NORTH Melbourne has consolidated its spot in the AFLW’s top-six with a gritty 11-point win against the fast-finishing Western Bulldogs.
The Kangaroos jumped out of the blocks with three unanswered first-quarter goals and that fast start proved enough as they held off the plucky Bulldogs 5.7 (37) to 3.8 (26) at North Hobart Oval.
Both teams entered Saturday’s match with a 4-2 record but North was able to go a game and percentage clear of the Dogs, who have a fight on their hands to qualify for the finals with two rounds to play.
Nathan Burke’s team fought back from a 17-point quarter-time deficit but Kangaroos captain Emma Kearney slotted the only goal of the third term after the siren to give North Melbourne a vital 21-point lead.
The Bulldogs controlled much of the last quarter but were unable to put on enough scoring pressure.
Kearney and fellow Kangaroos star Jasmine Garner produced dominant displays to lift their side and deny the Bulldogs’ late charge.
The Bulldogs struggled for scoring options outside of key forward Isabel Huntington (two goals) and Bonnie Toogood.
Speedster Kirsten McLeod was taken off late in the game with a head knock after being involved in a collision while trying to score the Bulldogs’ fourth goal.
(C) AAP 2021
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.0 4.2 5.7 5.7 (37)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.1 2.3 2.4 3.8 (26)
Goals: North Melbourne Kangaroos: E Kearney 2 A Riddell D Bateman E King. Western Bulldogs: I Huntington 2 B Toogood.
Umpires: Andrew Mitchell, Peter Bailes, Sam Bridges.
Venue: North Hobart Oval.
