North Melbourne's AFLW pre-season ramps up with an official practice match against Essendon at Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee on Saturday.
Watch the match LIVE on the player below from 10.30am AEST:
The game will be another important test for the Kangaroos as they prepare for Round 1.
North Melbourne followed a match sim win over Richmond with a short hitout against Collingwood last weekend.
The Bombers finished 14th with a 4-8 record in 2025, while the Kangaroos completed an unbeaten season to secure their second AFLW premiership.
First-year Roos Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner, Maddison Torpey, Shauna McElligott and Abby Favell are among the new faces set to clash with the Bombers in Werribee.
All-Australian forwards Tahlia Randall and Blaithin Bogue will line up in the 24-player squad, as will reigning AFLW best and fairest Ash Riddell.
North Melbourne boasts premiership talent across all lines but will be without Emma Kearney, Bella Eddey, Jenna Bruton, Nicole Bresnehan and captain Jasmine Garner on Saturday morning.
Riddell will lead the side on Saturday as stand-in skipper in Garner's absence.
The Kangaroos begin their AFLW premiership defence with a double-header against Geelong at Marvel Stadium on the weekend of August 13-16.
AFLW practice match
North Melbourne v Essendon
When: Saturday, July 25 at 10.30am AEST
Where: Melbourne Avalon Airport Oval, Watton Street, Werribee, VIC (map)
Tickets: Entry is FREE
What's on at the ground?
Roo Squad will be in action with plenty for the kids to enjoy, including face painting, a colouring-in station and sensory activities. Plus your chance to get a photo with our mascot Ruby!
