North Melbourne Werribee has booked its spot in the VFLW Grand Final after a gritty 21-point victory over the Box Hill Hawks in the preliminary final on Saturday afternoon.

It was a resilient effort from the Hawks, with a three-goal run keeping them in the contest until late, but the Roos’ class came to the fore as they held on for a 9.8 (62) to 6.5 (41) win at Kinetic Stadium in Frankston.

The victory now sets up a clash with Collingwood in the VFLW Grand Final next weekend, as North Melbourne Werribee chases back-to-back premierships.

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VFLW PF mini-match: Box Hill Hawks v North Melbourne Werribee

Extended highlights of the Hawks and Kangaroos VFLW clash in the preliminary final

It was the Hawks who gained the upper hand in a tough territory battle, winning the inside-50 count 33-29, but the Roos’ efficiency in front of goal saw them over the line as they kicked nine goals to six.

It was Alana Barba who led the charge once again, fighting tooth and nail in a physical midfield battle. 

The premiership midfielder finished with a game-high 28 disposals, to go with nine clearances and seven score involvements as she sets her sights on a third VFLW premiership.

HAWKS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Flyin' Ryan

It was Charlotte Ryan who kicked off proceedings, with her quick-thinking effort grabbing the opener for the Roos.

After a remarkable bounce saw Meier’s effort stop on the goal line, Ryan was first to react, beating all her opponents to the ball before running around and slotting a right-footed snap on the line.

Bang! Bang!

With the margin cut to eight and the game firmly in the balance, a quick-fire double from Georgia Nicholas and Matilda Zander within three minutes sealed the Roos' spot in the decider.

It was Nicholas who struck first, sweeping through to collect the loose ball, slotting one from 20m on the run for an instant reply, before Zander put the icing on the cake, bursting away from her opponent to finish from the goalsquare.

Dojiok double

In a game that started as an arm wrestle early, it was Nyakoat Dojiok who broke the game open, kicking two majors before half-time to settle early nerves.

The 2025 Lisa Hardeman medallist notched up her first early, breaking through a couple of tackles in the pocket before streaming into an open goal, followed by a brilliant effort midway through the second which saw her turn around her opponent and fire from 30 metres on the run.

Next up 

North Melbourne Werribee will be out to secure back-to-back premierships when they face Collingwood in the VFLW Grand Final next Saturday at ETU Stadium. Bouncedown will be at 3.15pm AEST.

BOX HILL HAWKS                                       1.3     2.4    5.5    6.5    (41)
NORTH MELBOURNE WERRIBEE       4.1     6.4    7.5    9.8    (62) 

GOALS 
Box Hill Hawks: Zielinski 2, Matin 2, Exon, Stilve
North Melbourne Werribee: Dojiok 2, Nicholas 2, Ryan, Ingram, Blair, Tierney, Zander