AFL

North record their highest AFLW score in rout of Port

By AAP Newswire

Oct 15, 2023

Ash Riddell. — Ash Riddell had 35 disposals and two goals in North Melbourne's 63-point AFLW thumping of Port. -AAP Image

North Melbourne have overcome a slow start to thrash Port Adelaide by 63 points and record their biggest total in AFLW history.

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Port jumped out of the blocks at Arden St on Sunday, scoring the opening goal and dominating early play in their territory.

But once Alice O'Loughlin slotted the first of her two goals midway through the first term, the Kangaroos were away.

North kicked 13 of the next 15 majors to run out winners 13.9 (87) to 3.6 (24).

It eclipsed the Kangaroos' biggest previous score of 12.4 (76) set against Richmond in 2020.

North's stars got busy in the second quarter as Ash Riddell and Tahlia Randall kicked goal of the year contenders within minutes of each other.

O'Loughlin's second goal was from an almost identical spot tucked away in a pocket during the third quarter to the delight of the parochial North crowd.

Riddell (35 possessions, two goals) and fellow prolific midfielder Jasmie Garner (39 disposals, one goal) predictably ran riot as the inexperienced Power squad struggled to keep up with a team eyeing a breakthrough premiership.

North (6-1) find themselves in second on the ladder, only behind undefeated powerhouse Adelaide, ahead of the final three games of the home-and-away season.

The Kangaroos blew a golden opportunity to be unbeaten themselves after kicking a sizeable lead against the Brisbane Lions in round four.

In Port's second AFLW season, they have slumped to 1-6 ahead of a home clash with Gold Coast next Saturday.

The Power were best served by veteran superstar Erin Phillips, while Julia Teakle, Madeline Keryk and Gemma Houghton kicked one goal each.