North Melbourne defied blustery conditions and another AFLW finals contender to maintain their unbeaten run at their Arden St home, defeating Fremantle by 28 points in Sunday's Pride Round game.

KANGAROOS v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats

With North Melbourne's new AFL coach Jaymie Graham watching on, the Kangaroos completed a clean sweep at Arden St this season, continuing their winning streak at the venue that stretches back to 2022.

They had nine individual goalkickers in the 9.4 (58) to 4.6 (30) win, which secures finals qualification with three home-and-away games still remaining.

Kangaroos captain Jasmine Garner (33 disposals, four clearances, 554 metres gained) demonstrated her versatility, using her powerful kick to great effect, while Ash Riddell had six score involvements to go with her 38 possessions and Eilish Sheerin had a game-high nine clearances. 

Fremantle's reigning All-Australian ruck Mim Strom split an intriguing ruck contest with Roo Kim Rennie, winning 18 hit-outs apiece.

The Roos had first use of a northerly wind strong enough to shred the pre-game banner, and had three goals on the board before Fremantle had scored.

The Dockers fought back well, pinching a goal against the wind, and they hit the front in the second quarter when they sprang forward from a centre clearance and found star recruit Eden Zanker in space inside 50.

But the Kangaroos are rarely more dangerous than when headed.

They struck twice before half-time through Blaithin Bogue and Ash Riddell, and kept the Dockers scoreless in the third quarter to set up the win.

That Arden St swirl

Strong northerlies at Arden St Oval favour the right side of the broadcast and can swirl, playing havoc with goalkicking. Sunday afternoon was no different, with both teams seeking to exploit it. In the second quarter, Docker Gabby O’Sullivan kicked to space from almost halfway and let the wind do its work, carrying it nearly all the way to the goal line. After a fumble, North Melbourne defender Claire Mahony picked it up on the very last line of defence, snuffing out a potential Goal of the Year contender.  

A little longer to wait for Randall

North Melbourne key forward Tahlia Randall came into Sunday’s match sitting on 98 career goals for her 113 matches to date. She didn’t have long to wait to reach 99 by opening the scoring in the first quarter. But in the end the Kangaroos shared the goals around for the afternoon with nine individual goalkickers, leaving Randall stranded. It’ll mean she’ll have to wait another week to hit the century.

Next Up

North Melbourne takes the tram up Mt Alexander Rd to Windy Hill to come up against Essendon in Round 10. The match is on Sunday at 3.05pm AEDT. 

NORTH MELBOURNE    3.1  5.2   7.4   9.4 (58)
FREMANTLE                   1.2  3.4   3.4   4.6 (30)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Bogue, Bruton, Eddey, Garner, O'Loughlin, Randall, Riddell, Sheerin, Shierlaw
Fremantle: Miller, O'Sullivan, Smith, Zanker