It's arguably the game of the round this weekend as undefeated sides North Melbourne host the reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs in Launceston's UTAS Stadium tonight in what will be a game that has major ramifications on Conference A.
The big talking point will be how Emma Kearney will fare against her old team mates after leaving the club in 2018 following a league best and fairest win and a premiership. It is worth pointing out that in a few articles, Kearney had always had her heart set out for North Melbourne, who have had an association with Melbourne University – which has been her club at state level for years now. It will be intriguing to see how her old team mates treat her come the first bounce.
Kearney aside, North Melbourne's opening fortnight has been nothing short of sensational and have basically proved that they will be among the competition's frontrunners this season. They were too good for Carlton in round one and last week in horrendous conditions at Drummoyne Oval, they proved too good for a GWS side many predicted would be top of Conference B – yet sit with two losses in two games in 2019.
The Western Bulldogs flexed their muscles last week with a solid win over Geelong. A win that was set up with a blistering patch in the second quarter and solid defence when they were kicking against the wind at Whitten Oval. However this will be a huge test in their premiership defence, North Melbourne are at least a stage above Geelong in terms of their development and given that their form so far has been exceptional, it doesn't surprise many that the reigning premiers are indeed the underdogs here
The Teams
Western Bulldogs
IN: Emma Mackie, Hayley Wildes OUT: Eleanor Brown, Kirsten McLeod (Both Omitted)
B: Naomi Ferres, Lauren Spark, Bailey Hunt HB: Nicole Callinan, Tiarna Ernst, Hannah Scott MIDS: Kim Rennie, Angelica Gogos, Ellie Blackburn, Kirsty Lamb
HF: Libby Birch, Katie Brennan, Monique Conti
F: Aisling McCarthy, Emma Mackie, Aisling Utri INT: Celine Moody, Hayley Wildes, Bonnie Toogood, Deanna Berry, Belinda Smith EMG: Eleanor Brown, Ellyse Gamble
The Bulldogs have made two changes ahead of tonight's game. Emma Mackie was a late withdrawal in last weekend's game due to a concussion complaint – she will return this weekend, whilst premiership player Hayley Wildes will play her first game of 2019. Making way for the two include their first pick in last year's draft Eleanor Brown and forward Kirsten McLeod.
North Melbourne
IN: Courtney Munn, Chloe Haines
OUT: Sophie Abbatangelo (Quad), Ash Riddell (Ankle)
B: Jess Trend, Brittany Gibson, Jasmine Grierson HB: Danielle Hardiman, Tahlia Randall, Jess Duffin
MIDS: Emma King, Jamie Stanton, Jenna Bruton, Emma Kearney HF: Kaitlyn Ashmore, Kate Gillespie-Jones, Daisy Bateman F: Moana Hope, Jasmine Garner, Courtney Munn INT: Elisha King, Emma Humphries, Alison Drennan, Nicole Bresnehan, Chloe Haines EMG: Taylor Mesiti, Georgia Nanscawen
Two changes from the Kangaroos will see two debutants named tonight. Ash Riddell – who had such a good debut against Carlton in round one – will sit the next six weeks after suffering an ankle injury last weekend, whilst Sophie Abbatangelo, who has impressed up forward, will miss with a minor quad strain. Into the side sees Chloe Haines – a midfielder who possesses elite speed and does know how to kick a goal and Courtney Munn, who was a forward from the Southern Saints in the VFLW last year.
The Big Question
Western Bulldogs – Can Ellie Blackburn Best Her Old Team Mate?
Ellie Blackburn has enjoyed a fine start to her 2019 campaign, averaging 19 disposals, three marks, three clearances and seven tackles per game and has been one of a few Bulldog players that has had a big influence in both games so far this season. Kearney has averaged 20 disposals, 4.5 clearances and 6.5 tackles per game in two games this season. This is going to be a battle that needs to happen tonight and I think it will happen at one stage or another. Can Blackburn best the 2018 AFLW best and fairest? It's not beyond her. North Melbourne – Will Ash Riddell's Injury Haunt Them Down The Line?
It shouldn't be underestimated that her injury will hurt their midfield brigade. Riddell's game against Carlton was awesome to watch. She's quick, has good knowledge where to run and is a good user of the ball. It's a shame we won't see much more of her this season, but North still have a good group of midfielders in Kearney, Jenna Bruton and Jamie Stanton, as well as a plethora of others who can go through for stints.
Players To Watch
Western Bulldogs – Aisling Utri
Utri's game last week against Geelong was perhaps the best game I've seen from her in her short career and the good thing about this is that she's only going to get better with each game she plays. She spent a lot of time last week against Geelong, playing as a half-forward option and took the most marks of anyone in the Bulldogs side in round two. She would have to be one of many that needs to have a great game tonight and I for one believe she can back up her career-best game against the Cats.
North Melbourne - Emma King
Speaking of career-best form, I believe this woman is in some fine form herself. Whilst she's in the lower-end of the top-10 in the league for hitouts, it's her game up forward which has been the most impressive. She sits equal-second in the league in goals kicked, one behind Jess Wuetschner as well as third in the league for contested marks, sitting one behind Lauren Spark and Katie Brennan. When she rests up forward, she's a very dangerous target, and it will be very interesting to see who matches up on her. Tiarna Ernst played mostly on Phoebe McWilliams last week, so I wouldn't be shocked if she got first crack.
Final Verdict
Another tough game to predict here. North have already proven themselves to be worthy challengers for the flag this year with their incredible recruiting. It'll be hard to stop the likes Jess Duffin, Jasmine Garner, Jamie Stanton and so many others. Add to the fact that they're playing up in Tasmania, which is basically North's second home, then it makes the job for the Bulldogs that much harder.
North are in better form than the Bulldogs right now, so my pick for this game will be the Kangaroos in a tight one. I don't like comparing the women's game to the men's, but I have a feeling that these two sides can rival the exciting games that have been produced by the men's teams in recent years. It's going to be a fiery encounter and I'll think the Bulldogs will push North farther than either Carlton or GWS could've.
North Melbourne By 8 Points