Midfielder Ash Riddell says the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos' entire squad will play a role in negotiating the AFLW season's opening rounds, amid the Covid-19 outbreak affecting most parts of the country.
Riddell told North Media the team was raring to go despite a rocky few days ahead of Saturday's season opener at Arden St.
"For us as a group it's been a challenging week, but (we're) embracing that (Covid-related disruption) is going to be the new norm and treating it like it's going to happen regularly," Riddell said.
"At the end of the day we're going to use our full squad like most other clubs will this year.
"(We're) making sure that everyone's prepared so that when their time comes they're absolutely ready and raring to go under whatever circumstances it may be."
Saturday's match against the Geelong Cats under lights at Arden St is a rematch of last year's round one clash, which the Roos won by 62 points, but Riddell said none of the Kangaroos' team would be taking the game lightly.
"The girls are pretty pumped. Training in the lead-up to a game is always exciting (as well as) getting the full group together," Riddell said.
"We've prepared for so long and with the season being pushed back it feels like the pre-season has gone forever.
"I can't wait to run out on Saturday at Arden St. Especially with it being a home game I think we're all pretty excited."
>> Check out the Kangaroos' 2022 AFLW fixture here and sync the fixture to your calendar
Asked who fans should expect to make an impact in the twilight clash against the Cats, Riddell cited one of the team's eight Tasmanian players.
"One player to look out for who I've worked closely with in the midfield group is Mia King," Riddell said.
"She's been in and out of the side in previous years or playing forward and hasn't (played) too much in the midfield on a full-time basis.
"But this year she's had a fantastic pre-season, trained with (the midfield group) the whole time and hasn't had any injuries.
"What she brings is that grunt and intensity that some of us lack a little bit. She's a tackling machine and i wouldn't want to stand in the way of her."
