North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker described the moment he informed Mia King that she would not be playing in the AFLW grand final as "one of the harder conversations" he has faced.
"It’s tough because you want everyone to feel valued, but at the same time, you have to make decisions in the best interest of the team," Crocker explained.
This choice highlights the complex nature of team selection in high-stakes games, where coaches must weigh performance, fitness, and game plan considerations carefully.
Darren Crocker's explanation reveals the emotional and strategic complexity behind tough team selections in elite sports environments.