North Melbourne is on the cusp of its maiden rebel VFLW finals series after a second-quarter blitz set up an 11-point win over Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium on Friday night.

Leading by four points at quarter-time, the Kangaroos banged on four goals in the second term and held the Borough to a behind to lead by 30 points at the main break and have the result seemingly shot to bits.

But three quick goals from the reigning premiers out of the break left North needing to show its mettle – and the Roos were able to do so with Alana Barba reminding everyone of just how good she is, moving two wins ahead of the seventh-placed Borough with two games to play.

Barba kicked the opening goal, added another in the blitz and then booted the sealer midway through the last on her way to 22 disposals, seven clearances, 11 tackles and three goals – all game-highs.

The Roos found a way to score despite the absence of leading goalkicker Nyakoat Dojiok on representative duties.

Maddie Di Cosmo (20 disposals) and Renee Tierney (19 disposals) also starred for the Kangaroos, while Matilda Zander bobbed up with two goals and Kate Reynolds dominated the ruck with 32 hitouts.

Port Melbourne’s premiership defence is now teetering on the precipice, although that certainly wasn’t the fault of star Queensland recruit Ava Seton (21 disposals, nine tackles, one goal), who again led through the middle.

Eloise Ashley-Cooper and Lauren Caruso showed their experience and Georgia Booth, Bella Stutt and Courteney Bromage did their jobs.

PORT MELBOURNE                0.2        0.3        3.5        5.5 (35)
NORTH MELBOURNE            1.0        5.3        6.3        7.4 (46)