THE Kangaroos were too good for the Blues running out 36-point winners in Sunday’s Round 1 clash.

On a hot day at North Hobart Oval, the Blues looked to showcase their new attacking style of football introduced by coach Daniel Harford. There were positive signs right throughout the day, with the team looking to take on the game, play on and generate run from the backline.

However, the Kangaroos demonstrated plenty of composure in their first ever AFLW game, proving to be too good for the Blues. 

Quarter by quarter:  

Q1 :

Madison Prespakis looked like a natural in the middle, mopping up well and bringing the same physicality she brought in the practice match. Jess Edwards started well, keeping the dangerous Emma Kearney to only one possession and kicking an important goal late in the term.

Q2:

The Kangaroos owned the play in the second term and were able to extend their lead going into the main break. The Hosking twins both found more of the ball, while Prespakis continued to show class and pressure.

Q3:

It was a better start to the third term for the Blues, with a noticeable increase in pressure and intensity. Captain Bri Davey got active, scrapping at ground level, laying tackles and also kicking a much-needed goal early in the quarter. The Kangaroos still came out on top, as they outscored the Blues two goals to one and took a 31-point lead into the main break.

Q4:

The ball was locked down in the forward half for the Blues, with both the Hosking sisters doing what they could to force the ball forward. Alison Downie dominated the ruck contests, while Katie Loynes fought hard until the final siren.

Moment of the match:

Jess Edwards provided a highlight early on in the game for Blues' fans. After keeping the Kangaroos' Emma Kearney to only one possesion, Edwards snuck forward late in the quarter to snap a goal from a very tight angle. 

Player of the match:

Prespakis demonstrated exactly why everyone was so excited to see her debut. The 18-year-old was everywhere, bringing immense physicality and pressure across the four quarters. Prespakis finished with 13 disposals and five tackles.

Three things we learned:

  1. Maddy Prespakis is going to be a star. 
  2. Bri Davey up forward is a positive move, adding great pressure and composure. 
  3. Katie Loynes stands up when the team needs it the most.

Next up:

The Blues will now shift their attention to next week’s game against the Crows. It will be the Blues’ first home game of the season, as they look to improve on this week’s performance.

Match summary:

NORTH MELBOURNE 1.4     4.8     6.9      7.10 (52)                  
CARLTON                   1.2     1.2     2.2     2.4 (16)           

GOALS

North Melbourne: King 2, Garner, Hope, Drennan, Riddell, Gibson
Carlton: Edwards, Davey  

BEST 
North Melbourne: Riddell, King, Garner, Kearney, Duffin
Carlton: Harris, Edwards, Prespakis

INJURIES 

North Melbourne: TBC
Carlton: TBC 

Reports: Nil 

Umpires: TBC

Estimated crowd: 4000 at North Hobart Oval (TBC)