Roos coach hails “special” Garner after her match winning performance against GWS

Improved fitness has seen Jasmine Garner take another step towards AFLW stardom in the opening rounds of 2020. And ominously for opposition sides, her coach believes there is more to come.

Jasmine Garner (left) has elevated her game to another level early in 2020. Picture: AAP IMAGE/MICHAEL DODGE

JASMINE Garner is already an AFLW All-Australian but the North Melbourne star has scope to become an even better player, according to coach Scott Gowans.

After confirming her status as one of the premier forwards in the competition last year, Garner showcased her ball winning abilities by also being named in the VFL team of the year after averaging 24 disposals as a midfielder for Melbourne Uni.

Her improved aerobic capacity has allowed her to spend more time as an onballer for the Kangaroos at the start of the 2020 season, and on Saturday she showcased her match winning abilities.

Garner gathered 20 disposals and kicked her side’s first two goals in the 19-point defeat of GWS in Launceston, helping the Roos bounce back from an opening round defeat.

And despite her starring role against the Giants, her coach believes she is yet to realise her full potential.

“She’s a special player and I think she can get better as well, fitness wise she has come a long way and she still has a bit to go with that,” Gowans said.

“And then her game education, she can run to better spots I think and get a bit more of the footy rather than just contested ball.

“She tends to rely on contested ball still, but she is an awesome player.”

The victory at UTAS Stadium also capped a perfect debut for home town hero Abbey Green.

Drafted from Launceston in the TSLW, Green had six possessions in her first taste of the top flight in an encouraging opening to her career.

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

“It was incredible, this is stuff I have dreamt of as a little kid, to be able to have my friends and family here, really good support around me, it was a surreal moment and something I will never forget,” Green said.

“It is definitely a big step up from the TSLW, but with the pre-season it transitions you into it to getting you ready for the big stage.”