Roos survive Blues scare to keep AFLW record alive

In front of more than 3500 supporters at Arden Street, a boilover was on the cards after Carlton kicked back-to-back goals against the breeze in the second quarter to take a three-point lead.

The game was still in the balance in the dying minutes, with Carlton's Lily Goss having the chance to close a 10-point deficit to four after taking a mark 35 metres out.

But not realising there was a player behind her, Goss played on and was immediately tackled, with the moment proving Carlton's last chance to fire a shot as North held on - 4.9 (33) to 3.5 (23).

Riddell was unstoppable throughout, while Jasmine Garner (30 disposals, five clearances, one goal) was also huge. 

North are a perfect 5-0 this season, and have now won a record-extending 32 straight games since drawing with Geelong in round two of 2024.

Riddell said her team embraced the challenge thrown down by the Blues. 

"We love it, and we had that against Brisbane a couple of weeks ago," Riddell told Channel 7.

"We get excited by that. You could see the girls smiling as they came in at three-quarter time. We want that challenge, so it's great."

Although Carlton dropped to 4-1, the strong display against North has fuelled their belief.

"We would have loved to have won, so we're a little bit disappointed, but also super proud," Carlton captain Abbie McKay said following her 27-disposal, five-clearance effort.

"We lost by (53) last year, so it shows we're really growing as a team. 

"We're here to win, and we're here to win a grand final. Although we lost, it shows we're improving."

Goals against the breeze to Nell Morris-Dalton and Lila Keck thrust Carlton into a shock lead early in the second term, but a 40m set shot from Tahlia Randall followed by Blaithin Bogue's goal on the run ensured North entered the long break with a nine-point advantage.

How did that stay in?! �#AFLWNorthBlues pic.twitter.com/nDrzLNZhhO— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) September 13, 2026

Randall suffered a scary moment in the third quarter when she hyperextended her left elbow, but she was able to return after receiving treatment.

The standout moment of the third quarter was a two-bounce, tackle busting effort from Carlton speedster Goss that helped set up a goal to Erone Fitzpatrick.

Garner's late major ensured the Kangaroos headed into three-quarter time with an eight-point lead, and there were no goals scored in a frantic final term.

Meanwhile, Fremantle improved their record to 3-2 despite the late withdrawal of star ruck Mim Strom and a first-half ankle injury to defender Emma O'Driscoll.

Essendon forward Daria Bannister (quad) also suffered a game-ending injury in the first half in what was her first game of the year.

Madison Prespakis (34 disposals, 501m gained) led the way for Essendon, while Kiara Bowers (26 disposals, five clearances, nine tackles, 402m gained) starred for Fremantle to give the club their maiden win at their new home ground of Cockburn Arc Oval.