North Melbourne Kangaroos Stun Undefeated Demons in 31-Point Comeback

The North Melbourne Kangaroos arrived at Ikon Park on Grand Final Eve with a point to prove. Just one week after their historic 32-game winning streak was snapped by Hawthorn, the reigning premiers faced the ultimate test in the 2026 AFLW season: the undefeated, ladder-leading Melbourne Demons. To complicate matters, a severe bout of the flu had ripped through the Kangaroos' camp during the week, leaving several players sidelined and the starting squad visibly sluggish in the opening minutes.[1][3]

Early on, the Demons looked every bit the premiership frontrunners. Melbourne stretched the ground, utilizing a fast transition game that repeatedly caught North Melbourne's defense out of position. The highlight of the opening term belonged to Melbourne captain Kate Hore, who celebrated her milestone 100th AFLW match by snapping a brilliant goal after a setup from 50-gamer Maeve Chaplin. Megan Fitzsimon and Mia Austin also capitalized on the early momentum, pushing the Demons to a commanding 17-point lead at quarter-time while holding the Kangaroos entirely scoreless.[2][3]

The first break loomed as a defining moment for North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker. Facing a 0.2 (2) to 3.3 (21) deficit, the Kangaroos needed to completely rewire their approach. They did exactly that, swarming the Demons in the second quarter and systematically dismantling Melbourne's preferred short-kicking game. By closing off the corridor, North Melbourne forced turnovers and trapped the ball in their forward half.[1][3]

The scoreboard pressure mounted rapidly. Goals from Kate Shierlaw and Tahlia Randall ignited the comeback, while the impressive Irish duo of Erika O'Shea and Amy Gavin Mangan added their own majors. The Kangaroos piled on six goals across the middle two quarters, completely flipping the script. In a stunning reversal, Melbourne was held completely goalless throughout the second and third terms.[1][2]

At the center of the resurgence was North Melbourne superstar Jasmine Garner, who delivered a masterclass performance. Garner finished the night with 31 disposals and two crucial goals, willing her team back into the contest. Speaking to broadcasters after the match, Garner was blunt about the challenges her squad had faced in the lead-up to the game.[1][3]

“Just really proud of the group. The hunger was there, the drive was there. Just a bloody great win,” Garner said. “To everyone's credit it was a weird week – like Covid days again with the flu going through the group. (But) we went back to the basics and got it done.”[3]

Garner was far from a lone operator in the midfield. Jenna Bruton played arguably her best game for the club, seamlessly moving from contest to contest to collect 32 disposals and a goal. The sheer volume of inside 50s eventually overwhelmed a Melbourne defense that had looked impenetrable just an hour earlier.[3]

For Melbourne, the loss exposed a tactical vulnerability that future opponents will undoubtedly study. While vice-captain Tyla Hanks fought valiantly to gather 32 disposals, five tackles, and four clearances, the Demons spent much of the second half without answers. Two late goals from Mia Austin—who finished with three for the match—softened the final margin, but the damage was already done.[2][3]

The physical toll of the blockbuster clash was evident on both sides. North Melbourne winger Taylah Gatt, playing her first game of the season after recovering from a groin injury, was forced from the field in the final term with an ankle injury following an enthusiastic tackle from Hore. Melbourne also suffered a casualty, with Shelley Heath-Barker unable to play out the game due to a calf complaint.[2][3]

When the final siren sounded, the Kangaroos had secured an emphatic 10.5 (65) to 5.4 (34) victory, built on the back of eight unanswered goals. By handing Melbourne their first defeat of 2026, North Melbourne sent a definitive statement to the rest of the competition: their record-breaking streak may be over, but their status as the unwavering premiership favorites remains entirely intact.[1][3]