EILISH Sheerin put the perfect finishing touch on an exceptional first season at North Melbourne, claiming the Best on Ground medal in Saturday night's NAB AFLW Grand Final.

The Roos star was outstanding on the biggest stage of all, amassing 28 disposals (18 contested), eight tackles, nine clearances and two goals in a commanding performance.

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Sheerin set her side on the path to victory with a breathtaking first quarter, kicking the opening goal of the game and finishing the term with 10 disposals and four clearances.

The four judges were unanimous in their voting, awarding the 33-year-old the maximum 12 votes.

AFLW best and fairest winner Ash Riddell was next in line with six votes, with her Grand Final record 39-disposal haul seeing her awarded votes from each judge.

Riddell's 39 disposals eclipses the record set in last year's Grand Final by teammate Jasmine Garner, who had 35 touches in the 2024 decider.

Garner picked up five votes in the voting, while Lions firestarter Belle Dawes earned one vote.

Sheerin only returned to North's side for last week's preliminary final against Melbourne after a hamstring injury kept her sidelined since round eight.

And the key to her strong return? Hyperbaric oxygen chambers, channelling Brisbane's Lachie Neale.

"At my age, I've looked for any 1 per cent that I could get," she said post-match.

Sheerin also paid tribute to the club and its "incredible program", particularly the strength and conditioning and physios.

"Total trust, they've been there before with Emma Kearney coming back last year," she said, acknowledging Kearney's return in last year's preliminary final before playing in the Grand Final. 

"Very similar injuries, very similar trajectories ... So just trust in that, I think, you know, makes it a lot easier."

Sheerin crossed to the reigning premier at the end of the 2024 season after three seasons at Richmond, where she twice earned All-Australian honours and finished runner-up in the club's best and fairest on two occasions.

The athletic utility's trade to Arden Street provided the Roos with even greater depth, adding to a list already jam-packed with talent.

Sheerin played nine games in her debut campaign with the Roos, averaging 18 disposals a game.

"The best on ground is a wonderful accolade, but winning a premiership and sharing in that with your teammates and the program is so incredible," Sheerin said. 

FULL VOTES
12 – Eilish Sheerin, North Melbourne: 3333
6 – Ash Riddell, North Melbourne: 2211
5 – Jasmine Garner, North Melbourne: 221
1 – Isabel Dawes, Brisbane: 1

Abbie Holmes, Channel Seven (Chair)
3 - Eilish Sheerin
2 - Ash Riddell
1 - Isabel Dawes

Gemma Bastiani, AFL Media
3 - Eilish Sheerin
2 - Jasmine Garner
1 - Ash Riddell

Laura Spurway, 3AW
3 - Eilish Sheerin
2 - Ash Riddell
1 - Jasmine Garner

Lauren Wood, Herald Sun
3 - Eilish Sheerin
2 - Jasmine Garner
1 - Ash Riddell