The VFLW Bombers have been left to rue a goalless final term in a heartbreaking four-point defeat to North Melbourne at Windy Hill on Saturday.

The Bombers led until the final moments, but the Kangaroos came from behind to run away with a 4.5 (29) to 3.7 (25) win.

Energy was high early with Lauren Caruso and Emma Yassir starting strong from the first bounce with hard tackles and fast ball movement.

Defender Alex Morcom was awarded a 50-metre penalty, which she converted to get the Bombers on the board and her first goal of the season.

After a goalless opening term, the Kangaroos came out firing to score their first major and tightened the pressure on the Bombers.

Lauren Ahrens used her AFLW experience to provide guidance across the backline while taking strong contested marks to stop the Kangaroos’ run towards goal.

A late goal to Alana Barba gave Essendon a much-needed spark and a nine-point lead heading into the main break.

Returning from half-time, the Kangaroos started quickly and hit the scoreboard in the opening minutes.  

Natalie MacDonald applied strong pressure across the forward line while Georgia Nanscawen and Eloise Ashley-Cooper contested through the midfield, fighting hard to send the ball towards goals.

After multiple third-quarter goals for the Kangaroos, Barba converted for her second with a snap on the run, giving the Bombers a two-point lead at three-quarter time.

Despite fighting hard until the end, a scoreless final term for the Bombers saw the Kangaroos claim a four-point win.

Final-quarter heartbreak

After controlling the game for majority of the day, a drop in intensity left Essendon fighting for its narrow lead.

The Bombers struggled to get the ball into their forward line with the Kangaroos’ tall defence cutting off multiple attempts.

Barba was a shining light up forward, not only hitting the board twice but using her speed and clean hands to move the ball into space.

Ahrens, who was named second best on ground, said her side dropped its intensity in the final term, allowing the opposition to take control.

“We probably just dropped our pressure. They sort of started to connect a bit more and our skills started to fall to pieces a little bit,” Ahrens said.

“We didn’t really capitalise on our opportunities and that was probably the biggest thing.” 

Midfield stands strong 

Essendon’s midfield fought hard for four quarters to stay in the game, with Calder Cannons player Yassir stepping up at the next level.

With the support of captain Nanscawen and Ashley-Cooper, Yassir used her clean skills and pace to send the ball into space while also fighting hard against bigger bodies at the contests.

Another NAB League debutant in Georgie Prespakis stepped up to VFLW level, with the 18-year-old looking comfortable in the Bombers’ midfield.

Prespakis impressed Ahrens with her ability to withstand her strong opponents, while the younger generation of players excited Ahrens for the future.

“I was really excited to see a few of our kids out there. Georgie Prespakis, she’s a little gun and to see her run around in the women’s is really good,” Ahrens said.

“Everyone has grown so much over the last couple of years so for me to see that is just awesome.”

Embrace opportunities

With only two home and away games left before finals, the Bombers will hope to keep their place in the top six for a maiden finals berth.

After three consecutive defeats, the Bombers will hope to return to the winners list and regain some confidence when they take on Darebin next Saturday.

Ahrens said Essendon would focus on taking opportunities and capitalising when it has possession.

“I think just getting our touch in and hoping we can capitalise a little bit more next week,” Ahrens said.

“If we can capitalise a little bit more next week it’s going to obviously be a really important thing for us, so we need to take our opportunities when they come.”

The VFLW Bombers will hope to regain their winning form when they take on Darebin next Saturday at Bill Lawry Oval from midday.

ESSENDON 1.3 2.5 3.6 3.7 (25)
NORTH MELBOURNE 0.2 1.2 3.4 4.5 (29)

Goals: Barba 2, Morcom

Best: Yassir, Ahrens, Caruso, Ashley-Cooper, MacDonald, Nanscawen