Garner reaches new heights as Kangaroos smash Power
Shayne Hope |
North Melbourne superstar Jasmine Garner has produced one of the best individual AFLW performances of all-time in the reigning premiers’ 72-point demolition of Port Adelaide.
Garner kicked a career-best six goals from 30 disposals as the Kangaroos unveiled their premiership flag at Arden Street on Sunday before posting a dominant 13.9 (87) to 2.3 (15) victory.
It extended the Darren Crocker-coached side’s unbeaten run to 16 matches, after a dominant 2024 campaign and perfect 2-0 start to the new season.
The only sour note for North was losing Kim Rennie to a left ankle sprain in a ruck contest during the third quarter.
Garner’s six-goal haul was just one short of the record-equalling seven kicked by Sydney’s Chloe Molloy against Gold Coast a day earlier.
The 31-year-old’s stunning first half included four goals from 16 touches, eight contested possessions and eight score involvements.
“I’m pretty lucky,” Garner told the Seven Network at halftime.
“I’ve got such a great midfield and team around me. They allow me to get forward and get on the end of a few.”
North Melbourne had no shortage of stars, with Garner and fellow midfielder Ash Riddell at the top of the list.
Riddell tallied a career-best 43 disposals, seven clearances and a goal, and was full of praise for first-year captain Garner.
“I love playing with her. She’s one of my best mates and it’s nice to see her go forward and kick a few snags,” Riddell told the Seven Network.
“She’s so humble and an amazing leader, so we love playing footy with her.”
Garner stunned Port Adelaide with two early goals and Irish newcomer Amy Gavin Mangan capped a busy debut quarter with her first major.
The Kangaroos opened up a 35-0 lead during the second term before Gemma Houghton eventually found a reply for the Power.
But Houghton’s long-range goal was the visitors’ only score of the first half and they trailed by 43 points at the main break.
Port showed fight after the main break, and Houghton added a second major, but the damage had been done.
Garner kicked her sixth goal with more than three minutes left on the clock but didn’t seek to match the AFLW record, sitting out the remainder of the match on the bench.
Abbey Dowrick (19 disposals), Matilda Scholz (16), Ashleigh Woodland (15) and Houghton fought hard for the visitors, who slipped to 0-2 for the season.
AAP
