If the tension of a 574-day wait wasn't enough, North Ballarat started its campaign hot favourites to win a third-straight premiership.

The first two rounds only amplified that flag favouritism, bringing a 17-goal win against Redan and a 14-goal triumph over Ballarat.

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Wins against Lake Wendouree Sebastopol asserted the reigning premiers' dominance.

A month in and North Ballarat was unbeaten.

A round five rout against Sunbury only extend the run and offered a perfect confidence boost heading into the season's first big test.

A grand final re-match against then-unbeaten East Point awaited in round six.

Up for three quarters it looked like the Roosters' to lose, before a spirited last-quarter Roos fightback demanded North Ballarat hold on with gritted teeth for a two-goal win.

Come the season's first break, North Ballarat was four point clear and had dealt its first hammer blow.

A 35-goal win against Bacchus Marsh was some way to end three weeks off and saw Melbourne Vixens squad member Sacha McDonald return for a one-off game in North Ballarat colours.

The task fell on familiar shoulders in round nine as 2019 McLean Medallist Madison Selmon bagged 50 goals at 88 per cent to help her side beat Melton.

Another Roosters' junior returned in round nine and proved a needed difference in the game of the season against eventual runner-up Melton South.

Victorian representative and Melbourne AFLW player Maggie Caris slotted into defence, offering a foundation that allowed her side to fight back a third-quarter deficit and force a 44-44 draw.

The bye stunted momentum before the season's second COVID break crushed it completely.

By the time the final day arrived North Ballarat was six points clear and with a seven-goal win against Darley the season was over.

A team with unbridled potential was forced to wait another year.

Despite the lack of a crescendo, the season wasn't without its accolades for the undefeated minor premiers.

Captain Stacey Matthews again showed her talent in the middle of the court and won the McLean Medal with a best-on-court performance in the final game against Darley.

Matthews was joined in the team of the year by three teammates - Madison Selmon, Emma Church and Gina McCartin.

Young goalie Poppy Douglass also continued her rise as was named in the Victorian 19-and-under state development squad.