It was a memorable win on Friday night, as Rhyce Shaw started his official tenure as senior coach in style.

North’s start was from ideal, with its lowest first-quarter score this year, as Hawthorn dominated the early stages.

“It was the scary 15 minutes of football that looked like all but ending the Roos’ slim finals chances.

“So much so it led Melbourne great Garry Lyon to declare North Melbourne was “spooked”." – Matt Balmer, Fox Sports

But there was no panic, and the Roos slowly worked their way back, taking the lead for the first time in the third quarter and going on to record a strong victory.

"Somehow, North Melbourne are still a chance to finish in the top eight, less than three months after parting ways with coach Brad Scott, following their 22-point victory on Friday night.” – Matt Balmer, Fox Sports

It was North’s on-ballers who led the charge, Ben Cunnington and Shaun Higgins particularly influential.

“Much of the turnaround after quarter-time was due to the fact the North midfielders began to get on top of their Hawthorn counterparts, with Shaun Higgins (28 disposals and two goals) and Ben Cunnington (21 touches) finding the footy after being shown up by James Worpel, Jaeger O'Meara and co. during the first quarter.” – Jonathan Healy, AFL.com.au

“The Kangaroos absorbed the onslaught, settled and proceeded to dominate play. On the back of some strong clearance work, repeat inside-50s and contested ball dominance, North hit back hard to boot nine of the next 12 goals.” Ronny Lerner – Sydney Morning Herald

“With Cunnington starting his engine, the Roos completely turned it around and would’ve levelled the scores at half time, if Ben Brown kicked truly after the siren.” – Matt Balmer, Fox Sports

Cunnington finished with 21 disposals, and Jared Polec was also influential with 23, while Higgins was the dominant midfielder on the ground with 28 and 2 goals.

Brown registered his 50th goal of the season, the third time he’s reached the mark in as many years.

That’s an effort last achieved by Wayne Carey.

“The race for the Coleman Medal is well and truly heating up.

“Giant Jeremy Cameron has 57 goals and Kangaroo Ben Brown became the second player this season to bring up the half century.

“He was able to reach it in the third term with a beautiful snap goal on the run that bounced its way through.

“Brown would finish with four goals to take his season tally to 52.

“He’s coming.” – Nick Smart, Herald Sun

“Brown would end up with a game-high four majors to play a pivotal role in their comeback and soundly defeat in-form Hawthorn defender James Frawley.” – Ronny Lerner, Sydney Morning Herald

The media full of praise for new coach Shaw, who was able to guide his team back from what could have been a match-winning deficit. 

“Coach Rhyce Shaw will be confronted with endless issues throughout his career, yet he passed his first test with aplomb.

“It was said in the lead-up to Friday night that North was too rushed in its selection of Shaw, that it didn’t do a thorough process and, pointedly, let’s see how he coaches against the master in Alastair Clarkson. Well, North was four goals down in the first quarter and won by four goals going away. That’s a huge tick for making the right adjustments in the coaches’ box.” – Mark Robinson, Herald Sun