North Melbourne’s VFLW side had a nail-biting win against Essendon on Saturday.
The Roos were decorated in Tasmanian talent – the game featured 11 of the playing list from the Apple Isle.
It was a slow start for the Kangas on the goal front, going down by seven points at the quarter-time break. Essendon was able to capitalise on its opportunities in front of goal.
The second quarter was not dissimilar to the first, with the Roos doing everything they could around the ground, but couldn’t convert on the scoreboard. Essendon had a nine-point-lead at the half-time-break.
The traditional premiership quarter saw North Melbourne’s best football, with Tasmanian Brooke Brown standing up in defence, and Mia King throwing her body on the line in the midfield. North kicked two goals to Essendon’s one, seeing the dons take a two-point-lead.
The final term was an amazing display of women’s football, with Meg Sinclair kicking an early goal, putting the Kangas back in front. North eventually won by four-points.
Cheyne Webster was extremely proud of another win on the board and put the win down to the perseverance throughout the game.
“I thought we got better and better as the game wore on – our defensive pressure, particularly the way we scrambled was some of the best work as a team we’ve done all season,” he told North Media.
Brown was pivotal in defence all day, taking 7 marks, and collecting 18 disposals. She has adjusted to her transition from forward to defence extremely well, according to Webster.
“Brooke has been phenomenal down back for us. Playing VFLW has allowed her to grow her game and keep working on the attributes that make her such a dangerous player,” he said.
Captain Meagan Kiely was at her usual best, recording 25 disposals and 8 tackles, whilst Mia King wasn’t phased by her return to VFLW, with 18 touches and a whopping 14 tackles.
This weekend marks a must-win game for the Roos, as they play against St Kilda – both teams must win to lock in a finals spot. Webster is confident that his team can get the job done.
“Our season is still very much in our hands – we’ve given ourselves an opportunity to give the finals a late shake,” he said.
“I know the girls are extremely excited about the challenge this week.”
This weekend’s game against the Saints is at 12pm Sunday at Trevor Barker Oval.
ROOS: 3.7.25
ESS: 4.5.29
