North Melbourne looks to stretch unbeaten AFLW record in Tasmania against Western Bulldogs

Tasmania is fast becoming an AFLW fortress for the North Melbourne-Tasmanian Kangaroos, and familiar surroundings could play a vital role this weekend according to a local star.

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RETURNING to a state where they boast an unbeaten record will give North Melbourne another shot of confidence as it prepares for a tough run into the AFLW finals.

After back to back defeats the Tassie Roos made it two wins on the bounce last weekend with a 35-point victory against Richmond and are back in action on Saturday against the Western Bulldogs at North Hobart Oval.

North (fourth), are only separated from the Dogs (sixth) on percentage and with clashes against Brisbane (third) and second-placed Fremantle to round out of the regular season, there is little margin for error.

However boosting their hopes of putting some space between themselves and their round seven opponent is a perfect 5-0 record in Tasmania, two which have come in Hobart.

“Personally I feel we play some of our best footy there, we have a good record when we come down to Tassie and we would like to keep that going this weekend,” local star Nicole Bresnehan said.

Nicole Bresnehan of the Kangaroos runs with the ball during the round six AFLW match between the Richmond Tigers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at The Swinburne Centre on March 05, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“We have a strong connection and we come down and with the fans and atmosphere that North Hobart Oval brings, is a really big positive for us.

“I think that has helped us get over the line a couple of times down there.

“The Dogs definitely are dangerous, we have seen that over the last couple of weeks. They have a really strong midfield and I think across the ground they are strong in each of their lines.

“Then we play two teams who are above us on the ladder at the moment, it is really important we are switched on.”

Bresnehan, who has fully recovered from some split webbing against Collingwood three weeks ago which required several stitches, has been a vital cog in the Roos backline in 2021.

She said she has benefited from relocating to Victoria in the pre-season to train full time with the group.

“Being physically there, it has been a lot better in terms of growing my own game and trying to cement myself in that backline and play my role.

“There is no doubt that coming over has really [helped] the team gel together as well

“Just having that direct feedback, learning the game plan a little more closely with the coaches and the rest of the players being there one-on-one as opposed to getting stuff relayed back has been a big difference.

Nicole Bresnehan of the Kangaroos warms up prior to the round six AFLW match between the Richmond Tigers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at The Swinburne Centre on March 05, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

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Kangas prepared for AFLW dogfight in Hobart

James Bresnehan

March 10, 2021

IT’S too early to start thinking finals for North Melbourne’s AFLW coach Darren Crocker, he just wants a win against the Western Bulldogs at the Kangaroos ‘home away from home in Hobart on Saturday.

Entering North Hobart Oval for the twilight clash will put a shiver down Crocker’s spine – he wrecked his knee there in a match against Carlton – but he hopes to leave with a smile.

The Kangas are 4-2 and back on track with wins over Carlton and Richmond after consecutive losses to Melbourne and Collingwood.

Just don’t mention the “F” word.

“We all want to play finals, that’s always part of the vision,” Crocker said.

“I haven’t really spoken about the vision.

Darren Crocker, Head Coach of the Kangaroos addresses the player during the round five AFLW match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Carlton Blues at University of Tasmania Stadium on February 27, 2021 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“It’s more about the journey and that is the type of environment we are trying to create and for everyone to feel like they have got the opportunity to improve.

“If we do that, and everyone gets to work on the aspects of our game to help us put together four quarters, we will become a really good team when that happens.

“At the moment we are going okay but we need more consistency so we will keep building toward that and the result should take care of themselves.”

The Kangaroos are starting to find their groove.

“Over the past two weeks in particular we’ve started to get back to playing some or our better, more complete football,” Crocker said.

“There were glimpses against Carlton in Launceston two weeks ago and our first half against Richmond was the most complete half of football we have played.

“Everything came together really well but I still don’t feel we have been able to play a compete four-quarter performance yet.

The Kangaroos celebrate after they defeated the Tigers during the round six AFLW match between the Richmond Tigers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at The Swinburne Centre on March 05, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“It’s difficult because teams are going to respond like Richmond did after halftime. They took the game on a bit more and put us under more pressure.

“We can’t let that take us away from what we were doing so well in the first half.”

Crocker will not adjust North Melbourne’s game style for picturesque North Hobart Oval, which is 11m shorter and 22m narrower than the MCG.

“We will be trying to play to our strengths again, that will be the main thing,” he said.

“There may be an aspect or two or our game we might change because of the size of the ground, but I will keep a close eye on the way the game unfolds and only do it if we need to.”