Follow 2025 AFLW grand final scores, results, odds, squads and start time from Ikon Park in Carlton
Lions coach Craig Starcevich expects his players will enjoy their underdog status in the grand final as they look to upset the powerful North Melbourne machine.
The Kangaroos, who are on a remarkable 26-game winning streak, begin their bid to become the first team in the history of the women’s competition to win back-to-back flags as favorites at Ikon Park.
Lions coach Craig Starcevich had the highest praise for the Kangaroos.Credit: AFL Pictures
Their record-breaking run includes three wins over the Lions by an average margin of 34 points since their last defeat against the same opponents in the 2023 grand final.
The Lions’ third successive decision against the North was their seventh grand final appearance in the competition’s 10 seasons and they are aiming for a third title.
“We have been underdogs for 10 years, so this is not new ground for us,” Starcevich said.
“Our group likes to be told they can’t do things, so we’ll see what happens depending on their reaction.
“We have a pretty tough and resilient group that loves these kinds of challenges.”
The Lions, who are on a nine-game winning streak, have adopted the famous “if it bleeds we can kill it” mentality that Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Leigh Matthews used more than two decades ago as they look to topple the seemingly invincible Kangaroos.
“[We’ve got] “There is nothing but admiration for what the North has done,” Starcevich said.
“We had that thought when we played in the North before and we just couldn’t get there.
“But this time it’s like… I feel like the last nine weeks have been pretty good.
“We are building beautifully and look forward to such challenges.”
AAP
