‘We needed some mongrel’: The harsh moment that led to back-to-back Kangaroo flags

## ‘We needed some mongrel’: The harsh moment that led to back-to-back Kangaroo flags When North Melbourne lost to Melbourne in 2023, veteran star Emma Kearney demanded a tougher mindset from her teammates. This call for grit and resilience marked a turning point for the Kangaroos. ### Tough Reality Check After the defeat, Kearney publicly pointed out the need for more aggression and determination on the field. Her blunt assessment pushed the team to reflect and respond. > "We needed some mongrel," Kearney said, emphasizing the importance of playing with edge and intensity. ### Response and Transformation The team took Kearney’s words to heart. They worked hard on fostering a stronger, more competitive spirit and an unapologetic approach to the game. This shift in attitude translated into on-field success. ### Back-to-Back Premierships The outcome was clear: the Kangaroos clinched back-to-back AFLW premierships, showcasing how the combination of skill and newfound toughness created a championship-winning formula. *** Emma Kearney’s honest call for toughness ignited a crucial mindset shift in North Melbourne, propelling the team to consecutive AFLW premiership victories.

The Sydney Morning Herald on MSN — 2025-11-29