Roos bounce back in big way to keep perfect Tassie record in tact

After a disappointing round one, the Roos are back in the winner’s list as they find Tasmania the perfect home venue.

Kangaroos players celebrate the win during the Round 2 AFLW match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the GWS Giants at UTAS stadium. Picture: STEVE BELL/GETTY IMAGES

PRE-SEASON premiership favourites North Melbourne have brushed off a surprise round one defeat to keep their unbeaten record in Tasmania intact and open their AFLW 2020 account.

The Roos bounced back against a wayward GWS at UTAS Stadium, pulling away as the match unfolded to record a 6.1 (37) to 2.7 (18) victory.

Led by All-Australian centre half forward Jasmine Garner – who flashed her improved aerobic capacity in spending more time in the middle – and skipper Emma Kearney, North made better use of its opportunities in the first half before unleashing their skills by foot in the second to break the game open.

Garner finished with 20 disposals and kicked her side’s first two goals, while Kearney had 21 possessions in another brilliant showing.

Jessica Allan of the Giants is tackled during the Round 2 AFLW match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the GWS Giants at UTAS Stadium. Picture: STEVE BELL/GETTY IMAGES

Fellow midfielder Jenna Brunton also collected 20 touches, and was just as effective defensively in applying a team high seven tackles.

The two teams were locked at a goal apiece at the first break before Garner put the hosts ahead early in the second courtesy of a snap from 20m out.

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The Giants then began to grab momentum but frittered away chances in front of goal, with Rebecca Privitelli missing a set shot 30m in front and Haneen Zreika running into an open goalsquare shortly after only to pull her kick left.

Jessica Allan of the Giants contests the ball during the Round 2 AFLW match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the GWS Giants at UTAS Stadium. Picture: STEVE BELL/GETTY IMAGES

Emma King made the visitors pay when she converted a holding the ball free kick to stretch the lead to 10 points and when Elisha King nabbed the opening goal of the second half it was an advantage the Giants could never peg back.

“It is a relief to get on the board and I think more so the way we played as well,” coach Scott Gowans said.

“Our pressure was amazing and our ability to pressure them anytime they got a run on with ball movement was important.

“The one thing that didn’t change [from last week ]was our pressure and I was super confident if we could change lanes with the footy and be really brave with it and keep the same pressure, we could get the result against GWS today.”

The only sour note was a head knock to Kaitlyn Ashmore in the second quarter.

Abbey Green of the Kangaroos sings team song after the win during the Round 2 AFLW match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the GWS Giants at UTAS Stadium. Picture: STEVE BELL/GETTY IMAGES

For the Giants, Alicia Eva had an equal match high 21 disposals and eight tackles, Alyce Parker was busy with 16 possessions while Jessica Allan controlled the ruck contests but GWS was unable to fully cash in.

“We are an honest team at the minute but probably lack a bit of fineness,” coach Alan McConnell said.

“Once we get our hands on the ball we don’t maximise our opportunities, we don’t give our forwards quick ball when we should and then at other times when we should be going slow we are trying to go fast.”

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