AFTER being challenged in the first half by a red-hot Geelong, North Melbourne lifted in the second half to win by nine points at GMHBA Stadium and remain undefeated in the 2023 AFL Women’s season.

Geelong had all the momentum in the first half with their ball use inside 50, kicking 3.2 to 0.3 and building a 17-point lead at half-time. That all changed in the second half as the Roos quickly caught up to lead at the final chance with three goals in the third term.

North Melbourne kicked the last goal of the match in the fourth quarter – and the Roos’ fourth consecutive major of the game – to make it 4.4 to 0.2 after the main break. It meant the visitors kept their winning streak alive, moving to 0-3 in the season, while the Cats – who were previously undefeated – slipped back a notch to 2-1.

The stats were even across the board, with the Roos ahead in tackles (83-77) and both uncontested (139-134) and contested (120-112) possessions. In particular, star midfielder Jasmine Garner put on a show, racking up 32 disposals, four marks, 12 tackles, 12 clearances and a goal. She had a great battle with fellow gun midfielder, Georgie Prespakis who finished with 26 disposals, eight tackles, two clearances and a goal.

North Melbourne head coach Darren Crocker spoke about the win and said he was not getting too far ahead of himself given the nature of the AFL Women’s competition.

“To come off two pretty strong wins against a pretty quality team like Geelong and they’re pretty hard to beat in Geelong, it was great for the group,” Crocker said. “It was great evidence of what we do well can hold up against anyone.”

Crocker said after starting slowly, the Roos started to get more of the ball in teh second term, then got greater reward for effort in the premiership quarter.

“It was to keep going with our method,” he said. “In the second quarter, we had time in our possession but we needed to keep persisting and it will come.”

Midfielder Taylah Gatt spoke about the work of the wingers and trusting each other in the midfield group.

“The other wingers set a very good example,” she said. “It’s about trusting our inside midfielders to get it done.”

Crocker praised Gatt’s effort in the side and how far she’s come.

“We were pleased with what Taylah did last season” he said. “She’s come on in leaps and bounds and drive the ship to help her team.”