Kangaroos shade Suns in thriller

NORTH Melbourne’s AFLW team has moved to top spot in Conference A after defeating gallant Gold Coast by 13 points at Arden Street.

Trailing by 15 points at half-time, the Suns closed to within four in the final quarter after Lauren Ahrens was gifted a goal from point-blank range.

But some desperate defending from the Kangaroos in a chaotic final term kept the Gold Coast at bay and Daisy Bateman booted her second major of the game late on to make it a certainty at 6.11 (47) to 5.4 (34).

Led superbly by Jasmine Garner and captain Emma Kearney, the Kangaroos triumphed in what was not only their first game at the club’s spiritual home but also the first senior contest for premiership points at the ground since 1985.

With three wins on the trot, and their only loss coming by just two points, North Melbourne is firming as one of the premiership favourites in 2020.

Garner (29) and Kearney (26) were outstanding with 55 disposals between them with Garner also registering 18 contested possessions and six clearances.

For Gold Coast, Kalinda Howarth (two goals) had 12 touches and was ably supported by Ahrens, Tiarna Ernst, Kate Surman and ruck Lauren Bella.

© AAP 2020

NORTH MELBOURNE 1.2 4.5 5.7 6.11 (47)

GOLD COAST SUNS 2.1 2.2 4.3 5.4 (34)

Goals: North Melbourne: D Bateman 2 Emma King Elisha King J Trend S Abbatangelo. Gold Coast Suns: K Howarth 2 K Surman L Ahrens T Ernst.

Venue: Arden Street Oval.