Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Rob Forsaith

AFLW record falls as Roos march to 20th straight win

Jasmine Garner's incredible goal was the highlight of the Kangaroos' crushing AFLW win over Sydney. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)

North Melbourne have extended their remarkable run of AFLW dominance, cruising to a 68-point victory over Sydney to make it 20 straight wins.

Ash Riddell, for the third time this season, broke her own AFLW record for most possessions in a match.

Riddell helped herself to 45 disposals in Saturday's rout, while Kangaroos teammate Jasmine Garner (four goals and 28 possessions) was also unstoppable in Launceston.

North haven't lost a match since the 2023 grand final, making a mockery of rivals throughout a stunning 22-game undefeated streak.

The all-conquering Roos are eyeing a slice of Australian rules history as they bear down on Geelong's record of 23 consecutive wins, compiled across the 1952 and 1953 VFL seasons.

Emma Kearney of the Kangaroos
North Melbourne's premiership defence this season has been incredibly impressive. (Scott Barbour/AAP PHOTOS)

North prevailed 13.10 (88) to 3.2 (20) at UTAS Stadium, overwhelming the Swans despite hamstrung star Eilish Sheerin's last-minute withdrawal.

Sydney started well and trailed by two points at quarter-time.

The visitors were then brutally outclassed, failing to score in the second and third terms as North busted the contest open with eight goals.

The hosts claimed a 24-point lead at the major break, with Garner's party trick proving the highlight of the second-quarter onslaught.

Close to the 50m arc, she hurriedly snapped under pressure and the Sherrin lobbed in the pocket before turning sharply and bouncing end over end for a goal.

The Kangaroos will finish round eight in top spot, one game and percentage clear of Melbourne and Hawthorn.

Riddell and Garner were the Kangaroos' best.

But the reigning premiers had plenty of contributors in what was a textbook display: aggressive yet astute ball movement, pinpoint passes, ruthless pressure, relentless run and very few errors.

"They're killing us and annihilating us on the outside. Then we're also losing on the inside," Swans coach Scott Gowans told Fox Footy at three-quarter-time.

Sydney registered a behind soon after Gowans' words, through Montana Ham, and Ally Morphett ended the goal drought with a tick over four minutes remaining in the match.

Swans young gun Zippy Fish had 34 disposals and three tackles as she continued an eye-catching first season.

Gowans' side, having started this campaign with much promise, now risk ruining their finals hopes if they fail to snap a four-game losing streak.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.