A 50-point win over Ireland in the first women's Australian rules international was built on a burst of six straight goals either side of half-time. Australia led at every break, by margins of 12, 30 and 41, before a capacity crowd of 9017 at North Sydney Oval.
Garner shines as Australia dominate midfield
Australia won the physical battle, tallying 35 more contested possessions. Captain and North Melbourne star Jasmine Garner was named player of the match, while Ebony Marinoff led all possession winners with 25, ahead of Ash Riddell and Nina Morrison on 21 each.
Ireland, supported by a large contingent of their own fans, produced fast, flowing passages of play in the first half. Erika O'Shea led their possession count with 21, followed by skipper Orla O'Dwyer with 19.
Goal kickers and key runs
North Melbourne players were the leading goal kickers for both teams: Tahlia Randall bagged four for Australia and Blaithin Bogue three for Ireland. Australia kicked three goals in the first six minutes, with Sydney's Zippy Fish scoring the first, but Ireland responded with three goals either side of quarter time.
Ireland's accuracy — 5.0 to Australia's 5.6 — kept them in the game for much of the first half. The home team kicked the only two goals of the third quarter and took the last term two goals to one to seal the 50-point victory.
Ruck dominance and injury concern
Australian rucks Mim Strom and Matilda Scholz dominated the hitouts, giving the home side a huge advantage in that area. Australia also dominated in the air, taking 38 more marks and restricting Ireland to just eight in the first half.
Ireland's Aine McDonagh left the field clutching her right arm late in the second quarter.
