North Melbourne delivered a commanding performance to secure their place in a second consecutive AFLW grand final, defeating Port Adelaide by 57 points in a clinical display.

Under the guidance of Darren Crocker, the Kangaroos, in pursuit of their first premiership, will host next week’s decider against either reigning champions Brisbane or Adelaide, who are set to face off on Saturday evening.

In scorching conditions at Ikon Park, the Kangaroos started with a blistering pace, scoring three goals within the first seven minutes. Their 12.6 (78) to 2.9 (21) triumph was witnessed by 4,387 fans, leaving no doubt about their form as they dismantled a young and inexperienced Port Adelaide side.

Following last year’s heartbreaking grand final defeat to Brisbane, North Melbourne, as minor premiers, will enter next Saturday night’s clash at Ikon Park as firm favourites, buoyed by this dominant preliminary final performance.

Star midfielders Jasmine Garner and Ashleigh Riddell led the charge, with Garner amassing 25 disposals, eight clearances, six tackles, and a goal, while Riddell recorded 27 disposals and five clearances. Forward Vikki Wall was unstoppable, finishing with three goals, supported by Alice O'Loughlin, Tahlia Randall, Kate Shierlaw, and Taylah Gatt, who each contributed two goals.

Captain Emma Kearney made a successful return from a hamstring injury, though she was rested for most of the final quarter as a precaution.

For Port Adelaide, Piper Window (15 disposals, eight tackles), Abbey Dowrick (18 disposals), and Shineah Goody worked tirelessly, but the Power struggled to match North’s intensity.

Lauren Arnell’s side, in their maiden preliminary final, were unable to respond as North Melbourne overwhelmed them in key areas, dominating clearances (12-4), contested possessions (33-20), and inside-50s (17-3) in a one-sided first quarter.

The Kangaroos opened the match with a coast-to-coast play, leading to Jasmine Garner’s first goal in the goal square. Randall followed up with a quick major, and O'Loughlin struck twice, including a stunning snap, to give North a commanding lead.

By the time O'Loughlin added her second, Port Adelaide had managed just seven disposals as a team. Although Port stabilised defensively towards the end of the quarter, they were unable to capitalise on their possession and remained goalless in the first half.

Quick goals from Randall and Gatt in the second quarter extended the lead further. Two precise finishes from Shierlaw stretched the margin to 50 points by half-time, effectively putting the game out of Port’s reach.

Despite the oppressive heat, North Melbourne showed no signs of slowing down. Wall added two more goals in the third quarter to push the lead to 65 points. Although Gemma Houghton broke through for Port Adelaide’s first goal early in the final term, Wall capped off the Kangaroos’ dominant display with her third goal – a booming effort from outside 50.

North Melbourne’s emphatic performance sets the stage for a thrilling grand final as they aim to claim their maiden AFLW premiership.