The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos’ impressive debut season is over, after falling short against Fremantle in Perth.
North had a scoreless first quarter as it wasted opportunities going forward, while the Dockers made the most of limited chances with two early goals.
It set the tone for the day, with the Roos never seriously threatening, albeit for a run of consecutive goals in the third quarter that reduced the margin to eight points.
Despite the best efforts of captain Emma Kearney, midfielder Jenna Bruton and defender Jess Duffin, North was eventually defeated by 27 points.
Kearney finished with 24 disposals and a brilliant goal, Bruton had 26, including 19 kicks, and Duffin continued her outstanding season with 22 possessions.
Britt Gibson led the way in defence, while Kaitlyn Ashmore had moments of brilliance. Emma King was dominant in the ruck, with the Roos registering 42 hit-outs to 11.
It ends a season in which North won five games and had just two losses in the strongly-contested Conference A.
Everyone at North Melbourne is amazingly proud of our first ever @aflwomens team.
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) March 16, 2019
Bring on the 2020 season. https://t.co/IlBBLcP9w7
FREMANTLE 2.1 4.2 5.4 7.10 (52)
NORTH MELBOURNE 0.0 1.1 3.1 4.1 (25)
GOALS
Fremantle: Duffy 2, Sharp 2, Houghton, Gibson, Atkins
North Melbourne: Hope 2, Ashmore, Kearney
BEST
Fremantle: Bowers, Antonio, Miller, Duffy, Hooker, Atkins
North Melbourne: Kearney, Bruton, King, Ashmore, Hope
INJURIES
Fremantle: Duffy (ankle), Hooker (quad)
North Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Heffernan, Johanson, Balles
Official crowd: 6,386 at Fremantle Oval