DETAILS: Melbourne v North Melbourne
DATE: Saturday 19 November
TIME: 3:10pm (AEDT)
LOCATION: IKON Park | Wurundjeri
BROADCAST: Fox Footy, Kayo Sports and womens.afl
GAME DAY GUIDE: Available here
TICKETS: Available here
LAST TIME WE MET: Round 2, S7 | Melbourne v North Melbourne | MCG
It's no secret that these two sides love a battle to the final siren, with all five matches between the clubs having been decided by an average of 5.4 points. So, when they last met at the MCG during Round 2, Dees fans were once again left on the edge of their seats.
Melbourne started the match struggling to find the goals, North Melbourne leading at the opening break. The scoring drought was broken by skipper Daisy Pearce during the second quarter, igniting the Demons' attack.
Despite leading at the half-time and three-quarter time breaks, Melbourne found itself in a tight tussle during the final term. Thankfully for the home side, with four minutes left on the clock, Alyssa Bannan used her speed and skills to kick the match-winning goal, Dees fans breathing a sigh of relief as their team registered a 3.8 (26) to 4.0 (24) win.
Stalwart defender Libby Birch stood tall with seven marks, while Olivia Purcell (22 disposals) and Tyla Hanks (23 disposals) were both impressive in a tough contest.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Melbourne
Blaithin Mackin
In her first season of AFLW, the Irish Dee has quickly solidified her spot in the team and is fast becoming one of the standouts each week. Her innate competitiveness and natural athleticism has provided further depth to the Melbourne outfit, while her elite speed and agility has become a spectacle along the Demon wing.
Two weeks ago, on the big stage at IKON Park during Melbourne's Qualifying Final against Adelaide, Mackin showed her ability to compete in the contest under pressure and considering the No.31 didn't face North Melbourne back in Round 2, she will create a new danger for the opposition to handle on Saturday afternoon.
PLAYER TO WATCH: North Melbourne
Jasmine Garner
An exceptional talent in both the midfield and forward line, Jasmine Garner’s skills across the ground are nearly unmatched. From her ability to pull the ball out of the contest to her impact inside 50, the 28-year-old is a clear standout. She is currently completing one of her career-best campaigns and is a front-runner to take out the AFLW Best and Fairest.
Last week, during North's semi-final clash against Richmond, Garner was the match-winner collecting 22 disposals, seven clearances, eight tackles and two goals. She will be hoping to replicate that performance again this weekend against the Dees and will no doubt be a player to watch come Saturday.
