North sets up mini-final and coach Scott Gowans can’t wait for Kangas’ next challenge

It’s all on the line for North Melbourne next week, with the Kangas setting up a mini-final after dispatching Collingwood. And it was some familiar faces who sealed the Pies’ fate.

Lauren Wood

@LaurenHeraldSun

3 min read

March 9, 2019 - 8:39PM

Finals will effectively start a week early in AFL Women’s after North Melbourne flexed its muscle to regain its spot atop Conference A.

But Collingwood’s fortunes went from bad to worse, with a late run converting what could have been a devastating loss to a 22-point defeat at the hands of the competition’s favourites.

Both teams warmed up in their Marvel gear and the Pies came out like superheroes, but were eventually brought undone by the villainous Roos who — despite having some trouble early — simply punished the winless Pies at the contest.

GETTING TIGHT: FREO FLYING AFTER CATS WIN

Just hours after being toppled from the premier position of Conference A by the Dockers, North rocketed their way back to the top of the table to set up a mouth-watering mini-final against the Dockers in Perth next week with the winner guaranteed a finals berth.

The Kangaroos were on a mission after last week’s loss to Adelaide. Pic: AAP

“It’s a huge game, and I can’t wait to get over there, I want to go over there tomorrow but we can’t,” Kangaroos coach Scott Gowans laughed.

“I always thought to myself ... give (the conferences) a bit of time, and how well has it worked out that it’s competitive.

“Now it comes down to this - we have to go over and win and we’re three from three from interstate trips this year, so it’s really important that we collect ourselves this week, review this game, take some learnings out of it ... and have a go at Fremantle which played pretty well. It will be a big challenge.”

Clear the calendar.

Kangaroos players celebrate a Daria Bannister goal on their way to a big win over Collingwood. Pic: AAP

TAGGING TRIUMPH

THE “smiling assassin” struck.

Magpie Britt Bonnici donned her helmet for battle and took the job on reigning best and fairest winner Emma Kearney, who could have been even more damaging were it not for an inaccurate boot.

Bonnici - who racked up 16 contested possessions of her own for the afternoon – served to blunt Kearney’s influence and delivered. While the star exerted her power at times, she was held to her equal-lowest disposal count this season with 15.

“There’s no shying away from how good a footballer Kearney is,” Bonnici said.

“It really excites me when Wayne (Siekman) comes to me and gives me these roles and I’m just going to get better.”

Jess Duffin was also a target for her former teammates, who dropped off defensively after quarter time, negated by Emma Grant.

Sharni Layton also showed improvement.

Britt Bonnici wraps up Emma Kearney. Pic: AAP

THE EX-FACTOR

Unfortunately for the Pies, it was dominant performances from a handful that used to don the black and white stripes that proved most damaging.

Jasmine Garner broke Magpie hearts with two goals while Moana Hope — like she has all season — just went about her business and did what she had to do, also contributing on the scoreboard.

Trouble is, things won’t get any easier for teams like Collingwood, with all teams set to lose more players next season as four new teams loom.

DOWN BUT NOT OUT

Collingwood might still be winless but coach Wayne Siekman is adamant he would “love to” lead the club into a fourth season.

The Pies host Brisbane next week as they attempt to salvage four points for the first time this season, with Siekman determined that the disappointing season has not all been bad.

He cited improvement and development and said “if you’re a young player and you want to be somewhere, Collingwood Footy Club is going to be somewhere to be at for the next couple of years”.

“I’d love to (lead the club forward). I’ve stuck from day one and been on task the whole time,” Siekman said.

“I’m excited to see where this club and team can go next year and I want to be here as we push up the ladder and build success and hopefully build sustained success.”