ROOS GRAB TASSIE TWO

THE Tasmania-isation of the AFLW Kangaroos is gathering pace with two locals signing on from rival clubs.

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos have secured another two stars with Tasmanian-born Brittany Gibson and Daria Bannister joining the club from Brisbane and the Western Bulldogs respectively.

The duo join Tasmanian State League Women’s recruit Maddison Smith as the combined entity looks to eventually form a list with half its players coming from the island state.

“Daria and Britt are great pick-ups,” North AFLW coach Scott Gowans said. “Both have shown great determination and skill and will be important components of our team.”

Gibson was picked by the Brisbane Lions in the 2016 draft after impressing with the Burnie Dockers, while Bannister was drafted to the Western Bulldogs in 2017.

“They both moved from Tasmania to pursue their AFLW dreams, so it will be really exciting when they pull on the royal blue and white stripes,” Gowans said.

“Daria will also undertake a traineeship with AFL Tasmania to further assist in her professional development.”

Smith was discovered at the club’s AFLW Talent Search and turned heads with her ball use and strength.

“WWe are committed to fielding half the team with Fiet Tasmanian talent over the coming years and this is a great start,” Gowans said.

Gibson and Bannister join jo AFLW stars Emma Kearney, K Jasmine Garner, JamieJam Stanton, Jess Duffin, Tahlia Tahli Randall, Danielle Hardiman, Hardim Jenna Bruton and Katherine Katherin Gillespie-Jones.