DETAILS:  Melbourne v North Melbourne

DATE: Saturday 26 February

TIME: 7:10pm (AEDT)

LOCATION: Casey Fields

BROADCAST: Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports

GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here

TICKETS: Available here

LAST TIME WE MET:  Round 3, 2021 | Melbourne v North Melbourne | Casey Fields
Both sides headed into their Round 3 clash of the 2021 season as undefeated teams, making it the match of the round.

It was a fairly even contest in the opening term, with North leading by just four points at the quarter-time break. Melbourne then came out firing in the second quarter, soaking up all the momentum and taking control of the game. A goal from Kate Hore within the first few minutes, kickstarted a flow of majors from the Dees, the side going on to collect a total of six unanswered goals for the quarter.

At the main break, North was trailing by 27 points, a deficit that seemed to boost the teams energy as they returned to the field in the third term to slot four goals to one, creating a tight battle in the final quarter.   

This second-half fight from the Roos may have given the Dees a late scare, but thanks to their second-term blitz and their ability to hold strong when challenged, Melbourne was able to walk away 9.6 (60) to 8.3 (51) victors.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Melbourne
Karen Paxman
The five-time AFLW All-Australian is coming off a dominant performance in Melbourne’s thrilling win over Brisbane. In her 23-disposal game, Paxman led the midfield’s momentum shift when faced with the Lions’ pressure, and ultimately helped the Dees secure their victory. The midfielder has been a major impact in previous games against North Melbourne and with an average of 9.6 tackles a game, will create a tough contest for the opposition’s midfield.

Sinead Goldrick
In last season’s win over North, the defender provided great run off half-back and this season has been no different. Goldrick has seen plenty of form this year, often opening the game up with her speed and work rate. The tenacious defender is currently averaging 4.8 intercept possessions a game and has remained a key member of Melbourne’s defensive line-up.

Jackie Parry
Parry’s three-goal performance in last year’s match against North was a standout from the night and there’s no doubt she’ll be looking to replicate that this weekend. Although Parry hasn’t hit the scoreboard this season, she has been seen providing energy and opportunity in Melbourne’s forward line and this weekend might just be the game where we see her hard work inside 50 be rewarded with scoreboard impact.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: North Melbourne
Jasmine Garner 
There is no doubt within the football community that Garner is one of the top players in the competition. Her natural athletic ability, football smarts and attack on the ball make her a talking point for any opposition side. Garner becomes particularly dangerous when she crosses over into the forward line seamlessly, having already hit the scoreboard six times this season. The Demons will be keeping a close eye on her for the Saturday clash.

Emma Kearny
The North captain has been a standout contender in the league since its inception and is a clear threat for any side facing the Roos. Kearney is a fierce and competitive player who has developed across different areas of the ground over the past five years. Currently impressing in the side’s defence, leading the league in average intercept possessions at 5.7 per game, Kearney will bring a challenge to Melbourne’s forwards.   

Brooke Brown
There’s no doubt that the Kangaroos will be looking to shut down Melbourne’s forward line, with the Dees currently the equal-highest scoring team in the competition alongside Fremantle. Brown will be part of North’s efforts to hinder this scoreboard impact, currently performing as one of her team’s top defenders. The versatile athlete has height and agility on her side and with an average of 5.7 intercept marks, she’ll be one to watch down back.