The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos will return to GMHBA Stadium to face Geelong on Friday evening for the first time since last season's elimination final.

Darren Crocker's group has so far soundly beaten both St Kilda and Carlton, but faces a tougher test in Round 3 with the Cats in strong form.

It's all set up to be a blockbuster clash at the Cattery, with an unblemished record of 3-0 the goal for both clubs.

Set your matchday reminders

Friday, September 15
Geelong v North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium, 5.05pm AEST

So you don't miss it, or any other games this season, make sure to sync the fixture to your calendar.

The opposition

The Cats were powerful from the outset against Sydney last Saturday, booting five early goals to their opponent's four behinds to set up their 27-point triumph.

Leading the charge was Chloe Sheer who kicked five goals as a beneficiary of Geelong's slick ball movement, while Jackie Parry chipped in with three of her own.

Prominent midfielder Georgie Prespakis was restricted to just 15 touches after a damaging opening quarter, but teammates Nina Morrison, Amy McDonald, and Darcy Moloney all played significant roles at North Sydney Oval.

The in-form Roo

Tahlia Randall

It was a shaky start for Randall in front of goal in the opening half against the Saints, but the dynamic tall forward has since slotted six majors including four in the 60-point win over Carlton.

An unstoppable presence against the Blues, the No.16 collected a career-high 15 disposals and also notched a goal assist for fellow forward Kate Shierlaw, showing off her speed and smarts in the process.

The Cats pose as a tougher challenge for the Roos on Friday evening, but if Randall can fire in similar fashion it's going to hold the visitors in good stead.

Last time we met

The Roos booked a semi-final berth last time these sides met, as they edged the Cats by two points in a thrilling knockout final down the highway.

North Melbourne could muster only 18 inside 50s throughout the scrappy, high-pressure contest, whereas Geelong went in 41 times, but Jasmine Ferguson, Sarah Wright and the rest of the backline held strong.

First-quarter goals to Sophie Abbatangelo and Alice O'Loughlin allowed North Melbourne to build it's eventual game-winning advantage, while Jasmine Garner (23 disposals, six clearances), (Mia King (22 disposals, five tackles), and Jenna Burton (22 disposals, six tackles) were important in the engine room.

Ticketing

Grab your tickets for Friday's game here!

Membership

The Kangaroos' journey rolls on in 2023 as Darren Crocker's group continues its path towards silverware.

If you haven't already, become an AFLW 2023 North Melbourne member.

Joining up is a great way to support not only the AFLW team, but the entire football club and AFLW competition.

Watch on TV or stream on your phone

Friday's game will be broadcast live for Foxtel and Kayo Sports subscribers.

Team selection

North Melbourne will name its its final 21-player side on Thursday at 6.20pm.

Stay connected on social media

For behind-the-scenes access and all the best highlights, photos, stats and stories, we’ve got you covered.
 
Follow the @NMFCWomens accounts on Instagram, Facebook and X to stay up to date with everything happening at the match.

Bring on the Cats!

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have extended their winning streak over Geelong to six games, claiming victory by nine points on Friday night thanks to an energised second half.

The Roos' stars stood up after a goalless first half to kick 4.7 (31) to Geelong's 3.4 (22) at GMHBA Stadium, despite the home side's impressive start to the game.

Jasmine Garner (32 disposals, 12 clearances, 600 metres gained and a goal) and Georgie Prespakis (27 disposals, eight tackles, 618 metres gained and a goal) led their respective teams at the source, with plenty of role players coming to the fore.

It took North Melbourne a half of footy to kick a goal, but once breaking through off the boot of Bella Eddey (13 disposals, two goals) early in the third term, the side looked dangerous going inside 50, even without key forward recruit Kate Shierlaw who was a late out with hamstring tightness.

Emma King stood up for the Kangaroos in some crucial moments in the second half, taking four contested marks to win possession for her side while also leading all comers for hitouts with 25.

Yet to concede an opening-quarter goal this year, Geelong forced a contested game early on a Kangaroos side that craves uncontested control of the footy. As a result, the visitors struggled to transition the ball forward as freely as they normally do, forcing fumbled first grabs and further magnifying the Cats' pressure.

CATS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Importantly, in the first half Geelong didn't allow North Melbourne many opportunities to get the ball deep inside 50, instead the Roos were forced to take long shots on goal as the home side defended the goal line well. Once the ball hit the ground the Cats were proactive, setting themselves at the front of contests and maintaining a second layer of players as outlet options.

Repeatedly switching the ball coming out of defence, the Cats set themselves up beautifully to rebound into space on the wing, making the most of their willingness to spread from the contest. After the half-time break, however, the Roos tightened up across half forward, not allowing Geelong to exit its defensive 50 as easily and generating more genuine opportunities at goal.

Geelong captain Meghan McDonald was almost impenetrable in defence, registering seven intercepts and seven marks, as was Claudia Gunjaca with 10 intercepts and 396 metres gained, while at the other end of the ground Roos captain Emma Kearney was equally damaging with 11 intercepts and 22 disposals.

Garner v Prespakis, a battle for the ages

While not strictly going head-to-head for the duration of the game, the battle between Jasmine Garner and Georgie Prespakis was a sight to behold. Both did all they could to will their respective sides over the line, but playing slightly different roles in the midfield. Garner was strong in the stoppages, breaking free of congestion and sending the ball forward, while Prespakis was the first-choice outlet for her Cats teammates. Both hit the scoreboard, both led their side for disposals, both are going to be great to watch for a long time.

What's next?

Geelong will travel to Alberton Oval to take on Port Adelaide for the first time, while North Melbourne returns to Tasmania – where it has a 100 per cent win rate – to face last season's Grand Finalist Brisbane.

GEELONG                      2.1     3.2     3.3     3.4 (22)
NORTH MELBOURNE     0.1     0.3     3.6     4.7 (31)

GOALS 
Geelong: Bowen 2, Prespakis
North Melbourne: Eddey 2, Randall, Garner

BEST 
Geelong: Prespakis, Morrison, M.McDonald, Gunjaca, Emonson
North Melbourne: Garner, Kearney, M.King, Gatt, E.King

INJURIES 
Geelong: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Geelong: Nil
North Melbourne: Considine replaced Shierlaw (hamstring tightness)

Crowd: 2,907 at GMHBA Stadium