North Melbourne Werribee’s premiership defence lies in the balance after a 13-point qualifying final defeat to Collingwood on Saturday afternoon.

A six-goal first half from the Magpies was enough to seal the 7.3 (45) to 4.8 (32) victory and give the Kangaroos their first home defeat of the season, now forcing them to take the long road to defend their crown.

It was a spirited fightback from the Roos in the second half, cutting the Magpies’ 25-point half-time advantage to nine early in the final term, but the visitors were able to hang on, kicking the sealer shortly after.

Alana Barba stood up in a stoppage-heavy contest, battling in and under to get first hands on the ball. The premiership midfielder picked up a game-high 28 disposals and nine tackles, backing up her supreme stoppage work which saw her lead the game with 20 contested possessions and 10 clearances. 

KANGAROOS v MAGPIES Full match coverage and stats

Seeing double

Tahlia Meier led the way in front of goal for her side, kicking two goals in remarkably similar fashion.

The nifty forward used her footy smarts to draw a high-tackle free kick close to goal after a clever knock-on from Renee Tierney, before getting on the end of a Charlotte Ryan handball at the top of the goalsquare, and drawing another free kick to set up her second in the final term.

Inclusion perfection

Courtney Ugle has given coach Brett Gourley a selection headache ahead of next weekend, dealing maximum damage from her seven disposals and six intercepts off half-back.

The late inclusion slotted seamlessly back into the side, showing off her pace and intercept work at ground level, while setting up a couple of attacking opportunities as she launched two inside 50s.

Finals forecast

North Melbourne Werribee will now host Williamstown in a knockout semi final next week to keep its season alive.

Should the Kangaroos prevail, they will then travel to ETU Stadium for the preliminary final, setting up the chance to book their spot in a second straight VFLW Grand Final.

Fixture details will be confirmed on Monday.

NORTH MELBOURNE WERRIBEE    1.2    2.2    3.5    4.8    (32)
COLLINGWOOD                                       2.1    6.3    6.3    7.3    (45) 

GOALS 
North Melbourne Werribee: Meier 2, Dojiok, Ryan
Collingwood: Peck 4, Fellows, Courtney, Christensen

LATE CHANGES
North Melbourne Werribee: Deed (ankle) replaced by Ugle