AFLW finals: Kangaroos confident they can manage hot weather in preliminary final

A North Melbourne star has revealed why her side is confident it can handle unusual conditions in Saturday’s preliminary final.

North Melbourne is confident oppressive heat will not stifle its game plan against an ominous Port Adelaide in Saturday’s preliminary final.

The mercury is expected to climb to 35C close to the 3.05pm first bounce at Ikon Park, but Kangaroos ruck Kim Rennie said they felt prepared for the conditions.

The Roos and Power were left exposed to the Melbourne heatwave this weekend by the AFL’s decision not to schedule the minor premiers’ game on the Friday night, but Rennie said there had been no rumblings of discontent among teammates.

A 44-point demolition of Brisbane in the round 1 grand final rematch – played in 34C heat at Springfield – was still fresh in their memory.

“To be honest, I don’t think it’s even been mentioned, the fixturing – it’s been (received) pretty well,” Rennie said.

Kim Rennie (right) competes in the ruck during the Kangaroos’ statement 44-point win over Brisbane, which came in similar heat expected to Saturday’s preliminary final. Picture: Albert Perez / Getty Images

“Going back to round one, we did have a pretty hot game up in Brisbane against the Lions.

“Reflecting on that, I think we were well prepared, particularly on the back of the work done by our staff around nutrition and hydration.

“This weekend is no different I think … just on match day, I’m looking forward to probably a few extra Zooper Doopers on the boundary.”

Rennie, who won the 2018 grand final with the Western Bulldogs in just her fifth AFLW game, said there was a “new level of hunger” for the Roos in this finals series after their taste of grand final action last year.

“To be back where we are now, I think we’re better for (the grand final loss), and better prepared,” she said.

“It’s no secret that we want the ultimate success … that connection we’ve been able to build, between myself and the mids, is something that I’m particularly proud of, and I think it’s translated into some really good footy.”

The 30-year-old was tight-lipped over the outcome of Kangaroos skipper Emma Kearney’s fitness test on Wednesday morning, but the defender joined full training afterwards and was poised to be named on Thursday for her first game since a hamstring injury in round 5.

Dream over for cross-code convert

Former Matildas goalkeeper Casey Dumont’s foray into the AFLW appears over before she played a game after Hawthorn decided not to offer a new contract.

Dumont was delisted on Wednesday along with the Hawks’ first ever AFLW signing, Bridget Deed, who played six games in her three seasons.

Expected to promptly link up with new side Perth Glory to join the A-League Women campaign which is already underway, it is unlikely the 32-year-old Dumont will seek a new AFLW home.

Inaugural Hawthorn coach Bec Goddard was a big fan of the key position prospect and lured her to Hawthorn as an “other sport rookie” signing in 2023.

Hawthorn has delisted former Matildas goalkeeper Casey Dumont, who had been attempting to kickstart an AFLW career while continuing to play in the A-League. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

It was the year after Dumont had won the A-League goalkeeper of the year award with Melbourne Victory, but the Victory chose not to offer her a new contract shortly after she signed with Hawthorn.

Dumont had hoped to remain with the club, as the semi-professional A-League Women competition runs from November to mid-May, but she joined Central Coast Mariners instead and made 12 appearances last season before signing with Glory.

The keeper has not been picked for a Matildas camp since the 2018 Asian Cup, but could return to contention under interim coach Tom Sermanni.

“We thank Bridget and Casey for their contribution to our football club during their time with Hawthorn,” Hawks women’s football boss Max Bailey said.

“While these are tough decisions, both players have been great teammates and have added to the club and our environment in many ways.

“They have been great contributors both on and off the field and we will look back on Bridget and Casey’s time here with great fondness.”

Originally published as AFLW finals: Kangaroos confident they can manage hot weather in preliminary final