AFLW W8 match report: Roos bound back to top spot…

The Kangaroos reclaimed top spot on the ladder after defeating Essendon in the clubs’ first ever AFLW meeting

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos reclaimed top spot on the ladder after crushing Essendon in the clubs’ first ever AFLW meeting at Windy Hill on Sunday.

The Kangaroos leaped out of the blocks, kicking 6.5 to 0.1 in a dominant first half played in conditions befitting the ground’s name.

Spearhead Tahlia Randall kicked three goals as the Roos ran out 51-point winners, 8.10 (58) to 1.1 (7).

BOMBERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

The win puts the Kangaroos in pole position to claim a top-two position on the ladder, following third-placed Brisbane’s loss to Geelong earlier on Sunday. North Melbourne is two points ahead of Hawthorn and six ahead of Brisbane, with a crunch game to come against fierce rivals Adelaide on Friday night.

The hefty defeat was a record low in more ways than one for Essendon, with the scoreline both the Bombers’ lowest ever score and their biggest defeat in their three-year history.

Despite the one-sided scoreline, it was a physical affair highlighted by high-flying grabs and bone-crunching bumps.

North put the pressure on Essendon early, allowing the Bombers into their forward 50 just five times for the entire first half, and seemed in cruise control for much of the match.

Ruby Tripodi and Mia King’s defensive efforts through the midfield quelled any forward advances the Bombers attempted, while efficiency on the attack was where the Roos were able to pull away.

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