The prolific midfielder was again overlooked for the league's highest individual honour despite entering Monday night's vote count as a strong favourite.
Despite failing to catch the eye of umpires, Garner was selected for her sixth All-Australian team, took out the Most Valuable Player award voted by her peers and the AFL coaches' champion player honour.
Richmond's dual sport star Monique Conti instead won her first AFLW best and fairest and Garner finished equal seventh.
"I'm not too bothered by it," Garner said on Wednesday.
"We had a well-deserved winner on the night - Mon's had a great year, and my little (Kangaroos) teammate Ash (Riddell) had a super year and she polled really well, so I'm really happy for her.
"Everyone sees the game differently … I'm just thinking about (the grand final on) Sunday, to be honest."
Garner will be key to North's chances of winning their first AFLW premiership when they face the Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park.
It is the Kangaroos' first grand final appearance since the AFL side, led by Wayne Carey, saluted in 1999.
Brisbane are entering their fifth AFLW grand final, having only won one of their previous four deciders.
Garner does not believe North's lack of experience in a grand final will be a factor.
Kangaroos coach Darren Crocker was part of the club's breakthrough 1996 premiership.
"We have (former Western Bulldogs players) Emma Kearney, Kim Rennie, Jenna Bruton who have won a flag at Ikon before," Garner said.
"Also 'Crock', he's reminded us he's been there and done it as well.
"It's been a long six years at the club and we've had a lot of list changes since then.
"We're all just pumped and excited to be there."
14°C