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Blaithín Bogue magic helps North Melbourne into AFLW Grand final

Blaithin Bogue produced a super performance for North Melbourne
Blaithin Bogue produced a super performance for North Melbourne

Blaithín Bogue produced a star turn to help fire North Melbourne into AFLW Grand final on Saturday, with Erika O'Shea and Vikki Wall also playing their part in a 6.10 (46) to 5.6 (36) win against fierce rivals Melbourne.

Fermanagh Gaelic footballer Bogue kicked three goals in a fine display in front of over 7,000 fans at Ikon Park.

Cork woman O'Shea and Meath star Wall started for the victors, with Amy Gavin Mangan of Offaly among the emergency players.

North Melbourne, who are on a remarkable 26-game winning streak, were six points down heading for the final quarter, but turned it around - thanks in no small part to Bogue's third goal of the day, a super effort on the run that rejuvenated her team.

That was followed up by a Jasmine Garner effort as the Kangaroos ran out winners by 10 points against a Melbourne side featuring Dublin's Sinéad McGoldrick and Armagh's Bláithín Mackin.

"It's a bit surreal," the Tempo native said afterwards.

"We just know that we have an extra gear in us, came into the final quarter, we'd another 20 minutes to get the job done. I just knew we were up for it. Thankfully we got a few goals and that saw us through.

"When I was leaving home, I just thought, 'I have one shot to give this opportunity a go'. I didn’t want to be coming home with not a great season.

"I just put the head down and thankfully all the girls got around me, 'Croc' (Darren Crocker) and the coaches got around me. We have one more game to get to the end of the line so hopefully we get it done."

They are now into their third Grand Final in a row - and once again they'll meet Brisbane Lions in the decider.

The Lions defeated Carlton 10.7 (67) to 5.2 (32) at Brighton Homes Arena to make the final for the fourth occasion on the bounce.

Orla O'Dwyer (L) is back in the Grand final

Tipperary native Orla O'Dwyer and Dubliner Jennifer Dunne started for Brisbane, with Kildare’s Neasa Dooley featuring off the bench.

A third-quarter blitz burned off Carlton - for whom Mayo's Dayna Finn scored two goals - as Brisbane Lions eased to a 35-point win.

Laois' Erone Fitzpatrick set up one of Finn's goals while Clare's Aisling Reidy and Maria Cannon of Mayo were emergency players.

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