A review and highlights of rebel VFLW preliminary final.

BOX HILL HAWKS                                      1.3   2.4   5.5   6.5 (41)
NORTH MELBOURNE-WERRIBEE     4.1   6.4   7.5   9.8 (62)

North Melbourne-Werribee will have the opportunity to defend its title in the rebel VFLW Grand Final after defeating Box Hill Hawks by 21 points in the preliminary final at Kinetic Stadium.

The Kangaroos were the dominant side across the first half, leading by 16 points at quarter time and 24 points at the main break before the Hawks swung the momentum their way in the third to reduce the deficit to an even two goals by three quarter time.

The margin was cut to eight points when Jess Matin booted her second major at the 13-minute mark of the final quarter before steadying goal to Georgia Nicholas and Matilda Zander sealed a second-consecutive Grand Final berth for the Roos.

The reigning premiers found goals early and controlled proceedings in the first term.

They opened the scoring through Charlotte Ryan who swooped on a loose ball that just fell short of the goal line before Rohenna Young medallist Nyakoat Dojiok provided the highlight of the quarter when she split the middle of two Hawks and streamed into the open goal.

North Melbourne-Werribee pushed the lead out to a game-high 28 points by the nine-minute mark of the second term following consecutive majors before Mia Zielinski converted an important set shot to help the Hawks stay within reach at the main break.

Box Hill would win the third quarter as they ramped up their pressure around the contest, kicking three goals from four scoring shots while keeping the Roos to just one major in the process to take moment into last term.

When Hawks leading goalkicker Jess Matin took a brilliant contested mark inside 50 and kicked her second goal of the afternoon, the margin was just eight points with seven minutes remaining and the visitors threatened to run over the top.

However, Georgia Nicholas produced a moment of brilliance just minutes later, reading the ball as it came off the hands of two Hawks defenders before taking one bounce inside 50 and kicking truly on the run to all but seal the victory for the Kangaroos.

North Melbourne-Werribee’s stars stood up when it mattered to help get the minor premiers over the line.

Alana Barba recorded another stellar performance with 29 disposals as well as nine clearances and seven score involvements, while Maddie Di Cosmo impressed with 22 touches, six clearances and five inside 50s.

After kicking just one major in her previous three matches leading into the preliminary final, Nyakoat Dojiok returned to form with two first-half goals, with Georgia Nicholas also registering two majors, including that terrific final quarter goal.

Jemmika Douglas and Charlotte Ryan led the way in defence for the Roos, each having six intercept possessions and combining for seven rebound 50s.

The Hawks showcased their best footy at times throughout the afternoon but were unable to produce it for long enough against the competition’s benchmark side.

A real highlight was the performance of 19-year-old Annabelle Embelton, who had her best game of the year with a season-high 22 disposals, as well as 10 intercept possessions and four rebound 50s.

Isla Baldwin continued to put the pressure on across the match and laid a game-high 10 tackles to go along with her 19 disposals. Meanwhile, Jess Matin and Mia Zielinski each kicked two goals, with Matin being the third player to kick 20 or more goals this season.

BEST
Box Hill Hawks: Annabelle Embelton, Matilda Van Berkel, Nat Exon, Emma Juneja, Bec Neaves, Paige Price
North Melbourne-Werribee: Alana Barba, Maddie Di Cosmo, Matilda Zander, Charlotte Ryan, Nyakoat Dojiok, Jemmika Douglas

GOALS
Box Hill Hawks: Jess Matin, Mia Zielinski 2, Nat Exon, Emma Stilve
North Melbourne-Werribee: Nyakoat Dojiok, Georgia Nicholas 2, Charlotte Blair, Sarah Ingram, Charlotte Ryan, Renee Tierney, Matilda Zander

LEADING DISPOSALS
Box Hill Hawks: Annabelle Embelton 22, Isla Baldwin 19, Rosie Dillon 16, Nat Exon 16, Matilda Van Berkel 15, Bec Neaves 15
North Melbourne-Werribee: Alana Barba 29, Maddie Di Cosmo 22, Charlotte Ryan 16, Nyakoat Dojiok 14, Matilda Zander 14