The 2025 AFLW Grand Final arrives with renewed intensity as North Melbourne and Brisbane prepare for their third straight premiership clash. The rivalry has grown into one of the league’s defining storylines, shaped by structural differences, leadership continuity and evolving AFLW Grand Final stats. North remain unbeaten across consecutive seasons, while Brisbane carry a history of resilience and the ability to lift in high-pressure environments. With no side ever completing back-to-back flags in AFLW history, the statistical and emotional weight behind this year’s decider is unmistakable.
Rivalry Momentum & Season Data — What’s Changed Heading Into 2025
The shifts from 2023 to 2024 shaped the path to this year’s contest. Brisbane controlled the 2023 Grand Final with a pressure-led, territory-first game plan. North responded in 2024 with a more composed, possession-focused approach, winning clearances and limiting Brisbane’s ability to force chaos. Those previous results framed how both clubs approached their 2025 seasons.
Below is the updated season comparison table in the simpler markdown format you requested:
2025 Season Averages
| Metric | North Melbourne | Brisbane Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring Output | High efficiency | Strong from turnovers |
| Inside 50 Efficiency | Top tier | Improving across season |
| Tackles | Balanced pressure | Consistently high |
| Forward Half Time | League-leading | Momentum driven |
| Intercept Marks | Spread across backs | Dunne-led structure |
| Centre Clearances | Riddell-driven control | Competitive late-season |
These trends highlight how North continue to build games through structure and control, while Brisbane rely on disruption, bursts of pressure and efficient use of turnover opportunities.
Conditions, Venue Influence & Players Shaping AFLW Grand Final Stats
Ikon Park again influences how both sides prepare. The broader wings and open channels tend to reward teams with clean ball movement, which suits North Melbourne’s uncontested marking game. Brisbane historically rise in one-on-one defence at this venue, especially when the match shifts into transition.
Weather forecasts suggest possible showers, which could tilt the contest back toward congestion. In similar conditions earlier this year, Brisbane lifted their tackle count significantly, a reminder that environmental shifts often move momentum in their direction.
Key player indicators continue to shape pre-game expectations.
Jasmine Garner’s impact in finals remains consistent, with strong contested numbers and influence inside 50. Ash Riddell anchors the midfield with elite disposal and clearance efficiency, forming the backbone of North Melbourne AFLW stats. Blaithin Bogue enters her first Grand Final season with rising pressure numbers and a strong aerial presence.
Brisbane’s influence comes from different profiles. Courtney Hodder’s pressure-first style drives momentum swings, while Jennifer Dunne stabilises the backline through intercepts and reading of the ball. Neasa Dooley’s debut year offers an emerging layer of reliability in tight contests.
Tactical Adjustments & Predictive Insights — Where the Game Might Turn
Both teams enter with clear tactical frameworks developed over the rivalry’s past two seasons. North Melbourne rely on ball control, measured transition and a defensive press that forces opponents wide and long. Their scoring is often built from repeat entries and clean territory gains from stoppages.
Brisbane need to disrupt that rhythm. Their chances rise when pressure chains lead to turnovers in dangerous areas. Slowing Riddell at stoppages and limiting Garner’s clean touches remain central to their tactical approach. Brisbane’s scoring often comes from play-breaking moments rather than sustained control, meaning momentum swings hold more weight for them than for North.
The predictive model for 2025 includes season form, venue impact, scoring patterns and individual ratings. North’s advantage remains linked to clearance reliability and forward-half retention. Brisbane’s best route lies in a pressure-dominant match, especially if conditions tighten and scrappy passages become more frequent.
The current projection sets the likely margin within a 7–18 point North Melbourne advantage, with weather and turnover differential identified as the largest swing factors.
Conclusion — A Third Chapter Defined by Rivalry and AFLW Grand Final Stats
This 2025 meeting between North Melbourne and Brisbane carries the weight of history and the clarity of modern analysis. Trends within AFLW Grand Final stats show two contrasting strengths that continue to evolve, giving this third instalment both familiarity and unpredictability. Whether North confirm their era of dominance or Brisbane disrupt the pattern once more, the data shows a Grand Final shaped by style, adaptation and the lessons of two years of rivalry.
