North won its fourth game in five weeks after holding off a surging Carlton at Etihad on Sunday.

The Roos came out of the block on fire, stunning the Blues, the crowd and the media with a scintillating display.

Seven Network

“The Kangaroos were untouchable in the opening term.” - Hamish McLachlan

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The Age

“…a cricket score loomed as a genuine possibility in the early stages as North burst out of the blocks. It had been the Roos' way in recent weeks, they kicked 10 first-quarter majors to stun Adelaide in Hobart three weeks ago, and just seven days ago managed 13 scoring shots to quarter-time against Melbourne.” – Daniel Cherny

Herald Sun

“North Melbourne had kicked seven goals to two and was playing like millionaires.” – Scott Gullan

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But for all its work with 11 goals in just a quarter and a half of play, the tables turned and the Roos lost all the momentum. Carlton took the lead in the fourth term after trailing by 45-points mid-way through the second.

Despite a quiet day initially, Mason Wood and Shaun Atley stood tall when it counted most and helped the Roos take back the lead.

Seven Network

“You can still make a difference in just one quarter … you never know when your moment is.” – Brian Taylor

AAP

Carlton looked set to produce a comeback for the ages before Mason Wood - who was virtually unseen to three-quarter time - took a strong leading mark and slotted the set shot. The young key forward soon had his second, taking a strong mark and kicking truly to extend the Roos' lead after Shaun Atley's crumbing goal.

Herald Sun

“North fans keep hoping Shaun Atley has another gear and he showed glimpses of it with a dominant final quarter, while Luke McDonald collected 28 possessions in his best game for a while.” – Scott Gullan

Earlier in the afternoon it was the captain who led the way.

AAP

Midfielders Jack Ziebell, Trent Dumont and Shaun Higgins were influential for North, while Taylor Garner led the way up forward with three goals.

The 17-point win keeping North in the race.

SEN

“We owe Brad Scott an apology, because we all scoffed, a lot of people scoffed at what they did last year in the retirement of their players, what that would do to the mood of the club, how far they would have to tumble before they were able to regroup and regenerate. They’ve been able to do that I think in an off season.” – Tim Watson

Herald Sun

“The result leaves the Kangaroos 4-6 and with a healthy percentage of 96.7, the finals flame still flickering.” – Chris Cavanagh