In an AFLW pride round clash,North Melbourne dominated GWS in the first half, cruising to a comfortable 27 point victory at Arden Street Oval.
At the main break, GWS was held scoreless by North, who held a comfortable lead of 35 points and dominated across all three lines.
GWS struggled from the first bounce, allowing the North Melbourne midfield to get a clean run at the ball, and lock it in its forward 50 for much of the game. The orange jumpers were scarce, enabling anEmma Kearney-led defence to send the ball back into their attacking half, where the forwards pounced.
But as the heat and fatigue settled in, the Giants kicked three goals in the final term to cut down the margin, including one from debutantJess Doyle.
In the middle,Ash RiddellandKaitlyn Ashmorewon plenty of the ball and were troublesome for aRebecca Beeson-less Giants midfield.
The Kangaroos' skipper andAileen Gilroyled the charge down back - intercepting and rebounding the Giants' inside 50 entries. It was also Kearney who kicked the match's first major, after pressing into North's attacking half from half-back.
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Daria BannisterandEllie Gavalaspiled on scoreboard pressure, kicking two goals each. GWS' defence had their hands full withSophie AbbatangeloandJenna Bruton, who brought relentless tackling pressure and seemed to be everywhere.
2021 club best and fairestJasmine Garnerfound herself up forward, snapping a goal from a stoppage to take North Melbourne to 5.5 (35) into the main break.
On the other hand, GWS was scoreless, with only one unsuccessful scoring shot. Throughout the half, GWS struggled to get their hands on the ball, creating a lack of inside 50s.
This continued into the third quarter, whereGavalaskicked her second andDaisy Batemanalso slotted a goal, but from that point, scoring dried up for North Melbourne.
Late in the third term,Ally Dallawaykicked a behind to record The Giants' first score, but the elusive first major came fromoff-season recruitChloe Dalton.
In the final term, the heat and fatigue settled in, opening the game up and creating a more even contest between the sides. GWS sent the ball inside 50, whereRebecca Privitelli,Jessica Doyle, andCora Stauntonkicked a goal each.
Tahlia Randallclunked a beautiful mark inside 50 but was unable to convert, resulting in a scoreless quarter for North Melbourne.
In a disappointing outing for the Giants,Alyce Parker,Alicia Eva, andNicola Barr's work rate shouldn't go noticed. They just, unfortunately, did not have the full support needed throughout the game to battle North's dominance.
Next week, GWS will look to bounce back against the Bulldogs at home, while North Melbourne face Carlton at Ikon Park in round four of the AFLW.