North Melbourne Werribee capped off a brilliant debut season of partnership in the perfect fashion on Saturday, claiming the ultimate prize.

North Melbourne Werribee did it the hard way, coming from behind to defeat arch-nemesis Collingwood by six points and secure back to back VFLW premierships.

The Kangaroos trailed by two points at three-quarter time in a thrilling Grand Final.

Seven minutes from time, superstar forward Nyakoat Dojiok kicked a behind to level the scores.

Two minutes later, Stella Reid became the Roos' hero; her late on-the-run snap sending them six points in front against the side which had beaten them in both previous meetings this season.

In a desperate finish, they hung on to win by that margin, 5.4 (34) to 4.4 (28).

Alana Barba starred as she won her third VFLW premiership and was awarded her second Lisa Hardeman medal, leading the charge among a brilliant midfield brigade to finish with 35 disposals, 11 clearances and 11 tackles.

With scores level and only five minutes remaining, the Kangaroos were desperate for a hero, and it was Stella Reid who stepped up.

Playing most of the season in defence, Reid looked a natural forward throughout the whole game as she kicked three goals, with her final effort the most memorable of the lot.

Pouncing on a loose bouncing ball inside 50, she blazed away from her defender, running around on the left and snapping truly from 30m to light up ETU Stadium and give her side the lead for the first time since midway through the second quarter.

The Kangaroos’ tackle pressure was hot from the off, resulting in the Roos kicking the opening two goals for the game.

It was Dojiok who struck first with a brilliant run-down tackle to win the free kick and slot the opener from 40 metres, before defender-turned-forward Stella Reid followed suit, pouncing on a Pies defender to set up the Roos’ second by the nine minute mark of the opening term.

North Melbourne Werribee’s triumph simply could not have been achieved without the influence of the small defenders.

Jemmika Douglas (nine disposals, six intercepts) Zoe Savarirayan (nine disposals, five intercepts) and Amanda Ling (nine disposals, five intercepts) all put in an immense effort to keep the Magpies scoreless in the final term, intercepting in the air and at ground level, with Douglas’ big moment coming late as she hung on to a courageous pack mark with only minutes remaining.

VFLW Coach Brett Gourley on the win: “It was an incredible finish to an incredible game. I thought there were so many times where we thought Collingwood were on top or we might have gotten on top of them early, but we were able to bounce back and show a lot of resilience in that last quarter.”

“We’ve done a lot of work on our resilience and we’ve put a lot of effort and time into that space because there are really good teams. We knew they were going to come at us at some point, but to be able to do that in the last quarter of a Grand Final was incredible.”

On Barba: “Barba was incredible. Getting the ball down our end and gaining territory was a big focus for us. She really just activated ‘beast mode’ again today and I thought there was no way she was going to lose today. You could see it in her eyes.

She was incredible for us, along with all of the other mids in there as well.”

On Reid: “The Stella move was one we spoke about a few weeks ago. We were able to get some really good time in forward half to give her some scoring opportunities.

“We knew we had to score a bit more and we thought Stella could really help that and she gave us the extra one that we needed. It was a good move in the end.”

COLLINGWOOD 1.1 3.2 4.4 4.4 (28)
NORTH MELBOURNE WERRIBEE 3.0 3.2 4.2 5.4 (34)

GOAL SCORERS:
Collingwood: Christensen 2, Clarke 1, Peck 1
North Melbourne Werribee: Reid 3, Dojiok 2

BEST PLAYERS:
North Melbourne Werribee: Barba, Reid, Douglas, Di Cosmo, Dojiok, Sutton

With Werribee’s VFL campaign now complete, our listed players were available to feature locally across the weekend as community competitions wrapped up home-and-away seasons or kicked off their finals campaigns.

With a host of names returning for their first local game in up to three years, read how the 26 Werribee players featured at local level in the 21st edition of the Weekly Player Report for 2025.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Dom Brew - North Albury
Brew pulled on the green and gold for the first time since 2022 and made an instant impact in a heartbreaker against Myrtleford. The experienced midfielder finished with 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances and six inside 50s, while also kicking 1.1. His last-quarter goal gave the Hoppers a chance, but they fell short by a single point.

Archer Gardiner - North Albury
Returning after a VFL appearance in the final round against the Bullants last week, Archer was again influential alongside Dom Brew in the midfield in North Albury’s one-point loss to Myrtleford. He collected 22 disposals, five clearances and slotted two goals to be named in the best. The Hoppers now face Wangaratta in an elimination final.

Foster Gardiner - North Albury
After sharing the field with his twin brother Archer for the first time at VFL level the previous week, Foster lined up alongside him again back at local level. He finished with 10 disposals at 90% efficiency and four tackles, bringing strong pressure around the contest. The Gardiner brothers will look to bounce back in week one of finals with an elimination final matchup against Wangaratta.

Ray Murphy - Corowa Rutherglen
Murphy finished with 15 disposals, six tackles, four clearances and his second goal of 2025 in the 72-point loss to Lavington. Despite working hard inside, Corowa Rutherglen’s season came to a close in ninth position.

Jedd Longmire - Corowa Rutherglen
Longmire collected 16 disposals at 81% efficiency and five marks in the Roos’ 72-point defeat to Lavington. He used the ball cleanly and provided support through the middle, but Corowa Rutherglen couldn’t match their opponent’s strength around the contest. The loss saw their season come to a close in ninth place, rounding out Longmire’s 2025 campaign which included four VFL appearances for Werribee.

Murray Football League:

Louis Pinnuck - Cobram
Making his first local appearance since 2022, the Cobram veteran showed his class with 25 disposals at 84%, nine marks, seven rebound 50s and a goal. He was named in the best as the Tigers pushed the previously undefeated Congupna all the way, falling short by just five points.

Ferg Pinnuck - Cobram
Returning from a two-month injury layoff, Ferg made an appearance alongside his brother Louis to close out the 2025 season. He impressed with 17 disposals, seven contested possessions and seven marks, joining Louis in Cobram’s best players in the five-point defeat to Congupna. Ferg and the Tigers now move into an elimination final this week.

Victorian Amateur Football Association:

Hudson Garoni - Old Geelong
After a 43-goal VFL season with Werribee, Garoni carried that form into his first local game since 2022. The key forward had six shots on goal, finishing with three majors and three behinds from 10 disposals and seven marks (four contested). He was named in the best in the 32-point loss to Old Camberwell.

Harry Miller - Williamstown CYMS
Miller was dominant in his Williamstown CY’s return, kicking a season-high seven goals from 23 disposals at 82% efficiency and being named best on ground in a 66-point win over Old Melburnians. Playing his first local game since before his VFL debut in Round 8, he was a constant threat inside 50, playing a big role in keeping the CY’s season alive. Finals remain a possibility if results fall their way in the last round.

Sam Conway - University Blacks
Conway made his first local appearance of 2025 with Uni Blacks, with the VFL’s leading hitout winner for the season stuffing the stat sheet in the ruck. The big man produced 19 disposals, 42 hitouts and nine clearances. Despite his efforts, the Blacks went down to Old Scotch by 105 points. They sit sixth with one game to play against Old Xaverians.

Essendon District Football League:

Bior Malual - Airport West
Malual pulled the jumper back on for the same side he won the 2018 best on ground medal for in the grand final, a performance that earned him an invitation to Werribee. In his first game for Airport West in over a year, he was outstanding with 35 disposals at 82%, 12 marks, six inside 50s and two goals in a 168-point demolition of Deer Park. Airport West now play Deer Park again in an elimination final, though Malual won’t feature.

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Brady Wright - Darley
After a strong block of form at VFL level, Wright returned for his first game with Darley in 11 weeks and produced a best-on-ground performance in their three-point win over North Ballarat. He finished with 24 disposals, 20 contested possessions, nine marks (six contested), 26 hitouts, eight clearances and two goals in a powerhouse display.

Mace Cousins - Darley
Cousins was resolute in defence, finishing with 23 disposals at 91% efficiency and seven marks, five of them intercepts. He was named in the best for a very strong defensive game, continuing his excellent run after an outstanding last month in the backline for Werribee in the VFL to end the season. Darley locked in top spot on the ladder with the three-point victory heading into BFNL finals.

Jack Riding - North Ballarat
Riding played his first local game since 2023 after breaking into Werribee’s senior side in 2024 and delivering an excellent 2025 VFL season. He was named in the best with 24 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight clearances and a goal. The game itself was a thriller, with a number of big-name players returning for both sides. Fifth-placed North Ballarat went down to top side Darley by just three points in a heated contest, narrowly missing out on finals.

Isaac Nixon - Bacchus Marsh
Nixon continued to impact up forward with 15 disposals, nine contested possessions and a goal in Bacchus Marsh’s 20-point win over Sebastopol. The victory pushed them into finals after a thrilling last round of the BFNL home-and-away season, where they’ll now face Melton in an elimination clash.

Jake Lohmann - Lake Wendouree
Lohmann played his second local game of 2025 after 17 VFL appearances, finishing with 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions and eight clearances. Named in the best, he was a strong contributor through midfield despite a 65-point defeat to East Point, as Lake Wendouree ended the season at the bottom of the ladder.

Wimmera Football Netball League:

Harry Grintell - Stawell
Grintell played his first local game since 2023 after making every appearance for Werribee across 2024 and 2025. Lining up through the midfield, he gathered high-20s disposals and kicked two goals, including a spectacular long-range effort under pressure. He was named in the best in the 46-point win over Warrack Eagles.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Cooper Whyte - Grovedale
Whyte returned to his junior club Grovedale for the first time since 2021 and made an immediate impact in the midfield. He finished with 26 disposals, 13 contested possessions, eight clearances and a goal in the 72-point loss to Bell Park. Named in the best, it was a strong performance despite Grovedale being out of the finals race.

Josh Sanders - Lara
Sanders continued to put together dominant displays for Lara, racking up 39 disposals, 10 marks and 11 rebound 50s in a tough outing against Newtown. Named in the best, he once again provided run and composure out of defence as the Cats went down by 156 points. Sitting last on the ladder, Lara will close their season next week against North Shore in a winnable matchup.

Daly Andrews - Lara
Back at local level after an outstanding finish to the VFL season, Andrews continued his strong form with 34 disposals and 12 marks. He was named in the best despite the 156-point defeat to Newtown, and like Sanders will get another chance to finish the year on a high in next week’s winnable clash with North Shore.

Tylar Watts - Leopold
Watts played a major role in Leopold’s 183-point win over North Shore, finishing with 29 hitouts, 10 disposals (eight contested), five clearances and two goals. The reigning premiers will miss finals despite the win, unable to defend the back-to-back flags they claimed in 2023 and 2024.

Ben Kellett - South Barwon
Kellett dominated the ruck again with 62 hitouts, 16 disposals, 13 contested possessions and five clearances in a 51-point win over Colac. Named in the best, he was influential as South Barwon prepare to meet St Albans in a must-win clash to keep their finals hopes alive.

Noah Tullio - Newtown & Chilwell (Reserves)
Tullio made a successful return after 119 days on the sidelines with an ankle injury, featuring through the midfield in Newtown’s reserves. He was named in the best in their 145-point win over Lara, an important step in his comeback as the Eagles head into finals.

Bellarine Football Netball League:

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Preece’s outstanding 2025 campaign, which saw him make his VFL debut with Werribee, came to an early end in Drysdale’s elimination final loss to Anglesea. Coming in on the back of strong form, his day finished prematurely with a shoulder injury after four disposals.

Hampden Football Netball League:

Jackson Grundy - North Warrnambool
Grundy was best afield in North Warrnambool’s 12-point win over Terang Mortlake, collecting 25 disposals, seven marks, eight tackles, six inside 50s and two goal assists. The Eagles remain clear on top of the ladder with one round to go before finals.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
Gugliotti capped his season with a standout individual performance despite Mooroopna’s heavy 107-point loss to Echuca. He gathered a season-high 35 disposals at 74% efficiency, including 22 kicks, 10 marks, seven rebound 50s and eight one-percenters, and was named his side’s best player. Under John Lamont, Mooroopna finished 11th on the ladder.

Collingwood and North Melbourne Werribee will both be chasing their second rebel VFLW premiership when they meet in the 2025 rebel VFLW Grand Final at Port Melbourne's ETU Stadium on Saturday, August 30.

The match has been scheduled in the Saturday afternoon timeslot with both Collingwood and North Melbourne's AFLW teams playing on Sunday.

Collingwood won the 2019 rebel VFLW premiership and reached the 2021 Grand Final, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before losing the 2023 decider to Port Melbourne.

The Magpies finished the 2025 home and away season in second spot on the ladder with a 10-4 record and were the first team to book a place in this year’s Grand Final.

They defeated North Melbourne Werribee by 13 points in the qualifying final at Arden Street Oval, before beating the Box Hill Haws by 25 points in the second semi final at ETU Stadium.

North Melbourne Werribee won its maiden rebel VFLW premiership last year and went on claim this year’s minor premiership with a 12-2 record, which included an eight-game winning streak from Rounds 7 to 14.

That streak was broken by Collingwood in the qualifying final, however the Kangaroos bounced back with a 24-point victory over Williamstown in the first semi-final at Arden Street Oval.

They booked their place in the Grand Final by defeating the Box Hill Hawks by 21 points in the preliminary final at Kinetic Stadium.

North Melbourne Werribee will be looking to become just the second club to win consecutive rebel VFLW premierships. The Darebin Falcons achieved the feat in the competition’s first two seasons in 2016 and 2017.

AFL Head of State League Competitions Jennie Loughnan said she was looking forward to watching the two best performed teams of the 2025 season compete for the premiership.

“The rebel VFLW has again produced another fantastic and competitive season in 2025 and it has been a great effort by the two Grand Final teams to make it through to the premiership decider.

“Over the course of the season, Collingwood and North Melbourne Werribee have proven themselves to be outstanding football teams, highlighted by finishing in the top-two spots on the ladder.

“It has been a great rise by Collingwood to qualify for its fourth Grand Final after finishing in seventh place last year, while North Melbourne Werribee has been brilliant in its premiership defence and will be looking to become just the second back-to-back premier in the competition’s history.

“I encourage fans of both clubs to get to ETU Stadium on Saturday to support their team in the Grand Final. The Saturday afternoon timeslot ensures fans can also watch Collingwood and North Melbourne AFLW teams, who play on Sunday.

“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank all clubs, players, umpires, venues and our broadcast and commercial partners for their wonderful support of the rebel VFLW in 2025 and wish Collingwood and North Melbourne Werribee the best of luck for the Grand Final.”

2025 rebel VFLW Grand Final
Saturday, August 30
Collingwood v North Melbourne Werribee
ETU Stadium
3.15pm AEST

ENTRY
Entry to the rebel VFLW Grand Finals is free.

Spectators are advised dogs are not permitted into ETU Stadium.

BROADCAST
The 2025 rebel VFLW Grand Final will be broadcast live and free on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

While Werribee’s VFL campaign has come to an end, plenty of Werribee-listed players remain in action across local competitions as finals fast approach. Read how the nine Werribee players fared in the 20th edition of the 2025 Weekly Player Report.

Western Football Netball League:

Harry Maguire - Hoppers Crossing
Maguire was best on ground for Hoppers Crossing in their 26-point loss to Yarraville Seddon. Playing a key forward role, he produced a standout display with 17 disposals, nine contested possessions and seven marks, three of them contested, while booting five goals from multiple opportunities. With the Warriors holding fourth spot with one game to play, his form will be crucial as they look to replicate last year’s effort of winning the premiership from outside the top three.

Bellarine Football Netball League:

Luke Preece - Drysdale
Preece was best afield in Drysdale’s narrow seven-point loss to Barwon Heads, standing tall in defence with 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions and 10 marks, with nine of them intercept grabs. The result confirmed Drysdale’s fourth-place finish, setting up an elimination final against Anglesea this weekend where Preece’s defensive presence will be vital.

Goulburn Valley Football Netball League:

Dom Gugliotti - Mooroopna
Gugliotti continued his strong form despite Mooroopna’s 36-point defeat to Shepparton United. He collected 25 disposals at 80% efficiency, took eight marks, laid five tackles and clunked three intercept grabs to be named among the best. Sitting 10th on the ladder with one game to play, Mooroopna are out of finals contention, though Gugliotti has closed out his year with consistent impact.

Geelong Football Netball League:

Tylar Watts - Leopold
Watts played a key role in Leopold’s dominant 81-point victory over Grovedale, finishing with 17 disposals, 13 contested possessions and 22 hitouts, while also adding eight clearances, and a goal to earn a place in the best. Despite the impressive win, Leopold remain seventh, and as reigning premiers they now rely on other results in the final two rounds to sneak into finals.

Ballarat Football Netball League:

Isaac Nixon - Bacchus Marsh
Nixon impressed in Bacchus Marsh’s 19-point defeat to Sunbury, stuffing the stat sheet, racking up 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight marks, five inside 50s, eight tackles and a goal. His influence around the ground was significant, and with the Cobras needing to win in a tight final round to keep their finals hopes alive, Nixon shapes as a key figure.

Northern Football Netball League:

Cam Wild - Hurstbridge
Wild was again a key contributor for Hurstbridge, named in the best as they edged out Montmorency by seven points. He gathered 19 disposals, with eight contested possessions, five clearances and six inside 50s, while also laying nine tackles. The win solidified Hurstbridge in fourth, setting up a final-round clash with the ladder leaders as a crucial tune-up before finals.

Ovens & Murray Football Netball League:

Jedd Longmire - Corowa-Rutherglen
Longmire was among Corowa-Rutherglen’s best in their 41-point defeat to North Albury, amassing 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, and four clearances, while also keeping up his recent goal scoring form, kicking two goals. With the Roos sitting ninth and out of finals contention, Longmire’s form has been one of the few bright spots to finish the season.

Ray Murphy - Corowa-Rutherglen
Murphy also battled hard in the loss, finishing with 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven tackles and three clearances. His effort and pressure around stoppages stood out, even as Corowa prepare to close out the year without a finals berth.

Essendon District Football League:

Hayden Gill - Deer Park
Gill couldn’t quite replicate his recent goal-scoring form but worked hard in Deer Park’s loss to Aberfeldie, finishing with 13 disposals, five contested possessions and four tackles. With the Lions locked into fourth place and guaranteed finals action, Gill will be an important presence in their September campaign.