ideas, and returning talent can propel Melbourne to new heights in 2026.

Thanks for reading — and for riding every bump with Meggs this season.  Wishing you and your families a safe and happy festive season.

C’mon Dees!
MEGGS

I'm sure @Ghostwriter will bring us news from the night of nights and the general vibe of the group. A fairly eventful off-season so far!

https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/1939742/2025-daisy-pearce-trophy-all-the-winners

YEAH THE DEES!!!

MFC website report

Tayla Harris’ Demon legacy is set to continue, with the high-flying forward inking a two-year contract extension.

The new deal will see Harris in red and blue until at least the end of 2027.

The announcement follows a career-best season in which Harris played all 15 games, averaging 12 disposals, four score involvements and a goal.

In a bold statement to the competition, General Manager, AFLW Clare Pettyfor believes Harris’ best football is still ahead of her.

“2025 saw one of Tayla’s most consistent seasons to date,” Pettyfor said.

“She continues to drive an incredibly high standard, and we genuinely think she is positioned to take her footy to another level which is a scary prospect.

“Tayla is a unique talent with exceptional athleticism and footy IQ.

“She’s also a great teammate and an all-round good person and we’re thrilled to have her in the red and blue for 2026 and beyond.”

Since the league’s inception Harris has played 85 games, notching up four All Australian selections and a premiership.

Harris showcased her trademark aerial dominance in Saturday’s preliminary final loss, soaring to take one of the most impressive marks of the season.

Live tracker and hub here: https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/awards

Which awards will be announced on the night?

• AFLW All-Australian Team (Dees nominees: Chaplin, Hanks, Hore)

• BHP Community Coach of the Year Award

• AFLW Leading Goal Kicker Award

• AFLW Umpires Rising Star Award

• Telstra AFLW Rising Star

• 2024 AFLW Best and Fairest

• Virgin Australia AFLW Mark of the Year (Dees nominee: Harris)

• NAB AFLW Goal of the Year

• Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award

Trade period: Thursday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 10 

National draft: Monday, December 15.

5 McNamara

4 Gillard

3 Hore

2 Chaplin

1 Hanks

Our W team is deserving of more support than they’re currently getting, in particular with regards to attendance.

We’re second on the ladder and haven’t dropped below third all season. This despite injuries to some of our best players.

The players work so hard, always. Training is never for S&Gs, every single session is hella serious and intense. And the majority of them work day jobs out of necessity. They ain’t running around on a million dollars pa.

Not everyone is into women’s footy… I get it. But we’re all into the Dees, right? The girls are Dees; they play for our club in our jumpers and they’re super proud doing so.

Even if you’re not interested in the W at all, maybe you could still see fit to attend Sunday’s QF. It’s at Ikon which is inner city. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for under-18s.

Please, please, PLEASE try to make it to our match on Sunday. You wanna feel appreciated? Well, you will be, wholeheartedly.

End of grovel.

The AFLW’s best four teams of 2025 — North Melbourne, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Carlton — are here for the preliminaries. And this one’s a blockbuster.

First versus Second.  A place in the Grand Final on the line.

North Melbourne hasn’t lost since the 2023 Grand Final — a staggering 25-game winning streak. Their average winning margin this season? 49 points. Closest challenger? Brisbane, still 29 points short. They even smashed Fremantle by 100 points in Round 3. Pure dominance.

 Melbourne enters as the underdog, but confidence is high after producing their best half of footy last week. With Eden Zanker and Maeve Chaplin set to return, and superstars Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks, the Dees have the weapons to test the Roos. Saturday isn’t just a prelim — it’s a chance to make history and break the streak.

Weather: Cloudy, 23 degrees, light breeze. Perfect conditions for skill and speed.

Match Ups

• Kate Hore v North’s Irish Wall – Expect O’Shea or Wall to go to Hore. Kate’s at the peak of her powers and her leadership and finishing will be vital.

• Tyla Hanks v the Tag – Hanksy looked gassed last week but she’s rested and primed.  She’ll need to be as will likely cop a hard tag from Amy Smith or Ruby Tripodi.

• Zanker v North’s Backline –Zanker’s return stretches North’s defence. Kearney and Ferguson are elite, but Shannon and Birch can be exposed.  Let’s face it, North’s backline has been in cruise mode all year.  They haven’t been tested like this all season.

• Midfield Battle – Garner and Riddell are the heartbeat of North. Heater has gone to both before—will Mick roll that dice again?  Fitzsimon will be important.

• Tall Targets – Emma King and Shierlaw loom large, with goal threats Alice O’Loughlin, Bella Eddey, and Irish duo Bogue and Wall buzzing around. Saraid Taylor and Tahlia Gillard take the talls; Lampard and D Taylor mind the smalls. Huge challenge for our defensive group.

 The key to victory for Melbourne will be:

• Win contested ball early — deny Riddell and Garner clean supply.

• Apply relentless forward pressure — force North’s defenders into mistakes.

• Eden Zanker’s impact — stretch their defensive structures and create scoring chances.

• Keep ball movement fast — avoid stoppage grind where North dominates.

• Team defence — limit their tall targets

 The Dees have certainly evolved since their 2024 Round 3 trouncing at Casey. The recent tough run of games has provided the team with precise knowledge about what is required to win.  

The battle of wits in the coach’s boxes between Mick Stinear and Darren Crocker will be fascinating.  

Selection This Week

No new injuries from last week, so the full 21 plus squad options are available: Zanker, Colvin, Rigoni, Beasley, Pisano, Dethridge, Johnson, Chaplin (fingers crossed).

• Ins: Zanker, almost certainly. Chaplin in, if fit, Ebert out.

• If Zanker comes in, Meggs thinks for team balance a tall should go out—Gall, Campbell, or maybe Bannan (goalless in 6 of last 10 but offers speed). Big call.

• North will test Mia King’s knee; Eilish Sheerin possible return.  

Meggs’ musings

Northing to lose, right? The bookies have Melbourne at $9.50, North $1.05. Nobody expects us to win.

But pressure builds — even on the unbeaten. We have the weapons and confidence from last week. Once they’ve been poisoned by Demon doubt, anything can happen.

Bring the pressure, bring the Demon dare, don’t be too friendly to Libby, and bring the noise #DeeArmy.

Don’t let this be our last week — make it ours.

Tip: Melbourne by 2 points in a boilover. Heart over head.

Meggs will be there — see you cheering on the Mighty Dees to a momentous win.

THE GAME

Preliminary Final: Melbourne v North Melbourne

Saturday 22 November 2025 at 3:05pm (AEDT) at IKON Stadium, Melbourne | Wurundjeri

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall: Melbourne 6 wins | North Melbourne 3 wins

At Princes Park: Melbourne 2 wins | North Melbourne 1 win (all finals matches)

Coaches: Stinear 5 wins | Crocker 2 wins

MEDIA COVERAGE

Seven, 7 Plus, Foxtel, Kayo, Binge AFL Live Official Listen App

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Season 9, Round 3 – 15 September 2024 at Casey Fields

MELBOURNE 2.1.13  2.1.13 2.2.14 3.3.21

NORTH MELBOURNE 2.1.13 6.1.37 8.2.50 11.5.71

GOALS

MELBOURNE Beasley, Fitzsimon, McNamara

NORTH MELBOURNE Shierlaw 5 Bruton, O'Loughlin, Riddell 2

BEST

MELBOURNE Paxman, Mithen, Goldrick, Fitzsimon

NORTH MELBOURNE Riddell, Shierlaw, M.King, Garner, E.King, Kearney 

CROWD 2,023 at Casey Fields

The Kangaroos dominated contested ball and clearances, forcing turnovers that led to a record 71-point score against the Demons.

The 50-point defeat was Melbourne’s fifth in six games, casting doubt on their status among the AFLW elite and Mick Stinear’s ability to revive the season.

North’s midfield trio of Riddell, Garner, and Kearney were outstanding, while Kate Shierlaw booted five goals and Mia King laid 12 tackles. Emma King dominated the ruck with 31 hit-outs.

For Melbourne, Paxy Paxman playing her 75th AFLW game was best afield in defence, supported by Eliza McNamara’s 21 disposals and 10 tackles, plus a goal. Kate Hore, Blaithin Mackin and Sinead Goldrick stood out, but constant pressure led to costly errors and missed opportunities.

The challenge was clear: bounce back and prove we belong among the elite.

THIS WEEK’S TEAMS

MELBOURNE

B T. Gillard, S. Taylor

HB L. Ebert, S. Lampard, S. Goldrick

C P. Paxman, T. Hanks, E. McNamara

HF T. Harris, M. Fitzsimon, A. Bannan

F R. Wotherspoon E. Zanker

FOLL L. Pearce, S. Heath, K. Hore

I/C G. Campbell, M. Chaplin, B. Mackin, M. Mahony, M. O’Hehir

EMG G. Gall, L. Johnson, D. Taylor

IN M. Chaplin, E. Zanker

OUT G. Gall (omitted), D. Taylor (omitted)

NORTH MELBOURNE

B L. Birch, J. Ferguson

HB E. Kearney, E. Shannon, E. O'Shea

C A. Smith, R. Tripodi, T. Gatt

HF A. O'Loughlin, B. Bogue, J. Bruton

F T. Randall, E. King

FOLL K. Rennie, A. Riddell, J. Garner

I/C T. Craven, B. Eddey, E. Sheerin, K. Shierlaw, V. Wall

EMG T. Boyd, A. Gavin Mangan, A. Hetherington

IN E. Sheerin

OUT T. Boyd (omitted)

Injury List: Preliminary Final

Melbourne

Eden Zanker — concussion / Test

Maeve Chaplin — hamstring /  TBC

Olivia Purcell — knee / Season

Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive

Aimee Mackin — knee / Inactive

North Melbourne

Nicole Bresnehan — knee / Season

Mia King — knee / Season

Sarah Wright — personal / TBC

Not much interaction between them.

The women were less animated, they had their serious styling on. The joy couldn't be contained, and regularly got expressed as training went forward. There was plenty of talk, instructions, and support during their work.

Chaplin doing run-throughs. Then change of direction movement. Got down to some kicking after having her hammy massaged. Seems to be moving well. Later joined in a few sims. Probably a good chance of getting a run if she ticks the right boxes before Friday.

Purcell in rehab, working hard.

B. Mackin was on light duties.

O’Hehir spent less time in the sims than usual.

Beasley continues to train well, her disposals are impressive.

Zanker in full training, as well as Golvin.

Hanks getting heavily involved. Her and Hore matched up for drills and they were pushing each other in the contests.

Harris does lots of talk and creates the necessary structures in the area that she patrols.

The forwards were hitting up well and the deliveries were perfect at times, they were getting the angles right.

If it wasn't for the opposition having that winning streak, I would suggest the women are ready at the right time of the season, and will be firing with belief, skills and a game plan.

Go Dees.

1.05pm

Ikon Park

Sinéad Goldrick — personal / available

Georgia Gall — ankle / available

Tayla Harris — eye / TBC

Gab Colvin — knee / 3 - 4 weeks

Denby Taylor foot — / 4 - 5 weeks

Tahlia Gillard — knee / 7 - 9 weeks

Grace Beasley — knee / 9 - 10 weeks

Jacinta Hose — knee / Inactive

Last week’s bitter disappointment turned into player-led resolve as Captain Kate Hore marched her team onto a pristine Princes Park under perfect skies.

The #DeeArmy banner said Bring The Heat and the Demons delivered a fierce, high-quality contest and ultimately outworked and outpaced the gallant Adelaide Crows to win by 11 points.

Hore — the first AFLW player to record 25+ disposals and 3 goals in a final — produced a captain’s game for the ages. Reminiscent of Daisy Pearce’s iconic 2022 snap, but this time it was a sustained four-quarter masterclass.

Mick Stinear, coaching his 100th match, masterminded a tactical turnaround after halftime to keep Melbourne’s season alive.

Second chance taken. Still alive. Still believing.



The Match

Melbourne burst out of the blocks. Speedy Shelley Heath set the tone, winning the first clearance on her way to the most influential game of her career: 24 disposals, 8 tackles, game-high 375 metres gained, and 6 clearances.

Fitzsimon’s classy snap opened the scoring before Hore pounced for her first goal. After five minutes, Adelaide lifted their pressure and Gould capitalised on a defensive error to peg one back. Mahony’s brilliant buzzer-beater gave Melbourne a two-goal lead right on quarter time.

The second term belonged to Adelaide. Goals to Allan, Charlton (another defensive lapse), and N. Kelly — plus a dubious 50m penalty goal to Prowse — swung momentum. Ponter’s set shot on the halftime siren stretched the Crows’ lead to 13 points.

The Demons looked flat heading to the rooms, but Stinear’s halftime moves — including Harris into the ruck — sparked a revival. Blaithin Mackin’s brilliant snap ignited the comeback, and Hore’s trademark show-stopping dribbler levelled scores at three-quarter time. 

Goosebumps!

The final term was all Melbourne. Hore struck early, then came the play of the day: Campbell’s follow-up effort, Heater’s juggling sprint, and Mahony’s vision ended with Wotherspoon outmarking Biddell and calmly converting. Campbell added another, and despite Marinoff’s late goal, the Dees held firm. The penultimate roar came when Tahlia Gillard chased down Chelsea Randall in a mammoth sprint along the wing — a moment that summed up Melbourne’s #demonspirit. What a win!

Match Moment

Hard to pick just one: Hore’s highlights reel dribbler, Mahony’s buzzer-beater, Gillard’s colossal chase-down on Randy, Heater’s wing tackle on Hatchy, or Kate’s captain-on-captain dump tackle on Noffy. 

Take your pick! 😉.

Meggs Musings

What a game! Skills and pressure from both teams were first class — this was elite entertainment.

Crowd of 2,624? AFLW deserves bigger. Time slot? Marketing? Spread the word: this is unmissable footy.

Footy thoughts:

• Goldrick and B Mackin together give us speed and pressure. Add D Taylor and we’re a more mobile, dangerous squad.

• Ry Wotherspoon (4 marks, 1 goal) continues to impress — tough and talented, a real find.

• Molly O’Hehir had strong moments. Speed, height, and courage. With fitness, a wing could be hers.

• Laela Ebert always makes smart choices with ball in hand.

• Maggie Mahony (12 disposals, 2 goals) delivered a breakout game. The small forward Melbourne has craved. Quality stuff, Maggs.

It was a more even team performance this week — and that’s why we won.

Champion forward Eden Zanker watched on, cheering every moment. She’ll be back next week along with intercept queen Maeve Chaplin.

Confidence high, stars returning — good signs for the Prelim.

One Club. #demonspirit.

Coaches

Mick Stinear: “Kate told me, ‘There’s no way we’re losing this.’ She led from the front.” He praised Hore, Fitzsimon, Heath, McNamara, Gillard, and emphasised the importance of Goldrick’s return. Loved the efforts of the young brigade, especially Mahony and Wotherspoon. Emotional in his 100th game. Selection headache looms with Zanker and Maeve set to return.

Matthew (Doc) Clarke: “Great quality match as a fan, not so much as the losing coach.” No excuses — he praised Melbourne’s efficiency. Steps down after 10 seasons as Adelaide coach.  Doc departs as a triple premiership coach and one of AFLW’s most respected figures — a true pioneer.

NEXT WEEK

Preliminary Final: Melbourne v North Melbourne Saturday 22 November 2025 at 3:05pm AEDT at IKON Park, Melbourne | Wurundjeri

The unbeaten North Melbourne awaits in a preliminary final. North’s unbeaten run is built on contested ball dominance — Melbourne’s speed and pressure will be key to breaking through.

Mission Impossible? Maybe. But Mick, Kate, and the returning stars will throw everything at it. Demons alive in 2025 — and believing.  

PS Carlton looked awesome on Saturday night and might give those lethal Lions a few sleepless nights this week.

MELBOURNE 3.2.20 4.3.27 6.5.41 9.6.60

ADELAIDE 1.2.8 6.4.40 6.5.41 7.7.49

GOALS

MELBOURNE Hore 3 Mahony 2 Campbell Fitzsimon B Mackin Wotherspoon

ADELAIDE J Allan Charlton Gould N Kelly Marinoff Ponter Prowse

BEST

MELBOURNE Hore Hanks Mahony Gillard Heath Harris

ADELAIDE Marinoff Biddell N Kelly Newman Hatchard

INJURIES

MELBOURNE Nil

ADELAIDE Nil

REPORTS 

MELBOURNE Nil

ADELAIDE Nil 

UMPIRES Baigent Coyne Devenish 

CROWD 2,624 at Ikon Park

My sentiments are summed up in this video from the Melbourne Football Club subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/melbournefc/s/DggpgBv0tm

5 Heath

4 Gillard

3 Wotherspoon

2 Mahony

3 Goldrick