The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have finished the pre-season on a winning note, with an eight-point victory over Carlton on Saturday.
North burst out of the blocks, with a five-goal to nil opening term.
Most impressive was the form of Emma King, who spent much of the day in the forward line, with Abbey Green providing plenty of support in the ruck.
The highlight in the first quarter, the 187-centimetre King ‘selling the dummy’, as she baulked an opponent and snapped a goal for the highlight reel.
Emma King is one of the tallest players in the @aflwomens competition.
— North Melbourne AFLW (@NorthAFLW) January 25, 2020
But she can do this... #OurTimeIsNow pic.twitter.com/BJLA0Gcr9L
The Roos’ midfield brigade was in full flight early, with the likes of Jenna Bruton, Ash Riddell and new recruit Ellie Gavalas taking control.
Western Bulldogs’ VFLW best and fairest Gavalas catching the eye of the coaches.
“Amazing … she finds the footy and she’s one of those people that will find herself in some awkward spots because she’s hard at the contest, but she puts her head down and gets the ball out to (Emma) Kearney and co. She was really good,” AFLW coach Scott Gowans said.
Irishwoman Aileen Gilroy provided plenty of run and carry, as Libby Haines stood tall in defence, and Daria Bannister was busy in attack.
How great is it seeing Daria Bannister back playing regular footy? #OurTimeIsNow pic.twitter.com/xhs9Kxd3RL
— North Melbourne AFLW (@NorthAFLW) January 25, 2020
“Last year we felt our starts were just average, so we really made a point this year to get out there and impact the game,” Gowans said.
“If you can get a three or four goal break in AFLW, you’ll win more games than you lose.
“Sometimes it comes at the start, sometimes in the third or fourth quarter, but that’s always the goal to get that momentum swing and take it and run with it.”
Gowans impressed with his team’s skills and transition in a dominant first term.
“Pressure brings that,” he said.
“You bring the pressure and it causes momentum to go your way, gets the opposition on the back foot, opens up lateral options and then off you go.”
But as expected, the Blues fought back.
“They really lifted after quarter-time and that’s credit to them … they are a really good side and made the Grand Final last year,” Gowans said.
“Our pressure was no different in the second, third and fourth, but I thought Carlton brought the pressure to us, and then we had to react.”
By half-time, a 31-point lead was back to 16, but a little bit of brilliance from Jas Garner gave North the edge in the premiership quarter.
The courage from Emma Humphries, the class from Jas Garner. #OurTimeIsNow pic.twitter.com/OiexnI9R25
— North Melbourne AFLW (@NorthAFLW) January 25, 2020
Carlton came back again, before the class and experience of the Roos' senior players came to the fore; a Tahlia Randall kick-out passing through the hands of Kate Gillespie-Jones and Sophie Abbatangelo in a matter of seconds, before Kaitlyn Ashmore kicked the match-winner on the run.
One end to the other in 17 seconds!
— North Melbourne AFLW (@NorthAFLW) January 25, 2020
The match-winner from Kaitlyn Ashmore, after some great work from Tahlia Randall, Sophie Abbatangelo and Kate Gillespie-Jones. #OurTimeIsNow pic.twitter.com/R7f8iKQujb
Another victory going into round one vital for the team's confidence.
“After half-time we managed a few players and got some game-structure stuff out of the way we wanted to,” Gowans said.
“Overall the result was a favourable one, but it probably didn’t indicate a true reflection of a game if you were playing for points.
“We had some of our key personnel sitting on our bench for the third and fourth quarters, and it was good to see some of the players that are the future of the club stand up and look at the scoreboard, and say ‘they are actually coming really hard and we need to do a, b, c d'.
“We had some mismatches because of who we were resting, but structurally I thought they (the young players) implemented it really well.”
In a display that will hold North in good stead for a Round 1 clash against Melbourne in a fortnight, there were plenty of strong performers.
“I thought Beth Lynch played really well today. Jess Trend’s pressure around the contest was great as well and set the example early in the game, and then Emma King was a powerhouse around the ground,” Gowans added.
The players will take part in a final match simulation session next Saturday, before the season officially gets underway on February 8.
Full match highlights will be available via the club's app and website on Tuesday.
This year we've created a new and improved AFLW membership offering. Those who sign up will receive an AFLW member pack, membership card, and a choice of a travel mug or cap to take to the game. The club has also introduced a membership specifically for younger fans.
