North Melbourne have stormed to early AFLW flag favouritism after claiming a statement 44-point win over reigning premiers Brisbane in their grand final rematch.
But coach Darren Crocker insists the win is just another step on the Kangaroos' journey to becoming the top team they want to be.
In brutal heat approaching 35 degrees, North Melbourne's big guns stepped up to claim a 12.6 (78) to 5.4 (34) win at Brighton Homes Arena in Brisbane on Sunday.
North had gone 0-5 in their previous encounters with Brisbane, including last year's 17-point grand final defeat - but a burst of six unanswered third-quarter goals ensured that wouldn't happen again.
It was Brisbane's heaviest defeat, eclipsing Melbourne's 39-point win over them in 2019.
"It was just nice to see the pre-season that we've had all come to fruition in round one," Crocker said.
"I haven't mentioned the grand final replay, round one, against Brisbane, once.
"When you become the team you want to become, those results just take care of themselves.
"People have always said 'the monkey on your back. You can't beat Adelaide ... you can't beat Melbourne ... you can't beat Brisbane.'
"Well, we've knocked all three of them over now but that's because we've started to become the team we want to become."
North's midfield stars Jasmine Garner (28 disposals, six clearances, 17 contested possessions, one goal) and Ash Riddell (31 disposals, one goal) were brilliant, while captain Emma Kearney was superb off half-back.
Power forward Tahlia Randall was in everything, while Alice O'Loughlin and Bella Eddey kicked two goals apiece.
Brisbane star Ally Anderson (29 disposals, 15 clearances, 19 contested possessions) was a rare shining light, alongside winger Sophie Conway.
The Lions lost Shanae Davison (fractured wrist) after she landed awkwardly on her right arm early in the game.
North led by 12 at both quarter-time and halftime.
Riddell teed up Garner early in the third term and North romped away from there, kicking the next five goals while keeping Brisbane scoreless for the quarter to lead by 49 at the final change.
"That third quarter (we) ended up being the team that looked like they were really shell-shocked in the end, which is actually not us," Lions coach Craig Starcevich said.
"We normally find a way to stem the flow when those sort of things happen and show a little bit of aggressive intent or hold the fort when you're under siege like that.
"But to North's credit, they just overwhelmed us really, and they were super."
North's third-quarter score (37 points) surpassed their previous highest total match score against the Lions (33 points).
Anderson stopped the rot when she kicked the first goal of the final term, but the damage was done.
North's O'Loughlin could come under match review officer scrutiny for a fourth-quarter tackle on Campbell when the Lion's head slammed into the ground.
Brisbane next travel to play Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday, while North Melbourne host Geelong at Arden Street Oval.
