North beat GWS as storm disrupts AFLW game

A thunderstorm delayed the start and interrupted the AFLW match between GWS and North Melbourne, before the Kangaroos kicked away to win by 25 points.

AFLW GIANTS KANGAROOS

Thunderstorms and a power cut wreaked havoc with the AFLW match between GWS and the Kangaroos. (AAP)

North Melbourne overcame multiple delays, resulting from a severe thunderstorm in Sydney, and spirited resistance from GWS to prevail by 25 points in Friday night's AFLW clash.

North, one of two teams added to the competition this year, backed up their stylish season-opening victory by trumping the Giants 7.6 (48) to 2.11 (23).

Kangaroos captain Emma Kearney led from the front as the visitors showed more composure in slippery conditions and bizarre scenes at Drummoyne Oval.

At various points on Friday night, it looked doubtful whether the round-two opener would be completed but a crowd of 1,365 stuck around in torrential rain.

The start of play was pushed back 43 minutes because the AFL's head of football operations Steve Hocking was concerned about lightning close to the venue, while a light tower also briefly stopped working.

The rain actually eased during the first half but three light towers at the suburban venue went out during the second quarter, at which point North led GWS by 10 points.

Umpires deemed there wasn't sufficient light and directed players to return to the rooms, with some four minutes and 38 seconds remaining in the second half.

Hocking discussed the state of play with representatives from both clubs during the long delay and all parties agreed for the halftime break to be trimmed to just six minutes.

"Everyone just stayed composed," North coach Scott Gowans said.

"Resilience has been a big word we've used throughout the program. They weren't flustered, stayed calm and did what they had to do."

Giants coach Alan McConnell suggested the disruptions were no excuse for the defeat but added "it's unbelievably tough to put on a good show in those circumstances."

"It's disappointing ... we have high expectations of ourselves," McConnell said after GWS's second loss of the season.

Kearney, the league's reigning best and fairest, finished with a game-high 22 disposals plus eight tackles.

"Jess Duffin and I are pretty prepared I guess. We're used to going on and off in cricket season," Kearney joked during the abridged halftime.

"But never footy. A very unique situation."

Hocking, speaking prior to the delayed start, noted "we need to get the game away but also we're majorly concerned about the players' safety, absolutely".

GWS trailed by only eight points at three-quarter time but North then seized control, with Emma King kicking two goals in the space of four minutes.

Giant Emma Swanson suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter and played no further part in the game, while North midfielder Ashleigh Riddell was unable to take part in the final quarter because of an ankle injury.


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Source: AAP


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