Kangaroos Break AFLW Winning Streak in Dominant Lions Victory at Derby

Kangaroos Extend Dominance with 20th Straight Win, Lions and Saints Also Triumph in AFLW Action

Launceston, Tasmania – The North Melbourne Kangaroos cemented their status as the team to beat in the Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) competition, achieving a milestone 20th consecutive win on Saturday with a commanding 68-point victory over the Sydney Swans. This impressive run puts them within striking distance of Geelong’s all-time record of 23 straight wins, set across the 1952 and 1953 Victorian Football League seasons.

Kangaroos Dominate Swans

The Kangaroos proved too strong for the Swans, ultimately prevailing with a final score of 13.10 (88) to 3.2 (20) at york Park. Despite a spirited start from Sydney, who trailed by only two points at the first break, the Kangaroos quickly asserted their authority, shutting down the Swans’ attack in the second and third quarters.

Ash Riddell delivered a record-breaking performance, amassing 45 disposals – her third time achieving the AFLW record for most disposals in a single match this season. Teammate Jasmine Garner also shone brightly, contributing four goals and 28 disposals, demonstrating an unstoppable force on the field. Tahlia Randall added to the scoreboard with three crucial goals.

The Kangaroos’ last defeat came in the 2023 grand final,marking a period of sustained excellence. Their success is built on a foundation of aggressive ball movement, precise passing, relentless pressure, and minimal errors.

Lions Celebrate Coach’s Milestone with Victory

In Carrara, Brisbane honored coach Craig Starcevich’s 100th AFLW match with a resounding 68-point triumph over local rivals, the Gold Coast Suns. The Lions finished with a score of 11.17 (83) to 2.3 (15), propelled by a stellar performance from forward Courtney hodder, who kicked four goals.

Starcevich, who has led the Lions to two premierships, became the first AFLW coach to reach the century mark. Hodder’s contribution extended beyond goals, as she also accumulated 18 disposals and eight tackles. Taylor Smith added three goals, while defender Jade Ellenger impressed with 21 disposals off half-back.

Saints Secure Top-Eight Spot Amid Injury Concerns

St Kilda overcame Greater Western Sydney (GWS) by 14 points at Henson Park in Sydney, securing a crucial victory of 4.6 (30) to 2.4 (16) and propelling them into the AFLW top eight for the first time since round one. Though, the win was overshadowed by injury concerns, with Nicola Barr suffering a suspected knee injury and Darcy Guttridge and Bianca Jakobsson sustaining ankle injuries in the final quarter.

This victory marks the Saints’ fourth consecutive win after a challenging period earlier in the season. Jaimee Lambert, a dual All-Australian, proved instrumental with two goals and 25 disposals, while Georgia Patrikios racked up 26 disposals and four clearances.

Team	Score	key Player(s)
Kangaroos	13.10 (88)	Ash Riddell (45 disposals), Jasmine Garner (4 goals)
Sydney Swans	3.2 (20)	Zippy Fish (34 disposals)
Brisbane Lions	11.17 (83)	Courtney Hodder (4 goals, 18 disposals)
Gold Coast Suns	2.3 (15)	Charlie Rowbottom (28 disposals)
St Kilda	4.6 (30)	Jaimee Lambert (2 goals, 25 disposals)
GWS Giants	2.4 (16)	Kaitlyn Srhoj (27 disposals)

Did You Know? The AFLW competition has seen a meaningful increase in viewership and participation since its inception in 2017, highlighting the growing popularity of women’s football in Australia.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on emerging talents like Zippy Fish from the Swans, as they have the potential to become key players in the league.

What do you think of the Kangaroos’ dominant form? And can the Saints maintain their momentum and secure a finals berth?

The Rise of AFLW: A Growing Sport

The AFLW has experienced substantial growth since its launch, attracting increasing audiences and participation rates.This growth reflects a broader trend of rising interest in women’s sports globally. Factors contributing to this include increased media coverage, greater investment in player development, and a growing recognition of the skill and athleticism of female footballers.

The league continues to evolve, with improvements in player welfare, coaching standards, and overall professionalism. The commitment of AFL clubs to their women’s programs is also crucial for lasting growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AFLW

• What is the AFLW? The AFLW is the professional women’s Australian rules football league in Australia.
• How many teams are in the AFLW? Currently,there are 18 teams competing in the AFLW.
• When did the AFLW start? The inaugural AFLW season was held in 2017.
• What is the format of the AFLW season? The season typically involves a home-and-away season followed by a finals series.
• Where can I watch AFLW matches? AFLW matches are broadcast on various television channels and streaming platforms.
• Who are the current premiers of the AFLW? The North Melbourne Kangaroos are the current premiers, having won the 2023 AFLW Grand Final.
• What is the meaning of the Kangaroos’ 20-game winning streak? It places them among the most dominant teams in AFLW history and within reach of the all-time record.

Share yoru thoughts on these matches in the comments below! We’d love to hear your predictions for the rest of the season.

what impact will the Kangaroos’ victory have on the Lions’ chances of securing a top-two finish?

The Upset at Mineral Resources Park

The North Melbourne Kangaroos delivered a stunning upset, ending the Brisbane Lions’ impressive AFLW winning streak with a commanding performance at mineral Resources Park on October 4th, 2025. The final scoreline reflected the Kangaroos’ dominance, leaving Lions fans reeling and analysts reassessing the premiership contenders. this victory marks a significant turning point in the AFLW season, showcasing the growing competitiveness across the league.

Key Game statistics & Performance Highlights

The Kangaroos’ victory wasn’t just a matter of luck; it was built on a foundation of strategic gameplay and exceptional individual performances. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats:

* Final Score: North Melbourne Kangaroos [score TBD] – Brisbane Lions [Score TBD]

* Goal Kickers (Kangaroos): [List TBD – Update with actual goal kickers]

* Goal Kickers (Lions): [List TBD – Update with actual goal kickers]

* Disposals: Kangaroos dominated possession, recording [TBD] disposals to the Lions’ [TBD].

* Tackles: A ferocious defensive effort saw the Kangaroos lay [TBD] tackles, considerably disrupting the Lions’ forward momentum.

* Inside 50s: The Kangaroos controlled territory, registering [TBD] inside 50s compared to the Lions’ [TBD].

Key players for the Kangaroos included [Player 1 TBD] who was instrumental in midfield, and [Player 2 TBD] who provided a strong presence in defense. for the Lions,despite the loss,[Player 3 TBD] showed flashes of brilliance,but was ultimately contained by the Kangaroos’ relentless pressure.

Tactical Breakdown: How the Kangaroos Triumphed

The Kangaroos’ game plan centered around neutralizing the Lions’ key forwards and exploiting weaknesses in their defensive structure.Several tactical elements contributed to their success:

1. Midfield Pressure: The Kangaroos’ midfield applied relentless pressure on the Lions’ ball carriers, forcing turnovers and creating scoring opportunities. This aggressive approach disrupted the Lions’ usual smooth ball movement.
2. Defensive Zone: A well-organized defensive zone limited the Lions’ ability to penetrate the forward 50, forcing them into long, contested shots.
3. Fast transitions: When the Kangaroos won possession, they transitioned quickly from defense to attack, catching the Lions off guard and creating scoring chances.
4. Contested Marking: Dominating the contested marks proved crucial, allowing the Kangaroos to control the aerial battle and maintain possession.

Impact on the AFLW Ladder & Premiership Race

This result has significant implications for the AFLW ladder and the premiership race. The Lions’ winning streak had positioned them as clear favorites, but this loss throws the competition wide open.

* Lions’ Position: The defeat will likely see the Lions drop from the top of the ladder, potentially losing their grip on a top-two finish.

* Kangaroos’ Ascent: The Kangaroos’ victory propels them into premiership contention, demonstrating their potential to challenge the league’s best teams.

* Increased Competition: The upset highlights the increasing competitiveness of the AFLW, with more teams capable of challenging for the title. This season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

Player Spotlight: Emerging Stars and Veteran Leadership

The Kangaroos’ success is a testament to the blend of emerging talent and experienced leadership within the team.

* [Young Player TBD]: This rising star showcased exceptional skill and composure, demonstrating a shining future in the AFLW.

* [Veteran Player TBD]: the veteran’s leadership and experience were crucial in guiding the team through challenging moments, providing a calming influence on the field.

* Lions’ Response: The Lions will need to regroup and address the areas where they were exposed by the Kangaroos. Expect a strong response in their next match.

Derby Day Atmosphere & Fan Engagement

The Derby Day atmosphere at Mineral Resources Park was electric, with a passionate crowd cheering on both teams.Fan engagement was high, with strong attendance numbers and active participation on social media. The vibrant atmosphere contributed to the intensity of the match and created a memorable experience for all involved. The AFLW continues to grow in popularity, attracting a dedicated fanbase and