On a greasy Sunday afternoon, the Kangaroos were jumped early conceding five of the first six goals to trail by 26-points at quarter time.
However, the main talking point of the first term was a horrific leg injury to Swan Gary Rohan after a collision with Lindsay Thomas. It was considered by many the catalyst for the new slide rule being introduced in 2013.
North’s slow start was quickly turned around in the second quarter, albeit temporarily. Three quick goals to Thomas, Daniel Wells and Ben Cunnington cut the deficit to just eight points, but Sydney's quick response restored its lead and it went into half-time with an 18-point lead.
Early territorial advantage in the third term for North didn't result in any scoreboard pressure. It was followed by several turnovers in the Kangaroos’ defensive half which allowed Sydney to kick two quick goals. The Swans extended their margin to 40-points with a quarter to go and the game looked all but over.
However North hit back, securing the ball in its forward half for much of the quarter. Brad Scott’s team had seven of the next eight scoring shots but only managed to trim the margin from 39 to 23; inaccuracy preventing any chance of an unlikely comeback.
Two late Sydney goals killed the contest off and condemned North to a disappointing defeat.
Liam Anthony led all players with 30 disposals while Jack Ziebell collected 22 and had 9 clearances.
Sydney 5.5.35, 9.7.61, 14.9.93, 17.11.113
North Melbourne 1.3.9, 6.7.43, 7.11.53, 10.17.77
Goals
Sydney: Everitt 3, Jetta 3, McGlynn 3, Bolton 2, Armstrong 1, Kennedy 1, Malceski 1, McVeigh 1, O'Keefe 1, Rohan 1
North Melbourne: Campbell 2, Macmillan 2, Thomas 2, Cunnington 1, Harvey 1, Petrie 1, Wells 1
Brownlow Medal
3 - Kieren Jack (Syd), 2 - Ben McGlynn (Syd), 1 - Luke Parker (Syd)
