SENIOR coach Daniel Harford has praised the efforts of Blues’ debutant Jess Edwards in today’s clash with North Melbourne.

Edwards stood up to a huge challenge in the Round 1 match at North Hobart Oval, pairing up with Kangaroos’ skipper Emma Kearney.

“Jess Edwards came and played on Emma Kearney who is the best player in the competition through the middle of the ground. She curbed her effect in the contest,” he said.

“She is a competitive beast, Jess. So is Emma. It was a pretty good battle of the bulls to see which one had the biggest horns. It was a great contest."

“People will see a bit of that through the AFLW season where we will get specific match-ups for players. We thought that was a natural fit for Jess today. It was a big role on debut, but she did a hell of a job to put her hand up.”  

Edwards was the first goal-scorer for the Blues, who ultimately fell to the newcomers in a hard-fought affair in hot and hazy Hobart conditions.

Harford said the Game Changers were held back from showing their full capabilities by a competitive North Melbourne.

“North Melbourne was pretty good. I think we’ve seen the benchmark pretty quickly in the competition,” he said.

“I’m just disappointed we didn’t get to show how good we can be. That’s probably what I take out of it – we weren’t allowed to play our brand of footy because of the way they played.

Despite the loss, Harford said the group would take valuable learnings from the match.

“This is a new group, it’s a whole new club really. We just want to be better.

“I am fully buoyant that there are enough positives. We got a game into Bri (Davey) following a knee reconstruction, which is a really good result. She feels great about that. Maddy Prespakis worked really hard today too.

“There are plenty of little things we can take out of it.”

The Blues will now prepare to face the Crows back in home territory at Ikon Park next Sunday from 4.05pm.