The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos will be looking to bounce back from a two-game skid when they head to Footscray to challenge the Western Bulldogs in Pride Round.

It will be the last home and away game of the year for the Roos, who are eyeing down a top-four finish and a qualifying final berth.

As for the Bulldogs, they'll want to cap their campaign off with a major scalp in front of their home crowd at VU Whitten Oval.

Set your matchday reminders

Saturday, November 4
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos at VU Whitten Oval, 1.05pm AEDT

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

The opposition 

It's mostly been a year to forget for the Bulldogs, who went 0-8 to begin 2023 before picking up their first win of the season last weekend against the Eagles in Western Australia.

They managed to survive West Coast's fightback to claim an eight-point victory, with Ellie Blackburn (32 disposals, nine marks, 660 metres gained) leading the way.

Nathan Burke's side remains 18th on the ladder though, and are yet to overcome North Melbourne in three attempts.

The in-form Roo

Jasmine Garner

Following a quiet second-half - by her standards - against the Demons in Round 8, Garner was on a mission at Norwood Oval.

Although the four points slipped out of the side's grasp late against the Crows, the No.25's influence from start to finish was unmatched. She slotted two goals and won seven clearances from 27 disposals, while notching an equal game-high nine tackles on the defensive end.

She'll have the chance to put a stamp on another tremendous home and away season on Saturday, while potentially sealing up a third and second consecutive AFLCA AFLW Champion Player of the Year Award.

Last time we met

Western Bulldogs 4.4 (28) def. by North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos 6.7 (43) - Round 5, Season 7 (2022)

The Roos had the task of trying to end the Bulldogs undefeated start to 2022's Season 7, after the side from Footscray picked up wins through each of their first four games.

In front of a capacity crowd at Punt Road Oval, Darren Crocker's side worked its way to a three-point half-time lead before breaking the game open in the second half to eventually claim victory.

Jasmine Garner claimed 10 coaches' votes after finishing with the game with 26 disposals, seven marks, eight clearances, and 537 metres gained, while Jenna Bruton (20 disposals, five clearances) also played a pivotal role in midfield.

Pride Round

Saturday will see us pull on our 2023 Pride Guernsey for the first time!

The design features 32 pride and diversity flags to celebrate and create conversations about different sexualities, gender identities and communities.

The guernsey is available in-store and online at the Roo Shop.

Ticketing

Grab your tickets for the game here!

Club members will also have free access.

Membership

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

If you haven't already, become a 2023 AFLW 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

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

Team selection

North Melbourne will name its 21-player team 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 Dogs!

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos can prepare for a qualifying final after closing out the AFLW home-and-away season with a 46-point win over the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday.

They held the Dogs scoreless in the first half before coasting to win 7.13 (55) to 1.3 (9).

BULLDOGS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

The win secured third spot on the AFLW ladder for the Kangaroos, and Brisbane's win over Melbourne later on Saturday confirmed North Melbourne's qualifying final will be against the Demons at Ikon Park on Sunday.

Jas Garner continued her outstanding individual season with another best-afield performance against the rebuilding Bulldogs.

The three-time club champion continued her goalkicking ways with two majors to go with her 31 disposals, and led all comers with eight clearances and eight tackles.

She was ably supported by competition disposals leader Ash Riddell, who improved her season average with another 36 touches, a game-high six inside 50s and 678m gained. 

Irish defender Erika O'Shea capped a classy Kangaroo performance with a memorable moment, kicking her first ever AFLW goal after being moved into the forward line in the final quarter.

There was a sense of stagnancy in the Bulldogs, trying to eke the ball forward once possession was won, but against the best defensive side in the league they were doing themselves no favours.

North Melbourne, however, was ready and willing to move fast through the middle of the ground. Always working in support of one another, and often kickstarted by captain Emma Kearney at half-back.

Kim Rennie (13 disposals, six marks) was an aerial force early in the game, patrolling the wing and taking important marks to maintain the Kangaroos' chain of possession down the ground, while Amy Smith's no-fuss style of play resulted in an important 14 disposals and five tackles.

Jas dazzles again

Only against the Demons has Jas Garner arguably lowered her colours this season, and the Kangaroos champ again put herself in contention for AFLW best and fairest votes at Whitten Oval. She led all comers with eight clearances and eight tackles, and was a continual menace going forward, kicking 2.2. Garner has two AFLCA Champion Player of the Year awards already in her locker and a third potentially on the way. Could the League's biggest individual award finally be hers this season? 

Back in a Flash

Nicole 'Flash' Bresnehan looked assured in her AFLW return after missing five games due to a left ankle syndesmosis injury. While the club's co-vice-captain had relatively little to do in defence, she underlined what she adds to the side by breaking forward to contribute three inside 50s and five score involvements, the best of which set up a first-half opportunity for Niamh Martin. With finals just around the corner, there couldn't be a better time for the Roos to add another dimension to their backline.

What's next?

Having secured third place on the AFLW ladder, North Melbourne will play a qualifying final against Melbourne at Ikon Park on Sunday. The Demons ran out 23-point victors when the teams last met in Round 8, and the Kangaroos will be determined to reverse that result and book a week off ahead of a preliminary final. The opening bounce will be at 3.05pm AEDT. 

Western Bulldogs     0.0   0.0   0.1     1.3 (9)
North Melbourne      3.3   4.9   5.11   7.13 (55)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Gutknecht
North Melbourne: Garner 2, Gavalas, E King, O'Shea, Randall, Shierlaw

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Smith, Blackburn, Georgostathis, Grant, Newton
North Melbourne: Garner, Kearney, Riddell, Rennie, Smith

INJURIES 
Nil

LATE CHANGES
Western Bulldogs: Millie Brown (knee soreness) and Heidi Woodley replaced in the selected side by Sarah Skinner and Dominique Carbone 
North Melbourne: Mia King (general soreness), replaced in the selected side by Ruby Tripodi

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 2,608 at Whitten Oval