North Melbourne fans still looking to celebrate Sunday’s elimination final win over Richmond at the MCG will find plenty of enjoyment in today’s newspapers.
The pages are full of royal blue and white following the stunning 17 point victory.
Named the best player on the ground, Kangaroo veteran Brent Harvey wound back the clock despite a hard tag from Tiger Taylor Hunt.
The Age
“Brent Harvey reminded that he can win his own ball in the packs. He can also win it at stoppages and goal when Richmond leave the corridor clear at a defensive ball up and allow Goldstein to palm it into Harvey's path to goal Not for a decade or more has Brent Harvey had a game like this — 14 contested possessions, seven clearances. This was the reprise of a rover.” – Michael Gleeson
The Age
“Ageless Brent Harvey had more touches than any other player on the ground.” - Greg Baum
The recruitment of Jarrad Waite from Carlton lauded after the forwards four goal haul.
Herald Sun
“Men such as Jarrad Waite who made the North Melbourne recruiters look like geniuses on Sunday with an outstanding performance in the 17-point elimination final victory over Richmond at the MCG.
“Waite did not buckle under pressure, he kicked four goals — the first three to keep the Kangaroos in touch after the Tigers threatened to run away with the contest in the first half.” - Bruce Matthews
The Age
“Maybe it was because North had bought wisely and their purchases delivered. This was the game Jarrad Waite was bought for.
“Brad Scott wondered if it was not the best or most important game Waite had played. He might be right. Scott didn't see all of Waite's work at Carlton but might recall a previous final he did well in as a Blue ... it was against Richmond.
“Waite was the man Richmond had no one for. They asked Jake Batchelor to play on him and he was too small and not mobile enough, nor good enough in the air. They had no one else. They tried Dylan Grimes briefly but he was no better equipped than Batchelor.
“Richmond had hoped the selection of Ben Griffiths would stretch North's defence in the manner that Jarrad Waite, Ben Brown and Drew Petrie stretched theirs. Griffiths had no impact and was subbed out. Waite was the dominant forward.” – Michael Gleeson
AFL.com.au
“Waite justified the decision to recruit him in his outstanding first half, booting three goals.
“The Blues have been lambasted for their bid for a priority selection at the upcoming draft. Rightly so, given some of the A-grade talent running around on the first weekend of finals that Carlton let go. Bad management saw Eddie Betts and Jarrad Waite walk out the door of Ikon Park, while Josh Kennedy was traded, and that trio booted 12 goals between them on the weekend.” – Travis King
The Age
“Carlton refugee Jarrad Waite kicked four game-breaking goals.” – Greg Baum
Ben Jacobs took another scalp, shutting down Tigers’ leader.
Herald Sun
“Captain Trent Cotchin had a nightmare game with just nine possessions in front of 90,186 spectators.
“North tagger Ben Jacobs studied videotape of Cotchin during the week with assistant coaches Darren Crocker and Leigh Tudor and development officer Jarred Moore to devise a strategy to curb the Richmond skipper’s impact.” – Bruce Matthews
The Age
“Wherever Richmond went North went with them. Wherever Trent Cotchin went Ben Jacobs shadowed him.” – Michael Gleeson
Shaun Higgins’ bone crunching collision with Dylan Grimes a moment to remember.
AFL.com.au
“We all know the Roos recruit is one of the most polished performers by hand and foot running around in the competition, but Shaun Higgins' effort to bounce back from a huge hit from Dylan Grimes could become the stuff of finals folklore.
“Making the ball their object, both players collided at top speed, with Grimes spinning off from the wreckage in a cartwheel before bouncing to his feet. But Higgins writhed in pain on the deck and had to be helped from the field. It could have rendered him a bit-player for the rest of the match, however he returned only minutes later and produced a strong four-quarter display that will enhance his reputation.” – Travis King
The Age
“A head-on collision between Dylan Grimes and Shaun Higgins typified the uncompromising spirit.” – Greg Baum
