Tara Murray
A late comeback from the Western Bulldogs has fallen short in the Victorian Football League women’s grand final.
For the Bulldogs it was their second grand final, having done it the hard way after losing in the first week of finals to Williamstown.
The Kangaroos dominated the contest early before the Bulldogs fought back to level the scores in the final quarter.
The Kangaroos found another level late to come away with a 10.8 (68)-7.6 (48) win.
North Melbourne opened the scoring in the opening minutes of the game and dominated the first two quarters.
At one stage the Kangaroos led by 32 points in the second quarter, before a late goal to Mia Rae-Clifford gave her side some hope.
A spirited comeback levelled things at the final break, with the Bulldogs kicking the only four goals of the third quarter.
As she had done in the first quarter, Emily Paterno, whose local club is Hillside, kicked an early goal to give her side the lead in the final quarter.
It was one of three goals for the Kangaroos put on early in the quarter to take control back of the game.
Keeley Hardingham gave her side a shot when she got one back for the Bulldogs in the 15th minute of the quarter.
Audrey Rhodes sealed the win for the Kangaroos with a goal in the final minute.
Bulldogs skipper Dom Carbone led by example with 21 disposals and four tackles, while Hardingham battled hard in the ruck with 24 hit-outs and six clearances.
Tannah Hurst was also busy with 15 disposals, while Jorja Livingstone was solid with 13 disposals and four tackles.
Nyakoat Dojiok, who kicked four goals for the Kangaroos, was awarded the Lisa Hardeman Medal as the player judged best on ground.
Alana Barba, who grew up playing at Roxburgh Park and is aligned with Greenvale, was another standout for the Kangaroos.
She finished third in the voting for the Hardeman Medal.
Mary Daw, who is captain of Western Football League side the Suns, was also part of the premiership team.
Carbone, who was the only Bulldogs player to poll votes in the Hardeman Medal, congratulated North Melbourne for getting the win.
“You guys were our biggest competition and be proud of yourselves,” she said on stage after the game.
“To our girls I can’t even begin to explain how proud of you all. When we talk heart and soul and how much we pour into this season, it’s something that you should be proud of.”
