THE Tamworth Kangaroos have begun their AFL North West women's premiership defence in winning style over the Tamworth Swans.
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The clash at Riverside 5 marked the Swans' first in the AFL North West competition and they found themselves in the contest for a time.
Leading by one goal at quarter-time, the Swans tried to keep the momentum going in the second term, as the Roos registered four behinds.
The second half saw both teams step their up their game and wrestle for control.
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However, it was the Roos who had the better of the premiership quarter, taking a 1-5-11 to 1-2-8 lead into the final term.
From there, the reigning premiers put on another two goals to walk away with a 3-10-28 to 1-3-9 win over their local rivals.
Amanda Brown booted one of the Roos' three goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Ruby Spark and Shannon Campbell kicked the side's other two goals for the day.
Billie Mitchell was named the Swans' best player on the day, while Daisy George kicked the side's solitary goal.
Roos coach Brett Douglas said his side was "just pretty excited to play four quarters of competitive footy".
"We had eight new players taking the field for the first time, so I think all of the girls were pretty excited to get into it," Douglas said.
"I think we were a little bit rusty in the first half, having not played too much lately.
"But, I also think that comes down to the Swans' efforts, they were really competitive and will be a tough team to beat this season."
Douglas praised the efforts of several of his players, including Brown, Campbell and Emily Southwell.
"Amanda is just so consistent for us; you just know what you're going to get every weekend," he said.
"Shannon led from the front for us as captain and I think she makes it really easy for the rest of the team to follow. I was also really impressed with the efforts of Emily at full back.
"She was given a job to do and, like our whole team, she did it really well."
The clash also marked a rare family affair for the Roos, with mother-daughter combo Naomi and Ruby Spark taking the field together for the first time.
"It was pretty special for those two to have a run together," Douglas said.
"They have both made the transition from hockey and have really taken to our game quite quickly.
"Ruby even kicked a goal, which I think gave the whole team a thrill."
The Roos will have a bye next weekend, before taking on the New England Nomads at Tamworth No.1 Oval on May 18. The Swans will look to bounce back against the Inverell Saints on May 11.