AFLW Grand Final Déjà Vu as Dominant Duo Clash Again
The AFLW's tenth season concludes with a familiar sight as the North Melbourne Kangaroos and Brisbane Lions prepare to face off in their third consecutive Grand Final. This historic match-up at Ikon Park on Saturday night represents the culmination of 116 hard-fought matches in the 2025 season, yet it underscores a growing competitive disparity that has become the competition's defining narrative.
The Open Secret Holding Clubs Back
While the sold-out decider promises a fitting climax to elite women's footy, the consistent brilliance of these two clubs has exposed a troubling lack of ambition elsewhere. Multiple officials within the intimate football industry have confirmed what many suspected: some AFLW programs are not spending their full allocated soft cap on coaching and development.
North Melbourne defender Emma Kearney articulated the challenge facing other clubs: "What we're doing at North Melbourne and Brisbane is setting the standard. I'm happy being up the top for now, we'll keep trying to get better, it's now up to the other teams to work out how to get to our level."
The Kangaroos enter this Grand Final unbeaten in two years, having overcome Melbourne Demons in a nail-biting preliminary final thanks to a fourth-quarter surge. Until that contest, the closest any opponent had come to victory against Darren Crocker's side was a 29-point margin achieved by none other than the Brisbane Lions in round five.
Resource Gap Creates Competitive Chasm
Kearney identified several factors behind the sustained success of both grand finalists, including club integration, high-performance programs, coaching quality, and fitness commitment. However, she emphasised that "the way the clubs resource their programs" remains the most critical element.
Despite the AFL increasing the 2025 soft cap budget to $1.175 million, with further rises scheduled for 2026 and 2027, the financial reality remains challenging. With significant returns from AFLW operations still distant, some clubs appear to be redirecting potential women's program funds to their men's operations or other areas.
Kangaroos winger Tess Craven expressed disappointment at hearing some clubs weren't spending their full allocation, suggesting "maybe something the AFL could prohibit from happening." The league mandates basic standards for medical care, equipment, and coaching but imposes no minimum spend requirement, leading to low wages and high staff turnover at some clubs.
AFLW general manager Emma Moore declined to comment directly on spending allegations but maintained that clubs demonstrate a desire to succeed and learn from leading programs like North Melbourne.
History in the Making at Ikon Park
While administrators grapple with the competition's structural challenges, players focus on the immediate prize. The Lions have mounted an impressive resurgence after a slow start to the season, winning nine consecutive games since their round five defeat against the Kangaroos.
Brisbane forward Ruby Svarc suggested her side might be better prepared for a tight contest, noting "North has been winning, which is incredible, they probably haven't been tested as much." Last year's Grand Final, where the Lions kicked just one goal in a 30-point defeat, has driven substantial improvement throughout the squad.
Kearney acknowledged the Lions' tactical evolution this season, shifting from a direct territory game to a more possession-focused approach. "We took a lot of learnings from them from that game," she said, "just how to defend that a little bit better."
As these two powerhouse clubs prepare to write another chapter in their defining rivalry, the broader question remains whether the rest of the competition can muster the ambition and investment to challenge their dominance in seasons to come.
