New skipper Jasmine Garner led the way as the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos stepped up their pre-season with an 81-point win over Essendon in Saturday's official practice match.

After the Bombers kicked the opener, the Roos piled on 15 unanswered goals in ideal conditions at Avalon Airport Oval, winning 15.5 (95) to 2.2 (14). 

Garner and second-year Irish player Blaithin Bogue led the scoring for the Roos, with three goals apiece. 

High-profile trade recruit Eilish Sheerin impressed despite only playing the first half in her managed return from knee soreness, bolstering the Kangaroos' backline. 

Kangas click into gear

Having struggled uncharacteristically in wet and wild conditions against the Bulldogs last weekend, the Kangaroos will have been relieved to test their style of play on a perfect afternoon at Avalon Airport Oval. After an even first quarter, they were able to get their running game going, complemented by their trademark ferocity at the ball. The sight of Garner, Ash Riddell, Mia King and Nicole Bresnehan controlling the midfield and hitting up a raft of forward options will fill the Kangas with confidence ahead of Round 1.

A shortening injury list

With several premiership stars sidelined in the past month, spearhead Tahlia Randall's early exit after kicking the Roos' opening goal had hearts in mouths. Randall was limping heavily as she went straight down to the rooms, but thankfully was cleared of serious injury. Though she played no further part in the game, club medical staff confirmed she had been withdrawn as a precaution after rolling her ankle. The Roos could regain forward Alice O'Loughlin for their intraclub next weekend, while Sheerin will be better for playing a half against the Bombers after working her way back from knee soreness. 

Irish jet stakes her claim

Blaithin Bogue did not feature in her first season at Arden St but is in contention to make a Round 1 debut after an eye-catching pre-season so far. Bogue was among the livelier Kangaroo forwards in the match simulation loss to the Bulldogs and was excellent again against the Bombers. She pounced on a loose ball in the pocket for her first goal, nailed a 35m set shot for her second and lit the afterburners to sprint into an open goal for her third. The Roos' forward line is packed with stars, but Bogue has ensured there will be plenty for the selection committee to consider ahead of Round 1.

Next up

The Kangaroos play an intraclub at Arden St next Saturday, before all eyes turn to Round 1 of the 2025 NAB AFLW Season. The Roos will travel down the highway to face Geelong in their season opener at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, August 16. The opening bounce will be at 3.35pm AEST. 

North Melbourne  1.1      6.2     11.4    15.5 (95)
Essendon               1.1     1.2      1.2      2.2 (14)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Garner 3, Bogue 3, Eddey 2, Shierlaw 2, Bruton 2, Craven, Gatt, Randall