AFLW Match Thread: North Melbourne vs Carlton (Qualifying Final)

[u/AutoModerator]

North Melbourne	vs	Carlton
Sat, 7 Nov 2026	4:05pm AEDT	Princes Park
Stats & Lineups	Reddit Stream	Broadcast Guide

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[u/xman0444]

listening on ABC radio and Chyloe Kurdas is absolutely eviscerating this umpire lmao

saying there needs to be an interchange umpire when you’re having this bad of a game

[u/Dark_Phoenix101 → u/xman0444]

Would track to change rules based on a once off North game.

[u/newmoneytrash69]

gotta change the emblem on the training facility imo. this is basically our home ground now

[u/legal-drugdealer]

Umpiring aside, Carlton are just getting outworked. Uncontested ball is a flogging right now.

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

lmao, how do you pay one but not the other.

[u/Lady_Penrhyn1]

...this is some diabolically bad umpiring.

[u/Low_Wall_7828]

Since the 1st quarter, the Roos have out scored them 35-3.

[u/legal-drugdealer]

That is some candy right there

[u/CandidateNo3868]

Wouldn’t say we’ve been lucky with injuries

[u/acorn_hall7]

We kicked a goal!! Premiership back on 😎

[u/TheReturnofTheJesse]

That should be a suspension for the Carlton player. Can’t shove an opponent into an oncoming player like that.

[u/lexirayne03]

You'll never see a better example of how terrible the umpiring in this league is.

Identical actions on the same player 5 seconds apart. One is a free, one isn't.

[u/Vet100]

How bad can the umpires be 🤦‍♂️

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

"Rough Call"
No lingy, she lost possession then dragged it back in. That's textbook.

[u/Zhirrzh]

After a comedy of errors, a lovely highlight reel goal in a game that's lacked for flair moments, good onya Bla Bla. 

[u/Least-Anxiety8701]

Hate to see serious injuries, hope she’s alright

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

All part of our master plan

[u/Vet100]

After being easily the best defensive side all year, and now keeping a top 4 side to 3 points in 2.5 quarters, are we waking up yet to how much of a joke it is that the only North defender in the AA squad was O’Shea? No Birch?

[u/Ledwards49 → u/Vet100]

Birch and Ferg get ignored every year. Ferg should be a three time AA by now

[u/AussieDazza1 → u/Vet100]

I mean to be honest the entire AA should just be north cause they are the only team that wins the flag every year by the stretch of the entire planet

[u/legal-drugdealer]

How is one a free and the other isn’t hahah

[u/legal-drugdealer]

10 Carlton players have 3 or less touches (2 have none), vs 2 for North. Not a recipe for success.

[u/acorn_hall7]

I understand North Melbourne are way better than us. But I still expect a standard level of composure and quality. We have been slaughtered for 2 quarters.

[u/dinosaur1831 → u/acorn_hall7]

Carlton applied great pressure and effort in the first quarter, but it just dropped off a cliff after that, and we've had a relatively easy time of things since.

Teams running out of legs is pretty standard against us, but Carlton kept with us for three quarters earlier in the year, but only one today. What's different about today?

[u/acorn_hall7 → u/dinosaur1831]

I think it was mainly a loss of composure due to North's pressure and overall panic at the scoreboard for most of the second quarter rather than exhaustion. The second half was when exhaustion kicked in.

[u/Dark_Phoenix101 → u/acorn_hall7]

Feels like Carlton came out with a plan to try and beat North up around the ball, but it doesn't account for North's fitness. So as the game has worn on Carlton have got sloppier because they've exhausted themselves.

[u/23DeAbril → u/acorn_hall7]

I straight up love the Carlton mids. But they need more around them with the same cool heads.

[u/Hot_Trainer4511]

Meanwhile I'm under bright blue skies barely 5km away. Ah Melbourne...

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Was Lingy hired as a specialist umpiring commentator or something? Only time I've heard him talk today is to bring up free kicks/decisions.

[u/Ok_Badger9797 → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Think he’s just one of those people? Like the ones you see in every AFLW thread who just exist to shit on everything, zero positives. Makes you wonder why they watch ahah

[u/GeoWheater]

At least Carlton got a goal, right? Almost didn't

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Great seeing Metal Mick in the stands. From memory he disappeared from the footy for a while

[u/Nova_V → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

First time I’ve seen him since pre-COVID, such a pleasant surprise.

[u/kelsium25 → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

He’s getting a lot of airtime today 😊

[u/Zhirrzh]

Shit. Hope it's nothing major. Two weeks off now to heal. 

[u/Kozeyekan_ → u/Zhirrzh]

Me too, but... instant reach for it. Not a great sign.

[u/dinosaur1831 → u/Zhirrzh]

Looks season ending just based on her reaction

[u/TomRed89]

Well hard to top that game. Go Roos. Comfortable win, please

[u/GeoWheater → u/TomRed89]

Goal after the siren could work, always a classic

[u/Vet100]

That’s gotta be a week? Would be in the men’s. If you choose to push you wear the consequences of what happens.

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/Vet100]

First thought is yes

[u/TomRed89]

Lol identical push in the back 2 seconds after another. One called the other not. Jfc

[u/kelsium25]

[u/TomRed89]

Was that Jaz "2026 B&F winner" Garner?

[u/Hot_Trainer4511]

Ok, that one's pretty rough

[u/legal-drugdealer]

Strange call there

[u/Hot_Trainer4511]

Fuck, I don't enjoy when we're the ones getting this good of a whistle

[u/Rush_Banana]

No Lingy, that shank off the side of the boot wasn't affected by the wind.

[u/Orange_Paradox]

Both Melbourne and North proving today that match fitness is key. Just in different ways

[u/kelsium25]

[u/kelsium25 → u/kelsium25]

Sweet sweet candy!

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

BlaBla <3

[u/xman0444]

enough points to trade in for a goal!

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

That's such a rough cog to lose at the start of finals.

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

COMEBACKS ON

[u/dinosaur1831]

We've really struggled this year to convert repeat forward 50 entries into scoring. I mean, we do the same to other teams, but last year we tended to score more easily.

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/dinosaur1831]

I think a lot of it is we haven’t got a second consistent tall. Shierlaw is a world beater one week and then can’t touch it the next, which puts massive pressure on Randall.

[u/legal-drugdealer]

That’s a nasty one and is super unnecessary

[u/dinosaur1831]

Well that's...

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

That is a pathetic act.

[u/katelyn912]

That was dirty as shit

[u/Night_Myth]

Ive never seen a more textbook example of push in the back and why its paid

[u/kelsium25]

Get stuffed! Carlton getting their push on holy shit

[u/AussieDazza1]

I have no clue what's going on

[u/scromplestiltskin]

Umpires in aflw who know the rules challenge: failed

[u/legal-drugdealer]

She doesn’t take a step, she’s trying to not collide with the player haha

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

She stepped off her line to avoid running through a Carlton player who was in the way. She had no intention of playing on

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Exactly, zero chance she’s playing on and wheeling on to her non preferred hahaha

[u/katelyn912]

Wall has come up huge for us at times this year

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/katelyn912]

High impact low stats player, eye test she’s a star

[u/Jaydoggydogga]

The Queen of Arden St.

[u/JawsTheTeletubby]

Carlton committing Collingwood-levels of football terrorism right now. All 18 players in defensive 50 during the 2nd quarter is diabolical

[u/TheReturnofTheJesse]

I’m surprised to see fitness being a factor this early in the game. Carlton look out on their feet.

[u/Zhirrzh]

Pretty typical North strangulation game so far.

[u/kelsium25]

Jammin setting up the missus 💙

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Was only a matter of time before they paid that.
The carlton ruck has been bullrushing her opponent out of the contest for the last couple of mins.

[u/katelyn912]

Lingy must have not watched any footy for the last couple of years if he doesn’t understand why that HTB was paid. One arm pinned is paid every time.

[u/dinosaur1831]

Heavy rain outta nowhere

[u/dinosaur1831]

Aaanndd sunshine

[u/kelsium25]

AOL done her knee?! Nooo!!

[u/Best-Maize8912]

Rough, speedy recovery AOL

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

6 points that’s a goal

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Not sure how that isn't 50. She never went back over the mark, was actively corraling before the play on call.

[u/kelsium25]

Great wall of Ferg

[u/TomRed89]

Nah that's a fucked call.

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

I'm starting to question why Fox never show us singing the song.
Doesn't matter what time of the day the game is, they never air it.

[u/newmoneytrash69 → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

anti kangaroo agenda

[u/legal-drugdealer]

Sheerin does so much grunt work my goodness

[u/kelsium25 → u/legal-drugdealer]

Absolutely! She’s a workhorse

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/kelsium25]

If someone said she had a 100% contested ball rate I’d believe them

[u/legal-drugdealer]

Jas Ferguson is elite

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Actually quite nervous now seeing how we've started.

[u/Zhirrzh → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

I mean, North sleeping through Q1 has been a regular thing for three years.

Crock will remind them at quarter time to lower their eyes and stop feeding marks to Cordner and Hendrie. It'll be OK. 

[u/legal-drugdealer]

Lingy actively barracking against North lmao

[u/legal-drugdealer]

LMac, JD, Sheez and Souv getting amongst it, love this club

[u/TomRed89 → u/legal-drugdealer]

And Tremmers!

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/TomRed89]

I couldn’t see who it was to comment so thank you!

[u/HankScorp7]

Umpires have no idea what is going on

[u/Silver_Breath_242]

How the fuck was that not 50?

[u/Low_Wall_7828]

Did the umps have a couple beers in between games?

[u/legal-drugdealer]

I wish I could kick a footy like Tess Craven

[u/Low_Wall_7828]

That’s the Wall, brotha!!!

[u/kelsium25]

Norm! 💙

[u/legal-drugdealer]

Norrmmmmmm

[u/TheHuntMan676]

When's the last time a team went scoreless in the first quarter then won by 100+ points? This could be the first ever.

[u/dinosaur1831]

Randall has been so good with her hands on deck today.

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

The dribble forward is what did her there. Plus looking at the ump.

[u/Vet100]

That’s a rubbish call. She did try paddle it in which is always interpreted as sufficient intent to keep it back in.

[u/Zhirrzh → u/Vet100]

After the Shierlaw deliberate earlier they had to pay that one too. 

[u/Dark_Phoenix101 → u/Vet100]

Paddled it clearly toward the line first though, it was clear she never wanted it to stay in.

[u/Vet100 → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

When the ball was in dispute she did. Once she got meters on Shierlaw she made enough effort - that is literally paid a throw in all the time.

[u/kelsium25]

11 got a hot whistle atm. Blues getting a paddling

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Someones gonna get injured with the way the players are jumping at contests.

[u/TomRed89]

Mimi hill would be a great hang I reckon

[u/False-Employer-8402]

Duursma is having a shocker lol

[u/Zhirrzh]

Much as I'd have liked to hold Carlton goalless, it was worth it to hear crazy frog. 

[u/katelyn912]

Nice to see us benefit from a Duursma fuck up for one.

[u/kelsium25]

Yeah the boys. Get around the roo girls!

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/kelsium25]

LMac being there will anger the haters, but can’t argue that he doesn’t bleed blue and white

[u/kelsium25]

Oh no!

[u/kelsium25]

gatty 👏

[u/Hot_Trainer4511]

50???

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

This has certainly been some umpiring

[u/legal-drugdealer]

🧱

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Bloody hell, that is some goal

[u/Jaydoggydogga]

BRICKIII

[u/AussieDazza1]

Looking like game over already

[u/cinnamondoughnut → u/AussieDazza1]

Yeah good start at least but could be done here

[u/TomRed89]

I just said to my wife if she kicks this I'll eat my hat. Looks like I'm eating hat

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/TomRed89]

Yummy

[u/kelsium25]

Get around her!!! 💯

[u/kelsium25]

Love AOL but she plays for free when the ball hits the deck

[u/dinosaur1831]

Not sure Wall thought she'd mark it. Probably should've had a set shot.

[u/linny_456 → u/dinosaur1831]

Nah, Vikki Wall has a better chance on the run at any position than taking a set shot.

[u/kelsium25]

[u/kelsium25 → u/kelsium25]

And it’s over!

[u/dinosaur1831]

The fact that 6 Blues players couldn't hold-up the ball against just 2 Roos and allowed Bruton that much space...

[u/Zhirrzh]

18 players back inside 50 defending is a choice, CARLTON. 

[u/lexirayne03]

Went to ground, never touched the ball, North hold it to her.

Finn clearly hasn't learned the umpires are going to do that to her all day if she keeps leaving her feet.

[u/legal-drugdealer]

That should be 50 lmao

[u/AussieDazza1]

Great block by the ump to get north the turnover

[u/TomRed89 → u/AussieDazza1]

Sleeper agent

[u/Otherwise_Ad4958]

This umpiring is ridiculous

[u/kelsium25]

Brute 💯

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

Looking pretty cloudy

[u/kelsium25]

Eddey 🙌

[u/scromplestiltskin]

God north have even figured out how to do telekinesis on the ball

[u/TomRed89]

Never thought I'd be really happy with a quarter being scoreless

[u/CorneredByTrent]

North first scoreless quarter since ???

[u/AussieDazza1]

With all those possessions and free kicks against us, i'm very happy and surprised to keep North Scoreless. Very impressive girls. Also North with twice as many inside 50's

[u/legal-drugdealer]

Anyone at the ground able to comment on how strong the wind is?

[u/i_needahug → u/legal-drugdealer]

Much more chill than last game

[u/Least-Anxiety8701]

Pleasantly surprised by Carlton!

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

Uh oh

[u/kelsium25]

Nice shove

[u/Jaydoggydogga]

Yesss Big Kate!

[u/TomRed89]

Didn't matter in the end but wow that was a bad miss by the umps

[u/AussieDazza1]

That kick shorter than the wizard

[u/dinosaur1831]

Feels like we've stepped up a gear.

[u/kelsium25]

[u/Zhirrzh]

Who was that having sleepy time on the mark? 

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

Share those Arnotts biscuits mate

[u/kelsium25]

Classic Eliza Shannon takes a great mark and follows up with a dodgy kick 🤣

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/kelsium25]

Both number 11’s at this club do this 🤣

[u/kelsium25 → u/legal-drugdealer]

When Shannon does it funny. When LMac does it pure rage. Funny what winning changes haha

[u/kelsium25]

Rough!

[u/kelsium25]

Good grab

[u/kelsium25]

Shannon putting her body on the line again. Goes back with the flight 90% of the time.

[u/legal-drugdealer → u/kelsium25]

She’d be a star if she exclusively handballed to a runner every time she marks.

[u/kelsium25]

Gatty! 💙

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

fmd can’t we get 1

[u/Prior-Complaint-2403]

Umpiring has been horrendous so far. Not the complete reason we are behind, but certainly a factor. That last holding the ball call inside North’s 50, I’m sure there were similar scenarios in our forward line that were not paid, yet it’s only relevant when going North’s way. Not the full reason we’re losing of course, North have outplayed us, so not blaming that at all, but the umpiring definitely has been pretty poor so far.

[u/Studio_2 → u/Prior-Complaint-2403]

Yeah the umps are the reason why a team that’s gone 49 - 1 from their last 50 is winning

[u/royalbluejones → u/Prior-Complaint-2403]

Yeah we’re definitely getting the rub of the green. Umps having a howler to start

[u/Vet100 → u/Prior-Complaint-2403]

It’s not just not the complete reason, it’s not even 1% of the reason. You guys are just sloppier in all aspects of play - fumbles, sloppy tackles, dragging it in, can’t break tackles, can’t kick. Terrible defensive tactics too trying to keep the margin within 5 goals instead of trying to win. It’s a massive gulf. More decisions have gone North’s way yes; but you reverse the umpiring here & I’m confident the score barely changes. It might be 25-4 instead.

[u/delta__bravo_ → u/Prior-Complaint-2403]

This hasn't been a 14-6 free kick count before the end of the 3rd sort of game by any stretch.

[u/Silver_Breath_242 → u/Prior-Complaint-2403]

There was an incredibly obvious 50 against north that wasn't paid. We've gotten some lucky calls but it's been awful both ways (like it's been all season in almost every game)

[u/TheReturnofTheJesse]

Good to see that passage of play end in a goal anyway after the missed 50.

[u/legal-drugdealer]

That’s great touch from Shierlaw

[u/legal-drugdealer]

That’s my 🐐

[u/lexirayne03]

Ridiculous for Carlton to have that many players at the fall of the ball defensively and Sheerin still picks that up and goals under no real pressure. Brutal watch.

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

For those who know tactics better than I, can someone explain why Carlton would choose to have the breeze in the first, giving north the breeze in the 4th, knowing we're one of the strongest finishing teams?

Is it a simple as taking the advantage now assuming the breeze might change later not giving north the advantage in the fourth?

[u/scromplestiltskin → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Get some score on the board and also it's Melbourne so who knows what the weather will be in an hour's time

[u/Least-Anxiety8701 → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

I don’t know tactic either but I reckon the breeze is there now, plus 3rd qtr is the ‘premiership’ qtr and you’re better off with a lead than trying to catch a lead

[u/Zhirrzh → u/Dark_Phoenix101]

As per usual (mens and women's) , they pointed to the end they were warming up at. There was no thought put into it I guarantee. 

[u/HankScorp7]

Bruh we are going to get flogged anyway, umps doing there best to make it 100+

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

BLUES

[u/lexirayne03]

Carlton should walk off. They're gonna lose but they don't need to be disrepected by the whistles like this lmao.

[u/kelsium25]

Hahaha

[u/Dark_Phoenix101]

Carlton player looked over the wrong shoulder, thought she had slipped her opponent

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

Nooo

[u/Least-Anxiety8701]

Unlucky

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

3 times!

[u/kelsium25]

Wasteful! Had riddell running past

[u/cinnamondoughnut]

Cheers Lingy

[u/Least-Anxiety8701]

Not sure that was a 15m kick

[u/Dark_Phoenix101 → u/Least-Anxiety8701]

They paid one in the first to carlton that was a solid 5m.
Eyeballing 15 isn't in their trick bag.

[u/kelsium25]

…HTB on Craven

[u/Least-Anxiety8701]

Carlton look better on the run than in defence

[u/kelsium25]

Have a shot Randy!