North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker described the choice to omit star midfielder Mia King from Saturday's AFLW grand final as one of the hardest discussions he's faced in his coaching career.
Crocker openly acknowledged the emotional challenge of leaving a key player out for such a vital match. The decision was not taken lightly, given King's importance to the team and her performance throughout the season.
"It was one of the toughest conversations I've ever had," Crocker said, emphasizing the weight of the choice on both the player and the team dynamic.
The selection upset was handled with respect for King's contribution, highlighting the complexity of elite sports decisions where form, fitness, and strategy intersect.
Darren Crocker's candid reflection reveals the emotional and strategic complexities behind high-stakes team selection, showing respect for both individual talent and collective goals.