The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have inflicted Fremantle's first loss of the season with a hard-earned 10-point win at North Hobart Oval on Sunday.

Fremantle was playing its fourth game in 16 days, and it was a tense struggle between the two sides, but the Roos will be thrilled to take a high-quality scalp in the 3.8 (26) to 2.4 (16) result.

The Roos dominated both the second and third quarters with their high-pressure game but could not buy a goal, with Bella Eddey's classy conversion on the run late in the third finally ending an agonising run of eight consecutive behinds.

Ebony Antonio had just one touch to the main break, but like she has done on multiple occasions this year, dragged Fremantle back into the match with a snapped goal to cut North Melbourne's lead to six at three-quarter time.

Without suspended superstar Kiara Bowers, key forward Gemma Houghton spent time in the middle, while defender Jess Low played a tagging role on the AFLW's leading ball-winner Ash Riddell, consequently sending Tiah Toth to defence.

It was a tense last quarter played primarily at Fremantle's end, with North Melbourne's defence hanging on for dear life, until Tahlia Randall capitalised with a strong contested mark and goal and put the result beyond doubt.

Jasmine Garner (29 disposals) signalled a return to top form, Riddell (24 and eight tackles) broke free of her tag and rucks Kim Rennie and Emma King combined beautifully against a gallant Mim Strom.

The win consolidates the Kangaroos' spot in the top four and preserves their unbeaten record in Tasmania - the ledger now standing at 7-0 in the club's second AFLW home.

Radar repairs required

A string of missed opportunities prevented the Roos from seizing control of the game despite dominating the second and third quarters. Emma King, Daria Bannister, Tahlia Randall and Sophie Abbatangelo all missed gettable set shots in the second term before Jas Garner missed three in the third and Randall sprayed another out of bounds. While the Roos won't accept excuses, the gale blowing across North Hobart Oval was a contributing factor, making goalkicking a more precise science than usual. 

Sliding doors moment

Trailing by six points at the last break, the Dockers came out breathing fire and with five minutes to play they seemed poised to take the lead. Rather than shoot from 40m, Ann McMahon chose to square the ball for a teammate, only for father-daughter Kangaroo Amy Smith to track back and make a high-leaping spoil. Smith's desperate act sent the Roos upfield and a minute later …

The hero

… Tahlia Randall launched at the top of the goal square, marked and kicked the matchwinner. Randall has terrorised opposition backlines so consistently this season it's hard to remember she used to be a defender herself. This was only her third grab on a relatively quiet day out, but while less spectacular than her mark of the year contender against the Giants it was far more valuable. 

What's next?

The Kangaroos return to Victoria for an away game against Richmond in Round 6. The Tigers will be motivated to get their second win on the board, having dropped four games in a row after thrashing St Kilda in their season opener. Bouncedown at the Swinburne Centre is at 3.10pm AEDT on Saturday, February 12.

North Melbourne Tasmania 1.1  1.5  2.8  3.8 (26)
Fremantle                              1.1  1.2  2.2  2.4 (16)

GOALS
North Melbourne Tasmania: Abbatangelo, Eddey, Randall
Fremantle: Antonio, Houghton

BEST 
North Melbourne Tasmania: Garner, Riddell, Kearney, Bruton, M. King
Fremantle: Miller, O'Sullivan, Cain, K. Antonio, E. Antonio

INJURIES 
North Melbourne Tasmania: Nil
Fremantle: Nil

Reports: Nil