North Melbourne has bolstered its top-four prospects, absorbing a stiff early challenge to secure a 25-point win over Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval.
Key points:
- Kangaroos clinched a 7.12 (54) to 4.5 (29) victory over the Power
- The Power had led at quarter-time
- Kangaroos skipper Emma Kearney played a key role in the win
Jasmine Garner (28 disposals, two goals) was typically brilliant for the Kangaroos in their 7.12 (54) to 4.5 (29) victory that shifts them to a 5-3 win-loss record.
Captain Emma Kearney’s move into the middle after half-time — following an engrossing duel with rival skipper Erin Phillips in the opening two terms — was pivotal in helping the Kangaroos take control.
Behind the determined leadership of Phillips and Ange Foley — and reinforced by the return of spearhead Gemma Houghton – the Power looked switched on early.
The home side’s terrific pressure created turnovers that helped establish a five-point quarter-time lead.
Garner managed a goal inside the first 90 seconds of the second term, before ruck Emma King sidestepped Hannah Dunn and finished spectacularly with a major.
The Power pinched back some of the momentum when debutant Lily Johnson slotted her first AFLW goal six seconds out from half-time.
Kearney was moved onto the ball after the main break and helped the Kangaroos finally get on top in clearances and inside-50s.
The fourth quarter was all the Kangaroos, with Alice O’Loughlin’s second six-pointer putting an end to the Power’s charge, before best-on-ground Garner added another goal to seal the win.
AAP