North Melbourne lands pair of blockbuster matches in first season of Tasmanian partnership

TASMANIA has been given a dream introduction into its joint AFLW venture with North Melbourne following the release of the 2019 fixture.

Tassie Kangaroos players, from left, Nicole Bresnehan, Emma Kearney, Daria Bannister, Moana Hope and Emma Humphries at North Hobart Oval. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

TASMANIA has been given a dream introduction into its joint AFLW venture with North Melbourne following the release of the 2019 fixture.

As revealed by the Mercury on Friday, the club has secured its historic inaugural match at North Hobart Oval, with Victorian power side Carlton to visit on Sunday February 3.

KANGA KICK-OFF AT NORTH HOBART OVAL

The Roos return to the state in round three, hostING reigning premiers Western Bulldogs in a prime time clash on Friday night under lights at UTAS Stadium.

Coach Scott Gowans couldn’t have been happier following his side’s draw, with the two home matches in Tasmania split by a visit to Sydney to meet GWS before three consecutive games in Melbourne, including a trip to fellow expansion side Geelong and a showdown with Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.

“It is really exciting, and the right opposition. It was important to get one of the bigger clubs to play here first game and can’t wait for February 3,” Gowans said of the club beginning its AFLW journey at North Hobart Oval.

“It [the fixture] is what we asked for, we are very happy with that. It’s similar to the boys’ program … it is just a great place to come down and what it does do is put the mindset that we basically have two home venues.

“We would be happy to play every game down here, we want to build with the community, come down here and feel like we belong.”

Tassie Kangaroos coach Scott Gowans with players, from left, Nicole Bresnehan, Emma Kearney, Daria Bannister, Moana Hope and Emma Humphries at North Hobart Oval. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

While North’s male counterparts — who will play four matches in Hobart from next season — have turned Blundstone Arena into a fortress, Gowans said he hopes with home grounds at either end of the state the women can turn the entire island into its key point of difference.

“I feel while the men probably isolate a ground, we can isolate the state.

“We have players from both ends of the state, it’s an interesting concept of whether that sense of belonging is ground-based or state-based.

“But we feel it is state-based more than a particular ground.”

Carlton, which opened the first two seasons of the AFLW competition with blockbuster clashes against Collingwood, has been stripped of the marquee slot next year.

AFLW FIXTURES: BLUES DUMPED FROM SEASON OPENER

However the Blues are looking forward to featuring in what will be a huge build-up to the Roos’ first game at Tasmania’s spiritual home of football.

“As a team, we … know we underperformed last year and with two new sides entering the competition, we understand the AFL’s decision to launch the season in Geelong — it’s really important to support our regional women and girls in the AFLW competition,” Blues women’s football boss Nicole Graves said.

“To be part of another moment in the competition’s history is really exciting for the club and it will be a great opportunity for our playing group to hit the road in Round 1 and connect with our members and supporters in Tasmania.”