North Melbourne-Werribee became just the second team to defend a rebel VFLW premiership with a gripping six-point win over Collingwood in the 2025 rebel VFLW Grand Final at ETU Stadium on Saturday.

Not since Darebin won the competition’s first two flags in 2016 and 2017 had a team gone back-to-back.

However, the Kangaroos etched their name into folklore alongside the Falcons with a 5.4 (34) to 4.4 (28) triumph over the Magpies to defend last year’s title.

And like list year’s premiership decider against the Western Bulldogs, the Roos made a fast start before losing momentum, only to kick back in the final term.

Alana Barba’s reputation as a big-game player was elevated further, with the star midfielder winning the Lisa Hardeman Medal for the second time after also winning the award in Essendon’s 2022 premiership triumph.

Barba amassed 35 disposals, 11 tackles and 11 clearances in a dominant midfield display. She set the tone early with 21 disposals in the first half and lifted late to will her side across the line.

She had great support from Stella Reid, who bobbed up with three goals after being sent forward in a Grand Final masterstroke by Brett Gourley.

Maddie Di Cosmo and Charlotte Ryan found plenty of the ball, while Jemmika Douglas was outstanding in defence.

Collingwood skipper Dom Carbone led from the front and did everything in her power to try to get the Magpies across the line.

The inaugural rebel VFLW State Team captain, who led the Western Bulldogs in last year’s Grand Final defeat, was the Magpies’ leading disposal winner with 19 and also laid 12 tackles to go with six clearances.

Young star Tahlia Sanger was also ferocious and joined Carbone in laying a dozen tackles, while Courtney Jones overcame an early injury scare to have a big impact.

Led by a red-hot Nyakoat Dojiok, North Melbourne-Werribee booted three goals to one in the opening term to lead by 11 points at quarter time.

Dojiok kicked two majors in the first quarter and looked set to emulate last year’s Grand Final heroics, which saw her win the best on ground medal with four goals.

However, Collingwood rallied in the second term and consecutive goals in the space of three minutes to Tayla Christensen and Amelia Peck midway through the quarter saw the Magpies take the lead for the first time.

Scores were tied at the main break, before Bella Clarke converted a set shot early in the third quarter to give Collingwood a six-point lead.

Reid hit back with her second for North Melbourne-Werribee shortly after in what proved to be the Roos’ only goal across the second and third quarters.

Collingwood took a two-point advantage into the final change and held the lead until the 14th minute when a Dojiok behind levelled the scores.

With extra time beckoning, it was Reid who stood up in the decisive moment, finding space and snapping through a goal on her trusty left boot with five minutes to play, which proved to be the winner.

Final score: Collingwood 4.4 (28) def by North Melbourne-Werribee 5.4 (34)

Lisa Hardeman Medal voting: Alana Barba 12, Stella Reid 6, Dom Carbone 4, Maddie Di Cosmo 2

Jennie Loughnan (AFL Head of State League Competitions)
3 - Alana Barba (NMW)
2 - Dom Carbone (COLL)
1 - Stella Reid (NMW)

Caitlin Bunker (Darebin Falcons captain)
3 - Alana Barba (NMW)
2 - Stella Reid (NMW)
1 - Dom Carbone (COLL)

Michael Ericson (Box Hill Hawks VFLW coach)
3 - Alana Barba (NMW)
2 - Maddie Di Cosmo (NMW)
1 - Stella Reid (NMW)

Joe Pignataro (AFL Media)
3 - Alana Barba (NMW)
2 - Stella Reid (NMW)
1 - Dom Carbone (COLL)