Blaithin Bogue slots miraculous soccer goal as Kangaroos avoid major scare in AFLW season-opener
The Cats threatened to cause a Round 1 boilover against the defending premiers after closing the margin to six points with one quarter remaining in Saturday's match, before the Kangaroos ran out 8.3 (51) to 3.3 (21) winners at Kardinia Park.
Heavy rain greeted the players for the start of the final quarter, and it made Gaelic star Bogue feel right at home.
The 25-year-old, North's first debutant since Round 7, 2023. produced an opportunistic 20m soccer goal from around her body to get things going.
A clever kick forward by Bogue set up Bella Eddey for the next goal, giving North an 18-point lead.
And it was effectively game over a few minutes later when Bogue took a mark in the goal square before running on to kick truly from point-blank range, sealing the win.
Riddell was also influential, racking up a game-high 28 disposals and eight clearances in a superb effort as North slammed home five goals to one in a dominant final quarter.
"It was great. The first three quarters were tough, but we knew we just had to keep fighting until the end," Bogue told Fox Sports.
"I honestly was just in the right place at the right time (for the goals).
"The first one, the ball was just there and I just had to put the boot on it, because they put so much pressure on you if you try to bend down for the ball. I was just happy I got it away."
The Cats were left with plenty of issues.
Geelong ruck Kate Darby lasted mere minutes before suffering a game-ending injury to her right calf.
Jacqueline Parry injured her right ankle late in the game, and Rebecca Webster could be facing a suspension for her high bump on North Melbourne's Ruby Tripodi.
North went unbeaten last year on the way to the flag, Geelong the only team able to take premiership points off the powerhouse via a Round 2 draw.
The Kangaroos dominated the clearances 8-3 and inside-50 entries 11-3 in the opening term, but Geelong's remarkable efficiency in attack meant scores were level at two goals apiece at the first break.
North forward Kate Shierlaw kicked her first goal late in the opening term courtesy of a strong mark and a 50m penalty, and had another one to her name early in the second in what would prove to be the only major for the quarter.
The Cats found their groove in the third term, but their only reward was two behinds, despite winning the inside-50 count 10-3.
It meant North still had the lead heading into the final quarter, and Bogue's heroics in the wet shut the door on any hopes of a Cats victory.
AAP
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