North Melbourne is still in the finals hunt after stunning ladder-leader Southern Saints by 24 points at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval to celebrate Emily Paterno’s 100th VWFL/VFLW match in style.
Paterno has previously played for St Kilda Sharks, Williamstown, Richmond and now the Kangaroos, who entered the contest in 10th spot.
Despite giving up their home game to the Saints, the Roos were never seriously threatened, kicking 2.3 to 0.0 in the first quarter and holding the home team to a solitary second quarter goal from Margaret Kershaw.
In fact, it was that quarter which won the game for the Roos, as they added 1.1 to 1.3 against the wind before conceding just one behind in the last term to draw within a win of the top six.
Tessa Boyd (15 disposals, five tackles) led the way for the Saints and Tayla Kearns (11 disposals, five marks) provided a strong contest, but their team found it hard to get their hands on the ball.
VFLW MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos from Round 12
Jen Guy was the clear best player on the ground for North Melbourne, with 24 disposals, six clearances and eight tackles. Audrey Rhodes was the only other contender for the honour with 16 possessions, 15 tackles and a goal, while Jess Jones (13 disposals, 37 hitouts, six tackles) worked tirelessly one out against Kershaw (12 disposals, 21 hitouts, one goal) and Alex Hynes (12 disposals, 22 hitouts, nine tackles).
Reni Hicks (11) and Zara Flanigan (10) didn’t give their Saints opponents any respite with 21 tackles between them.
The Southern Saints will come up against Williamstown next week as they look to consolidate their place in the top-six.
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.3 3.4 5.4 5.4 (34)
SOUTHERN SAINTS 0.0 1.3 1.3 1.4 (10)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Sutcliffe, Rhodes, Klaumanns-Moller
Southern Saints: Kershaw
BEST
North Melbourne: Guy, Rhodes, Flanigan, Jones, Hicks
Southern Saints: Hynes, Boyd, Capsalis, Kearns, Kershaw, Wrigley
