Stars fire again, but support acts smoulder away

A triumvirate of tenacity and technique, Kearney, Garner and Riddell have dominated proceedings in a way that no other ball-winning unit has in 2020.

Their efforts at North Hobart Oval didn’t deviate from the script either, but it would be remiss to neglect some of the other key performers – especially those who have put their hand up on multiple occasions this season.

Jenna Bruton played lieutenant to Kearney’s general at times in the opening half, but as the game wore on, she increasingly imposed herself on contests and used her trademark speed and quick disposal abilities to nullify any semblance of complacency as the margin sat in the zone of “comfortable”.

Ellie Gavalas popped up like a whack-a-mole at the arcade, helping out around the ground with some deft touch and plenty of tackles. We’re used to seeing first-year players take on the game in the AFLW and Gavalas has a couple of years on most high profile draftees, but North have picked up an absolute gem in the Tassie-local code-swapper.

Kaitlyn Ashmore knows how to run, turn that foot-speed into prime real estate and kick accurately. Sporting the long sleeves like her former team-mates at the Brisbane Lions Kate McCarthy and Jess Wuetschner, Ashmore has been very good for a long time – but perhaps not in receipt of the same kudos as the others.

That ought to change – her four goal, four mark, four tackle and 11 touch game was top shelf and it also rocketed her to the top of the goal-kicking tally.

As much as the Kangaroos have their outstanding headliners to thank for the season to date, make no mistake it is the women next off the rank who galvanise this side.