The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos' pre-season ramps up with an official AFLW practice match against Essendon at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday.
>> This match has been completed. Read the match report here
The game will be an important test for the Kangaroos as they tune up for Round 1, following a 16-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in a match simulation last Friday night.
The Bombers were finalists in 2024, while the Kangaroos completed an unbeaten season to secure their first AFLW Premiership.
With several senior players sidelined, a number of Kangaroos who are yet to play for the club at senior level will be out to prove their credentials.
Irish import Blaithin Bogue was among the players to catch the eye against the Bulldogs, alongside new arrivals Tessa Boyd and Ariana Hetherington.
Trade recruit Eilish Sheerin has also been selected after overcoming knee soreness that kept her out of last weekend's match simulation.
The Kangaroos begin their AFLW premiership defence with what shapes as a testing trip to Geelong on Saturday, August 16.
AFLW practice match
North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos v Essendon
When: Saturday, August 2 at 12pm AEST
Where: Avalon Airport Oval, Watton Street, Werribee, VIC (map)
Tickets: Entry is FREE
What's on at the ground?
9.45am - Western Jets v GWV Rebels (R16 Girls)
12pm - North Melbourne v Essendon (AFLW)
3pm - Geelong Falcons v Bendigo Pioneers (R16 Girls)
Activities
- Footy skills
- Face painting
- Colouring-in & sensory play
- Giveaways
