644 days and counting: ‘Unbeatable’ Kangaroos continue their streak

“For us, we talk about a bit of a sisterhood – that we can do it anywhere, any part of the country, and that was another one today,” Lewis told Fox Footy.

“It’s pretty special (playing under Pearce). She’s kind of like our big sister. She’s just amazing. She loves us so much.

“A lot of the reason we want to play is for her.”

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“At the moment they [North] are unbeatable, aren’t they?,” he said.

Despite Collingwood’s loss, Wright said the team’s defensive system had good moments, highlighting Tarnie White’s smothering efforts.

North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker also commended Collingwood’s defensive pressure, and said his team was not focused on its winning streak.

“We just continue to stay in the present,” he said post match. “Stay in the week, do what we have to do this week to perform and play it out somewhere near our best. And we know that if we’re playing somewhere near our best, it’s going to be pretty strong.”

The Magpies’ defence was on full display in the first quarter, and for a while, it looked like the visitors were going to hold the Roos goalless. However, in the final two minutes of the quarter Mia King slotted North’s first goal and left the Magpies scoreless.

Both teams ramped up the momentum in the second term, with Pies midfielder Tarni White successfully smothering North’s attempts at goal. However, Collingwood had no answer for Vikki Wall’s speed later in the quarter.

The Irish medium-sized forward sprinted down the field, dodging and manoeuvring past several tackles before passing it to Blaithin Bouge to boot a goal. Despite an attempt by Sabrina Frederick towards the end of the quarter, Collingwood were still scoreless by half-time.

Impressive efforts from Kalinda Howarth in the third quarter finally put the Pies on the scoreboard, but North answered immediately with a goal from Bella Eddey followed by another snap from Alice O’Loughlin in her 50th game. The forward recently signed a two-year contract extension with the Roos.

Collingwood lifted in the final, with a goal from 2024’s No.1 draft pick Ash Centra. Both teams paused on a whistle, however play continued and the rookie took advantage of everyone’s momentary distraction and sprinted towards the goal square, looking around to see if anyone was following her before booting it through.

But it did little to halt North’s dominance, with the reigning premiers showcasing a slick fast style of footy that put them on the top of the ladder. North Melbourne won 8.10 (58) to Collingwood 2.1 (13).

Aishling Moloney (two goals) and Jackie Parry (three) formed a formidable pairing in attack, combining for 14 marks.

So dominant were the Cats that they finished with 44 to 21 forward entries.

Georgia Gee kicked two goals to lead an understrength Bombers attack - without co-captain Bonnie Toogood and Daria Bannister - while Georgia Nanscawen (31 disposals, six clearances) worked desperately to keep the hosts alive.

While Essendon will regain Toogood after the co-captain served a two-match dangerous tackle suspension, Bannister is expected to miss at least three weeks with a fractured hand.

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