North Melbourne AFLW track watch: Tess Craven on light duties in bid to prove grand final fitness

A young gun of the Kangaroos is still feeling the effects of a big collision in the preliminary final as preparations ramp up for the big dance. ELIZA REILLY has the latest from North Melbourne.

North Melbourne is just days away from its shot at grand final redemption after getting through main training on Wednesday morning.

This is what we saw.

CRAVEN A SPEEDY RECOVERY

North Melbourne winger Tess Craven is still feeling the effects of a big collision with Shineah Goody after training away from the main group on Wednesday morning.

Craven left the field in the second term after being collected by the Port young gun in a marking contest. The 20-year-old bravely went back with the flight to stop the Power from exiting their defensive 50 but copped a bad corkie to her back in the process.

Tess Craven running laps. Picture: Getty Images

“It was a heavy knock,” Kangaroos coach Darren Crocker said post-match. “I think she won the respect of everyone in the stadium by doing that.”

Craven played the second half against the Power but she was restricted to running laps at main training as the Kangaroos look to manage her leading into Saturday’s grand final. The fourth-year player also did some basic kicking and skills work but was hesitant to fly for overhead marks and stretch her back.

Craven has played every game this season and had seven disposals in last year’s losing grand final.

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON 

The Kangaroos are committed to remaining calm and collected at training this week as the build-up to Saturday’s decider reaches a crescendo.

The mood at Wednesday’s main session was the perfect mix of light and shade. Vikki Wall playfully knocked over Emma Kearney as she tying up her shoelaces and stood over her before quickly retreating once the veteran returned to her feet. But in the very next drill, defender Sarah Wright apologised to her teammate after kicking across goal as the ball trickled out of bounds.

Emma Kearney is happy to be back. Picture: Getty Images

Kearney looks set to be back in full flight after sprinting during some back half match simulation. The 35-year-old is one game back from a hamstring injury and played just 38 per cent time on ground in North Melbourne’s preliminary final.

The Kangaroos started the session with a focus on skills before moving into some congested ball movement, some line-specific match simulation and finishing with craft.

Jenna Bruton is keen for another crack at a grand final. Picture: Getty Images

BRUTE FORCE 

It’s hard to forget the sight of Jenna Bruton being carried from the ground during the first quarter of last year’s grand final.

Bruton ruptured her Achilles tendon trying to smother early on and was forced to watch on helplessly as Brisbane claimed a 17-point victory.

So no matter what hurdles she has to overcome, Bruton is determined to have a four-quarter impact in Saturday’s decider.

The tough forward has been dealing with hamstring and back tightness this season as a flow-on effect to last year’s serious injury. And there was a brief moment of concern when Bruton left the track during the craft component of Wednesday’s session with a trainer. But she returned a short time later after getting a back release indoors.

Bruton’s physicality and pressure will be important in limiting the influence of Brisbane pair Ally Anderson and Belle Dawes.

Originally published as North Melbourne AFLW track watch: Tess Craven on light duties in bid to prove grand final fitness