Awesome and upwards for Garner

JASMINE Garner is already an AFLW All-Australian, but the North Melbourne star has scope to become an even better player, according to coach Scott Gowans.

After confirming her status as one of the premier forwards in the competition last year, Garner showcased her ballwinning abilities by also being named in the VFL team of the year after averaging 24 disposals as a midfielder for Melbourne Uni.

Her improved aerobic capacity has allowed her to spend more time as an onballer for the Kangaroos at the start of the 2020 season, and on Saturday she showcased her matchwinning abilities.

Garner gathered 20 disposals and kicked her side’s first two goals in the 19-point defeat of GWS in Launceston, helping the Roos bounce back from an opening-round defeat.

And despite her starring role against the Giants, her coach believes she is yet to realise her full potential.

“She’s a special player and I think she can get better as well, fitness-wise she has come a long way and she still has a bit to go with that,” Gowans said.

“And then her game education, she can run to better spots I think and get a bit more of the footy rather than just contested ball. She tends to rely on contested ball still, but she is an awesome player.”

The victory at UTas Stadium also capped a perfect debut for home town hero Abbey Green. Drafted from Launceston in the TSLW, Green had six possessions.

“It was incredible, this is stuff I have dreamt of as a little kid,” Green said. “It’s definitely a big step up from the TSLW.”