The reigning VFLW premiers, the North Melbourne Werribee Kangaroos, have locked in their side for the season-opener against Carlton on Good Friday.

Eleven new Roos are in the line-up, including former AFLW-listed player Zoe Savarirayan, who has been named in the full-forward line alongside Zara Flanigan.

Trusty defender Nicole Hales will start in the full-backline, with former Bulldog Courtney Ugle locked in for her first game as a Roo at half-back.

Spearhead Nyakoat Dojiok is at centre-half forward and will look to pick up from where she left off in 2024, kicking four goals and winning the best-on-ground medal in the Grand Final victory.

Premiership teammates Alana Barba, Kate Reynolds, Maddie Di Cosmo and Renee Tierney make up the primary onball brigade with fellow flag-winner Matilda Zander on one wing and recruit Stella Reid on the other. 

The first bounce at Arden Street Oval is scheduled for 9.15am.

Leadership group

Tierney will lead the Kangaroos in 2025, with 2024 best and fairest winner Maddie Di Cosmo named as vice-captain.

The pair will be supported by leadership group members Reynolds, Tessa Boyd and Mara McSweeney.

How to follow the game

You can live stream the match free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App. Head here on gameday to keep up with the score and our best performers.

Round 1

Friday, April 18
North Melbourne v Carlton at Arden Street Oval, 9.15am AEST

The North Melbourne Werribee Kangaroos have kicked off their premiership defence with a convincing 48-point win over Carlton, after unfurling their 2024 flag at Arden Street.

The Blues burst out of the blocks with the first five forward-50 entries of the game and gained an early seven-point lead, but the Kangaroos were able to steady by kicking the next three goals.

The Roos shot out to a 17-point lead at the main break while keeping Carlton scoreless in the second term, and from then onwards were a class above.

Reigning best and fairest winner Maddie Di Cosmo (24 disposals, five marks) was at her sparkling best. She dominated on the ball and slotted a superb on-the-run goal midway through the second term.

KANGAROOS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

Caitlin Fletcher (19 disposals, 11 contested possessions) was also an important cog in the Roos' strong midfield, starting the game on fire with a number of crunching tackles and 10 disposals in the first quarter alone.

Blink and you'll miss it

Only moments after the Blues' second goal, skipper Renee Tierney hit back instantly with one of the best goals of the match, snatching the ball out of the ruck and kicking a superb snap over her shoulder to restore her side's 17-point buffer.

The difference

Kangaroos debutant Tessa Boyd (24 disposals, nine intercepts) was the pick of the defenders, working hard to rebound after her intercept work. She picked up a four inside 50s while being a key playmaker in a number of attacks.

One to watch

Ruck Kate Reynolds made an impact on a stoppage-heavy contest, with her 31 hitouts playing a large part in the Roos' dominance.

What the coach said

VFLW coach Brett Gourley on the win: "I was really pleased. We started the game a little bit slow, but I felt we were able to make a couple adjustments, and I thought defensively we were set up really well, which was nice.

"I thought the girls did an outstanding job and pretty much controlled the game after quarter time.

"I thought (Alana) Barba, Renee Tierney and Di Cosmo were all really good for us, but the new players we’ve brought in were just outstanding today. Tessa (Boyd) down there with Stella Reid and (Gen) Lawson-Tavan, I thought they controlled the backline really well and set up really well defensively. Courtney Ugle as well."

Next up 

The North Melbourne Werribee Kangaroos will host Williamstown on Anzac Day next Friday at Arden Street. The opening bounce is scheduled for 10.35am AEST. It will be the first meeting with the Seagulls since last year's semi-final which saw the Roos ultimately book their spot in the 2024 Grand Final.

NORTH MELBOURNE     2.3    3.6    6.7    9.11  (67)     
CARLTON BLUES            1.1    1.1    2.1    2.3  (15)     

GOALS
North Melbourne: Dojiok 3, Tierney 2, Savarirayan, Meier, Di Cosmo, Blair
Carlton: Matser, Bowey 

BEST
North Melbourne: Boyd, Di Cosmo, Flanigan, Reynolds, Fletcher, Deed