NORTH Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos’ big win has seen them rewarded with four players in the Draft Central AFL Women’s Team of the Week for Round 1, the most of any club. Other winners, Geelong, Brisbane and Western Bulldogs had three nominees, while Melbourne had three players in the best 24 despite a loss to Fremantle.

Fremantle won in a thriller and have two nominees each in the Team of the Week, as do other close losers, Adelaide, Collingwood and GWS GIANTS. Carlton had a match to forget and while Tayla Harris and Madison Prespakis were both close to making the team, just missed out.

North Melbourne’s Emma King was the standout ruck across the competition in Round 1, earning the starting spot in the followers, joined in the team by fellow former Magpies, Jasmine Garner and Jess Duffin, as well as debutant Ash Riddell. Brisbane midfield duo, Emily Bates and Ally Anderson both squeeze into the starting line-up, as does the competition’s leading goal kicker, Jess Wuetschner who booted three on the weekend.

Western Bulldogs’ heroic victory in South Australia resulted in defenders, Lauren Spark and Hannah Scott making the team, as did co-captain, Ellie Blackburn who slots into the centre position. Despite their narrow loss, Melbourne veterans, Karen Paxman and Elise O’Dea fill the half-back line, while key forward, Eden Zanker was impressive inside 50 and leading up the ground.

Geelong’s victory on Saturday night saw Nina Morrison emerge, with the number one pick collecting 22 disposals and eight tackles, joining teammate Meg McDonald from Darebin Falcons and Madeline Keryk – both on debut – in our Team of the Week. Ebony Marinoff‘s ball-winning efforts of 24 touches and 11 tackles was the most of the round, and earned her the remaining place in the midfield, while 2017 League Best and Fairest, Erin Phillips slots into half-forward.

Of the three remaining teams, dual sport athlete Ash Brazill and Magpies’ teammate, Jaimee Lambert were named in the side, as were Fremantle forwards, Kiara Bowers and Dana Hooker. Young gun GIANTS’ midfielder, Alyce Parker and the versatile, Cora Staunton round out the team of 24.