Everything in Melbourne

The winner will likely earn a spot in the 2025 AFLW Grand Final

San Perera

A vibrant moment from the AFLW Grand Final 2025 in Melbourne, capturing the passion of footy fans.

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:

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

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:

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)

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.

Everything in Melbourne

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