North Melbourne forward Brooke Brown was a clear standout in an eight-point loss to Carlton.
Brown kicked four majors for the day, in an impressive display.
“Brooke was fantastic all day. She gave us a strong target up forward and really straightened us up,” VFLW coach Cheyne Webster told North Media.
In slippery conditions, it was the Blues who had an early run-on, kicking three goals to North’s one before the first change.
North fought back in the second term to get within a goal at the main break, but was trailing for much of the day.
Webster said he was most proud of the team’s approach.
“I can’t fault the intent from the girls’ efforts. They were tough conditions and they worked hard for long periods of the game,” Webster said.
AFLW-listed players Katelyn Cox collected 20 disposals and a whopping 12 tackles, while Beth Lynch maintained her consistency with 8 disposals and 6 tackles.
“Beth presented well as a forward. She’s someone who can really pressure opposition players defensively,” Webster said.
Tasmanian midfielder Sarah Skinner was a strong contributor across four quarters, while Lexi Hamilton finished with an impressive 28 disposals and a goal.
“Brooke and Lexi together forward give us a huge chance to build deeper entries,” Webster added.
Ensuing a tough loss, the North coach is confident that working on the fundamentals will result in more wins.
“If we can tighten up our execution and take those half chances when they come, we’ll turn the corner.”