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AAP
Sport
Shayne Hope

Riddell sets AFLW record as Kangaroos fire

North Melbourne's Ash Riddell set an AFLW record with 42 disposals in their win over West Coast. (AAP)

Ash Riddell has set a record for most disposals in an AFLW match as North Melbourne tuned up for the finals with a 39-point win over West Coast.

After defeats in their previous two matches, the Kangaroos generated some much-needed momentum with a 9.5 (59) to 3.2 (20) victory at Arden Street Oval on Saturday.

The big margin was a handy percentage boost for Darren Crocker's side in the fight for fourth spot.

The Kangaroos will host a qualifying final in Melbourne next weekend if sixth-placed Fremantle don't overtake them on percentage.

The Dockers host Gold Coast on Sunday.

North Melbourne produced a strong team display in their timely return to form but it was star midfielder Riddell who shone brightest.

The prolific ball-winner gathered 42 disposals to surpass the previous best mark of 35, which she held jointly with Adelaide pair Ebony Marinoff and Anne Hatchard.

Emma Kearney (25 disposals), Jenna Bruton (27) and Jasmine Garner (26) also won plenty of the ball in a dominant midfield unit.

"Collectively our midfield group was pretty disappointed with last week's effort (against Brisbane) and it was a lot on us and our contested ball," Riddell told Fox Footy.

"As a group we were really hurt by that and we wanted to come together today and make sure we made amends leading into finals.

"I was just plodding along trying to do my bit and as long as we get the win that's all that matters.

"We've got a little bit of momentum coming into (finals) ... and it's a good step moving forward."

Bottom side West Coast stunned their hosts with two of the first three goals in a hot start.

But it was all North Melbourne from there as Emma King announced her return from an ankle injury with two strong marks that both led to goals in the opening term.

Riddell had 22 disposals in the first half as five consecutive goals gave the Kangaroos a commanding 28-point lead at the main break.

They went on with the job in the third term before cruising to a comfortable win.

Ruck-forward King was one of four multiple goal-kickers for the Kangaroos, with Daria Bannister, Jasmine Garner and Tahlia Randall kicking two majors each.

The result completed a bleak season for West Coast, who took out the wooden spoon with a 1-9 record.

The Eagles' last three defeats of a trying campaign - which was impacted by interstate travel restrictions - were by a combined margin of 173 points.

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