Jasmine Garner will forever be etched in AFLW history after becoming competition’s first goalkicker

WHATEVER happens in Jasmine Garner’s career, she will always feature at the very start of the AFLW history books after becoming the competition’s first goalkicker.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — FEBRUARY 3: Magpies players celebrate with Jasmine Garner after she kicked the first goal during the 2017 AFLW Round 01 match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at Ikon Park on February 3, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

THE first chapter in the history books of the AFL Women’s competition was written and one name will feature prominently.

She might not have been best-on-ground, but young Collingwood forward Jasmine Garner will forever go down as the competition’s first goalkicker.

After taking a pack mark on her chest, the 19-year-old had nerves of steel as she went back from 20m directly in front and slotted the first major of the match at the seven-minute-mark of the opening term.

Jasmine Garner of the Magpies celebrates after kicking the first goal

Garner is no stranger to kicking goals — she booted 41 at centre-half forward alongside Magpies teammate Moana Hope at VFL Women’s side St Kilda Sharks last year.

But this kick came with a lot more pressure as a vocal 24,500 strong crowd watched on.

“I was just so nervous,” Garner told the Herald Sun after the game.

“The crowd was roaring but I just went back with the usual routine and it went straight through.

“It’s a pretty amazing night, just to be out here making history. It’s disappointing we didn’t get the win but there’s always next week.”

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The goal would be Collingwood’s only six-pointer of the game, the side struggling to break through a steadfast Carlton defence as it lost by 35 points.

It was not the start the Magpies — who had declared they were out to win the premiership — were after, but Garner said the side would take plenty of lessons away from the opening match.

“We’ll learn from tonight and go back to training this week and work on some things and hopefully get a win next week,” she said.

Collingwood tackles Melbourne in Round 2 at Olympic Park next Saturday night.

Originally published as Jasmine Garner will forever be etched in AFLW history after becoming competition’s first goalkicker