AFLW Round 6: Hawthorn ends North Melbourne’s historic winning streak

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Aoife Cunningham recaps the latest round of AFLW.

Hawthorn have pulled off one of the biggest upsets in AFLW history, ending North Melbourne’s 32-game winning streak with a seven-point victory in Cairns.

The Hawks fought back from 10 points down at half-time to defeat the reigning premiers 32–25, bringing North’s remarkable run to an end after almost three years. The Kangaroos have not lost a match since the 2023 AFLW Grand Final against Brisbane, going undefeated through their back-to-back premiership seasons in 2024 and 2025.

*The Hawks reaction to their win over North Melbourne (Getty Images: Emily Barker)*

The win looked unlikely at halftime, with North holding the lead in the blustery and humid Cairns conditions. Hawthorn slowly worked their way back into the contest, with Mikayla Williamson kicking the only goal of the third quarter to bring the margin back to three points.

Four behind then put the Hawks in front for the first time since the opening term before Cairns local Jacqueline Dupuy kicked a goal to secure Hawthorn’s seven-point lead. North responded through Blaithin Bogue, setting up a tense finish before Lucy Wales kicked the sealing goal inside the final two minutes.

Hawthorn midfielder Jasmine Fleming was instrumental in the comeback, finishing with 25 disposals and helping restrict North captain Jasmine Garner’s influence in the second half. The victory was even more impressive coming just one week after Hawthorn lost captain Emily Bates to an ACL rupture.

For the Hawks, the final siren brought an emotional release after holding off the competition’s most dominant side for four quarters, with Jacqueline Dupuy describing the feeling as “unreal.”

*Jacqueline Dupuy of the Hawks (Getty Images: Emily Barker)*

Geelong produced another statement of their own, blowing away Collingwood in a high-scoring contest at Victoria Park. The Cats ran out 41-point winners, 90–49, in a game that saw the ball move from end to end on a warm Saturday afternoon. Geelong made the most of their early opportunities, kicking four goals from their first six inside 50s, while Chloe Scheer returned to form with four goals from just seven disposals.

The Magpies managed to stay in the contest and even levelled the scores during the third quarter, but Geelong responded with six goals in the last quarter to put the game beyond reach. Aishling Moloney also produced one of the highlights of the afternoon, launching a 75-metre goal from behind the centre line, while Ruby Schleicher added another contender for Goal of the Year.

Melbourne maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a 34-point win over Carlton, taking top spot on the AFLW ladder. The Blues kept the Demons challenged early, with a swirling breeze making conditions difficult and Carlton’s Irish duo Erone Fitzpatrick and Dayna Finn helping their side take the lead during the second quarter. Melbourne responded with four goals in the third term to take control of the contest.

Melbourne’s Tyla Hanks led the way with 32 disposals and a goal, while Olivia Purcell collected 26 disposals and kicked two majors. The afternoon also produced a special moment for Melbourne debutante Jorja Livingstone, who kicked her first AFLW goal in the final quarter before being surrounded by her teammates.

*Jorja Livingstone celebrating her first AFLW goal with team (AFL Photos)*

Sydney continued its strong season with a 14-point win over Port Adelaide, with Chloe Molloy again proving the difference for the Swans. Playing her 75^th AFLW match, Molloy kicked three goals as the Swans eventually broke away from a determined Port outfit in the final term. Port kept Sydney in check for much of the afternoon, but the Swans kicked the only two goals of the final quarter to seal their second consecutive win.

The result also continued Molloy’s hot run in front of goal, with the Sydney star now having kicked 10 goals across her past three matches. Port Adelaide’s Abbey Dowrick also marked her 50^th game with 27 disposals and 12 tackles.

The Western Bulldogs returned to the top eight after overcoming Fremantle by 10 points in a game heavily influenced by the conditions at Cockburn ARC Oval in Perth. The Bulldogs trailed by three points at three-quarter time before Heidi Woodley kicked a goal just 17 seconds into the final term to put them back in front. Sarah Hartwig added another major midway through the quarter as the Dogs finished strongly to win 40–30.

*Bulldogs’ teammates celebrating a goal in Round 6 (Getty Images: Paul Kane)*

Richmond survived a huge GWS comeback to claim a seven-point win, 68–61, after leading by 37 points at half-time. The Giants kicked six goals after the break and got within eight points late in the game, while Charlie Rowbottom dominated with 35 disposals, 11 clearances, seven tackles and a goal.

West Coast also claimed their second win of the season, defeating St Kilda 36–25 in warm and windy conditions at RSEA Park. The Eagles took control after half-time, dominating inside 50s 14–2 in the third quarter and kicking the only two goals of the term.

Adelaide crows came out swinging with a 9-point victory over rivals Brisbane Lions. The Crows held their nerve late to secure another important win in a tight contest between two of the competition’s early contenders.