North Melbourne's shock 41-point win over defending premiers Melbourne has shaken up the finals series as the competition heads towards the semi-finals.
The Kangaroos finished with a 7.8 (50) to 1.3 (9) victory over the Demons, in a masterclass at IKON Park on Sunday.
Tahlia Randall was the star for North, kicking three goals while Jasmine Garner had 26 disposals.
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North Melbourne coach Darren Croker admitted he didn't expect to win so comfortably, with the Demons held to their equal lowest third-quarter score of two points.
"I must admit, driving here today, I wouldn't have thought we'd win as comprehensively as that, given Melbourne are just a really great outfit and have been for a long time," he said.
"It's our first victory over them (under the coach), the way our players applied themselves was just super today."
Heading into the match, North had only won two games out of 15 against the "big three" of Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.
After Kate Shierlaw left the field from a head clash wth Tayla Harris, Croker confirmed she didn't have a concussion test and only required treatment to her lip.
North joined the Brisbane Lions, Sydney Swans and Geelong Cats as winners in the first week of finals.
The Lions pulled off their own upset when defeating the Crows by two points after the latter finished first.
Following an eighth-placed finish, the Swans knocked out the Gold Coast while Essendon were also bundled out by Geelong.
The Crows will play Sydney at 7.15pm (7.45pm AEDT) on Saturday November 18 at Norwood Oval, Adelaide in the first semi-final.
Melbourne faces Geelong at IKON Park, Melbourne, on Sunday November 19, 3.05pm.
North Melbourne and Brisbane are now both one game off a grand final after securing their preliminary finals spots.
AFLW 2023 FINALS SERIES – Week 2
Saturday November 18, 7.15pm (7.45pm AEDT) at Norwood Oval
First semi final: Adelaide Crows vs Sydney Swans
Sunday November 19, 3.05pm (AEDT) at Ikon Park
Second semi final: Melbourne vs Geelong Cats
AFLW 2023 FINALS SERIES – Week 3
November 25-26 weekend.
First preliminary final: Brisbane Lions host winner of Melbourne vs Geelong second semi-final.
Date, time and venue TBC.
Second preliminary final: North Melbourne hosts winner of Adelaide Crows vs Sydney Swans first semi-final.
Date, time and venue TBC.
WHEN IS THE AFLW GRAND FINAL?
The AFLW grand final is on December 3 and will be played between the winner of the first preliminary final and the winner of the second prelim.
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