AFLW Preliminary Final Showdown – North Melbourne vs Melbourne at Ikon Park

This Saturday, 22 November 2025, Ikon Park in Carlton North will be pulsing with excitement as North Melbourne and Melbourne go head-to-head in the 2025 AFLW Preliminary Final. With a Grand Final berth on the line, this clash isn’t just another game — it’s a high-stakes moment that could define the season for both clubs.

Why This Match Is a Milestone

From a fan’s perspective, this isn’t just footy — it’s a culmination of grit, momentum, and legacy. For North Melbourne, it’s about continuing a dominant campaign. For Melbourne, it’s a chance to make a statement and push into the biggest match of the year. And for the broader AFLW community, it’s another showcase of how far women’s footy has come — played in a venue steeped in history, with a vibrant, passionate crowd expected to show up in full voice.

Venue Background – Ikon Park’s Renewed Legacy

Ikon Park, also known as Princes Park, has long been ingrained in Melbourne’s football heritage. The ground — located at 400 Royal Parade, Carlton North — now serves as a flagship venue for AFLW, thanks in part to major redevelopments in recent years. 

Once a grandstand-heavy suburban ground, Ikon Park has been transformed with state-of-the-art amenities: upgraded change rooms, a high-performance training centre, a gym, and even an aquatic recovery pool. Its current capacity is around 12,000–13,000 for AFLW games, making it an intimate venue where fans feel close to every moment. 

Getting to Ikon Park is relatively straightforward:

• Public transport: Tram #19 runs along Royal Parade, and Royal Park train station is a short walk away.
  
• Parking: There’s some weekend parking on Royal Parade, but arriving early is wise.
  
• Accessibility: The venue has accessibility seating (Gate 5 & 6) and lift access to pavilion areas. afl.com.au
  

This ground isn’t just a stadium — it’s a symbol of how the AFLW is being given dedicated space and respect in the heart of Melbourne.

Match Details – What You Need to Know

• Date & Time: Saturday, 22 November 2025 — kick-off at 3:05 pm AEDT.
  
• Venue: Ikon Park, 400 Royal Parade, Carlton North, VIC.
  
• Tickets:
  
  • Adults: $20 (ticket prices are frozen from 2024).
    
  • Under 18s: Free, but they must redeem a ticket via Ticketmaster.
    
  • Ticketing opened 17 November, with priority access for AFL and club members.
    
• Broadcast: The game will be live on Seven Network, 7plus, Foxtel, Kayo, and Binge.
  
• Grand Final Implications: The winner will likely earn a spot in the 2025 AFLW Grand Final.
  

Season Context – How These Teams Got Here

North Melbourne — Riding a Storm

North Melbourne has been nothing short of dominant this season. Their style of play is disciplined, powerful, and consistent — they’ve built a roster that performs under pressure, and their finals campaign is a reflection of that.

Key to their success has been their midfield engine. Ash Riddell is a revelation: ball-winning, relentless, and capable of controlling clearances. Pair her with Jasmine Garner, whose leadership and two-way play anchor the side, and you have a team that’s as fierce mentally as it is physically. While North’s coach Darren Crocker deserves credit for building a resilient unit, it’s the players who bring the intensity week after week.

Their goal is clear: it’s not just about winning this week — it’s about building a legacy.

Melbourne — The Underdog with Depth

Melbourne, meanwhile, has earned their place through grit and adaptability. In their semi-final, Kate Hore, the Demon captain, produced a commanding performance: high disposal volume, intercept marking, and crucial scoreboard impact. Her leadership aligns with the team’s balanced structure — they’ve got match-winners, but also role-players who understand how to win under finals pressure.

Tyla Hanks and Maeve Chaplin bring further quality, having been recognized in key squads and by pundits for their season contributions. What makes Melbourne dangerous is their resilience: in tight moments, they don’t wilt. They’ve come from behind in big games, and this prelim is no different. The Grand Final opportunity looms, and this is their chance to break into the elite.

Tactical Storylines to Watch

1. Midfield Battle
   At the heart of this game will likely be the battle for clearance dominance. If Riddell dominates, North could control the game tempo. But Melbourne’s midfield, led by Hore and supported by Hanks, is battle-hardened and creative. It’s about more than just getting the ball — it’s about what you do with it once you’ve got it.
   
2. Experience vs. Youth
   North’s finals experience is strong — many of their players have been in big games before. Melbourne, while having stars, also carries a hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage. This balance of experience and youthful ambition could influence how each team handles pressure moments.
   
3. Ball Use & Decision-Making
   Finals footy rewards teams that make smart decisions under stress. Those quick transitions, clean handballs, and strategic kicks out of congestion could determine who gets on top.
   
4. Game Management
   It’s not just about winning quarters but how you manage time, especially in the final term. Which side can drain the clock, take safe options, and avoid unnecessary risk? That might be the difference.
   

Fan Experience – What to Expect on Game Day

Attending this game in person offers something special. Ikon Park, while modest in capacity, delivers a close-up and electric atmosphere — fans feel part of the contest, not just spectators. Given the final’s importance and the likely strong turnout, it’s going to be a lively, emotional day.

If you’re heading down:

• Arrive Early: With limited parking and better access early, getting to Ikon Park well before kickoff is wise.
  
• Public Transport Recommended: Use the tram or train options to avoid parking stress.
  
• Bring Footy Friends: This match is perfect for a mixed crowd — die-hard supporters, families, and newcomers alike will find something to love.
  
• Watch the Atmosphere: Between the passion in the stands and the on-field intensity, this isn’t just a match — it’s an AFLW moment.
  

For those watching from home, tune in via 7plus, Foxtel, or Kayo. Share the social energy, follow key player matchups, and engage with fellow fans on social media — finals footy feels different, even on screen.

Why This Game Matters (High-Level Significance)

• Legacy in the Making: For North Melbourne, this is an opportunity not just to reach the Grand Final, but to confirm themselves as one of the elite.
  
• Statement Opportunity: For Melbourne, beating a powerhouse on this stage could rewrite narratives. They’ve been contenders — now they can be champions.
  
• Growing Women’s Sport: This prelim is a powerful representation of women’s football in Melbourne — showcasing talent, strategy, and genuine fan engagement in a quality venue.
  
• Community Momentum: With strong finals attendance and accessible ticket pricing, this game helps cement footy culture in the AFLW space, especially in inner-Melbourne.

A Footy Final Not to Miss

This AFLW Preliminary Final isn’t just another game. It’s a compelling narrative of power vs. potential, of legacy vs. ambition, and of history meeting the future at Ikon Park. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a curious newcomer, or someone who loves the energy of finals footy, this match promises drama, heart, and high-quality women’s sport.

So, mark your calendars, plan your trip (or stream), and get ready for a Saturday that could define the 2025 AFLW season.

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