There's plenty clicking for the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos, who sit undefeated atop the AFLW ladder after six games.
While established stars like Jas Garner, Ash Riddell and Emma Kearney have been central to the five-win, one-draw start, they've been supported by the club's fast-improving next generation.
Before the Roos host the Western Bulldogs at Arden Street on Saturday, NMFC Media has taken a look at four rising Kangas who have lifted their games to new levels in 2024.
Ruby Tripodi
The inside midfielder made nine appearances in her debut season as a Kangaroo last year, but found herself on the outside looking in during the club's 2024 finals run.
It's been a different story this season, as the No.19 seized her opportunity in the early absence of Jenna Bruton, who had a delayed start to the campaign due to an Achilles injury.
Tripodi has nailed down her spot in the engine room by winning her own ball; her physicality allowing teammates Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner to do damage on the outside of the contest and down forward.
2023 stats: 6.7 disposals, 2.7 tackles, 0.9 clearances, 73.3 metres gained per game
2024 stats: 14 disposals, 8 tackles, 4 clearances, 168.8 metres gained per game
Alice O'Loughlin
Seven goals from five games has craft forward O'Loughlin on track to record her best goal haul in her young career (her previous best is eight from 11 games in 2022's Season 7).
It's a clear reflection of how important the nimble No.6 has been for the Roos this season, especially in the wet and wild conditions North Melbourne has had to front over the past couple of weeks.
O'Loughlin has increased her averages for disposals and tackles per game, and she sits equal first in the League for average groundball gets inside 50 (2.8).
2023 stats: 11.3 disposals, 3.9 tackles, 0.5 goals,1.3 tackles inside 50, 159.2 metres gained per game
2024 stats: 14 disposals, 5.2 tackles, 1.4 goals, 2.4 tackles inside 50, 244.2 metres gained per game
Bella Eddey
Like fellow forward O'Loughlin, Eddey is averaging at least a goal per outing in 2024, adding to the dynamic threat of North Melbourne's attack.
Eddey has grown in her ability to read of the ball off packs and has rapidly become a dangerous small forward, often using her clean hands to collect before finding space to fire off a shot.
Her class was again on display on the slippery UTAS Stadium deck against the Tigers, as she produced a neat finish from the pocket to provide her side with a circuit-breaking goal late in the third term.
2023 stats: 9.8 disposals, 2.9 tackles, 0.6 goals, 2.5 score involvements, 0.2 goal assists, 86.4 metres gained per game
2024 stats: 13.5 disposals, 3.3 tackles, 1 goal, 4 score involvements, 0.7 goal assists, 148.2 metres gained per game
Tess Craven
One of North Melbourne's most versatile weapons, Craven continues to impact games wherever she lines up.
The natural winger has booted two goals from six matches, is covering more ground and laying nearly double the amount of tackles compared to last season.
She's also finding more of the ball, which has been a huge positive for her teammates, who benefit from the No.5's assured and steady disposal.
2023 stats: 7.8 disposals, 140.7 metres gained, 1.6 tackles, 2.1 intercepts, 1.6 score involvements per game
2024 stats: 10.2 disposals, 177.3 metres gained, 3 tackles, 2.5 intercepts, 2.5 score involvements per game
