North Melbourne's preparations for the 2026 NAB AFLW season continued at Arden St Oval on Saturday morning as the reigning premiers followed a training session with a short match simulation against Collingwood.

The Kangaroos played two quarters against the Magpies, finishing 26 points ahead, 5.2 (32) to 1.0 (6).

Blaithin Bogue kicked two goals, while ball-movers Erika O'Shea, Tess Craven, Ash Riddell and Taylor Gatt were among the Roos' best as they build towards next month's season opener against Geelong at Marvel Stadium. 

'Bla Bla' goes bang bang

Irish forward Blaithin Bogue created headaches for the Magpie defence in a first half played in bright winter sunshine at Arden St Oval.

Playing in distinctive long sleeves, she kicked the game's opening two goals in short order. Both showcased the acceleration that makes her a handful for opposition defences: her first from a free kick after she burst into space before being bundled to the ground, then her second after she marked cleanly on the lead 35m out.

Nicknamed 'Bla Bla' by her teammates, Bogue was North Melbourne's breakout star last season, kicking 25 goals after making her debut in Round 1. The early signs suggest she is capable of continuing that form into 2026.

Mahony makes her case

Second-year player Claire Mahony is among several players who will be hoping to break into the strong Kangaroos line-up this season.

Mahony, who played her junior footy as a key forward, is now finding a role as a rebounding defender. She was composed against the Magpies, dropping back to intercept the ball and using her athleticism to get involved in attack.

"Claire is really growing as a defender," assistant coach Regan Kerslake told NMFC Media after the match. "Her intercepting work has been impressive and it was great to see her push up and nearly have a shot on goal today."

Senior Roos rest

Skipper Jasmine Garner sat this one out, joined on the sidelines by experienced forwards Bella Eddey and Kate Shierlaw, and defender Tessa Boyd.

Injured stars Emma Kearney, Jenna Bruton and Nicole Bresnehan also gave plenty of support from the bench, joined by winger Amy Smith, getting round on crutches after successful knee surgery on her ACL last month.

What the coach said

Assistant coach Regan Kerslake on the hitout: "It was another good opportunity to test ourselves against opposition. We do a lot of work with internal match-ups during the pre-season, and it was pleasing to be able to test those shifts and changes we make to our gameplan under game-like pressure."

On the Kangaroos' new arrivals: "Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner competed really well in defence, both aerially and at ground level. 

"(Ruck) Maddison Torpey spent time up forward today and had plenty of it up there, which was great to see. Shauna (McElligott) was really good around the contest again. Abby Favell is learning the wing role really quickly and settling very well.

"For them it's a lot of learning a new system and developing their own game, while understanding how that fits into our overall identity."

Next up

The Kangaroos' pre-season steps up with an official practice match against Essendon at Avalon Airport Oval in Werribee next Saturday, July 25. The opening ball-up is at 10.30am AEST.

NORTH MELBOURNE   3.1    5.2 (32)
COLLINGWOOD            1.0    1.0 (6)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Bogue 2, Gatt, Randall, Riddell