North Melbourne 15.11.101 defeated Melbourne 10.7.67
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
Video: Match highlights
News: Match report
News: Roos aim for flexibility: Laidley
News: A blessing in disguide: Harding
Photos: Match photo gallery
The start of a new season for North Melbourne and the revelation of first round draft pick Jack Ziebell against Melbourne.
An inexperienced Demons line-up puts up a strong fight in the opening two quarters, but eight goals to four in the second half helps the Kangaroos to a 34 point win.
Coach Dean Laidley changed things up through the midfield, Leigh Harding making the most of his opportunity with 28 possessions and a goal to earn best on ground honours.
Hamish McIntosh was another who starred, brushing off pre-season trade talk with a dominant performance in the ruck that netted him 21 possessions and three goals.
Goals: McIntosh 3, Thomas 2, Petrie 2, Campbell 2, Harvey, McMahon, Harding, Simpson, Hale, Firrito
Best players: Harding, McIntosh, Rawlings, Petrie, Simpson, McMahon
32 – McIntosh, Harding
29 – Swallow
27 – Rawlings
26 – McMahon, Power
25 – Thompson, Simpson
24 – Petrie, Hansen, Urquhart
23 – Wells
20 – Pratt, Campbell, Thomas
17 – Harvey
16 - Firrito 
North Melbourne 9.11.65 defeated by Western Bulldogs 11.14.80
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Match replay
News: Match report
News: Inexperience costly: Laidley
News: Simpson faults himself, not effort
Photos: Match photo gallery
The Roos honoured emergency services workers before the game in the wake of Victoria's bushfires.
The Bulldogs went in as favourites after coming off a convincing win against Fremantle at Subiaco, and in the early stages they looked far better with three goals to one in the first term.
North fought back strongly though, 33 year-old Adam Simpson brilliant through the midfield as the margin was reduced to 10 points at the main change.
Four goals apiece in the premiership quarter meant the game was right in the balance with a term to play, a bruising content closing to within just two points after Hamish McIntosh marked strongly and kicked truly with eight minutes to play.
It wasn't to be though for the Kangaroos, Lindsay Gilbee and Josh Hill combining to seal the victory.
Leigh Harding continued his strong form with 20 possessions, while McIntosh, Simpson and Matt Campbell were all important.
Goals: Campbell 2, Thomas 2, Simpson, Wells, Swallow, Hale, McIntosh
Best players: Harding, Simpson, McIntosh, Campbell, Thomas, Wells
30 – Simpson
27 – Hansen
23 – McIntosh, Swallow, Petrie
22 – Rawlings, Thompson
20 – Urquhart, Firrito
19 – Power, Wells
18 – McMahon, Pratt, Campbell, Ziebell
15 – Harding
14 – Lower
13 - Thomas 
North Melbourne 10.9.69 defeated by Hawthorn 19.9.123
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
Video: Match replay
News: Match report
News: Lack of intensity shatters Laidley
News: Video distraction no excuse: Simpson
Winless after the first two rounds, the reigning premier Hawthorn was desperate to get its season started. The Hawks kicked four goals to two in the opening term, and never looked back as they broke out to a 29 point lead at the main change.
The Roos battled hard to kick the first two goals of the third quarter, but wasted opportunities and their inability to shut down Sam Mitchell and Brent Guerra through the midfield was the catalyst behind a big win to the Hawks. Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin did the damage up forward with five and four goals respectively.
In more bad news for North Melbourne, David Hale was stretchered from the field after colliding heavily with teammate Roughead and teammate Lachie Hansen.
There were some positives to come out of the match with Brady Rawlings and Adam Simpson both terrific in the midfield while Andrew Swallow had 24 possessions.
Goals: Petrie 2, Thomas 2, Firrito, Campbell, Harding, Wells, McMahon, Jones
Results: Gibson, Rawlings, McIntosh, Firrito, Simpson, Swallow
29 – Rawlings
27 - Gibson
23 – McIntosh, Urquhart
22 – Simpson, Hansen
19 – Thompson
18 – Power
16 - Ziebell
15 – Swallow
14 – Harding
12 – Petrie 
North Melbourne 10.9.69 defeated Essendon 7.15.57
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
Video: Match highlights
News: Match report
News: Win is a stepping stone, says Laidley
News: Hale sets pace up forward
News: Timing's right for Big Ben
Photos: Match photo gallery
Coming into the match North Melbourne sat in 12th spot, while Essendon was in the eight after an exciting third round win against Carlton.
There was plenty of hype ahead of the showdown, but with errors from both sides it quickly became a dour struggle that went right down to the wire.
The Kangaroos burst out of the blocks strongly with three goals to one in the opening term and the highlight of the quarter was Jack Ziebell's first career goal in his fourth game.
Brent Harvey had been criticised for a quiet start to the season, but the newly appointed captain responded in the best way possible with three goals for the day, including a dashing run and goal out of the middle in the third quarter to break the game open.
A late rally from the Bombers in the final term saw the margin reduced to just two goals, but North Melbourne survived the scare as Hamish McIntosh marked and kicked truly in the closing stages.
Harvey also racked up 33 possessions and must be the favourite for the votes on Brownlow night, while David Hale's four goals saw him in the best. Daniel Pratt could also be in the votes after 23 touches, despite a moment he'd rather forget when he stepped back over the goal line and conceded a free kick for a deliberate rushed behind.
Goals: Hale 4, Harvey 3, Ziebell, Petrie, McIntosh
Best players: Harvey, Hale, Hansen, Ziebell, Urquhart, Simpson
33 - Harvey
31 – Rawlings
28 – Harding, Hale
27 - Gibson
26 – Hansen
24 – Thompson, McMahon
21 – Urquhart
19 – McIntosh
18 – Power
14 – Simpson, Swallow
Leaderboard after Rounds 1 - 4
109 – Rawlings
99 – Hansen
97 – McIntosh
91 – Simpson
90 – Thompson
89 – Harding
88 – Urquhart
81 – Swallow, Power
North Melbourne 7.16.58 defeated by Richmond 13.16.94
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
Video: Match highlights
News: Match report
News: Skills let us down: Laidley
News: Boomer may miss 12 weeks
News: Veterans must lift: Rawlings
Photos: Match photo gallery
The Kangaroos started where they left off the week before with the first three goals of the game, but early joy quickly turned to despair when captain Brent Harvey was forced from the field with an elbow injury. The dislocated arm and thumb had massive ramifications for North and its chances of a successful season.
Harvey's influence was missed by the Roos and by quarter time the winless Tigers reduced the margin to just six points thanks to some good work from youngster Robin Nahas.
Richmond had the momentum in the second term with two goals to Jack Riewoldt and another to Nahas giving their team a lead at the main change.
A big third quarter saw the Tigers extend their buffer as Daniel Jackson and Riewoldt put the Roos to the sword helping Richmond take a 27 point advantage with a quarter to play.
North Melbourne had its chances to fight back, but seven behinds and just one goal in the last quarter made for a dissapointing finish and Richmond eventually won by six goals.
On a night to forget for the Kangaroos, Adam Simpson and Andrew Swallow could both hold their heads high with strong performances through the midfield, while Gavin Urquhart had plenty of the ball in defence. Ben Warren had six marks and booted a goal in just his second game.
Goals: Swallow 3, Hale, Warren, Thomas, Edwards
Best players: Swallow, Urquhart, McIntosh, Petrie, Simpson
30 – Swallow
25 – Rawlings, Simpson
23 – Urquhart
21 – Gibson
19 - Warren
17 – McIntosh, Firrito
16 – Hansen, Petrie
15 - Ziebell
14 – Harding
10 – Power 
North Melbourne 11.9.75 defeated by Collingwood 19.13.127
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
Video: Match highlights
News: Match report
News: Roos handed the game away: Laidley
News: Kangas angry, says Firrito
Photos: Match photo gallery
Sporting the club's new controversial pale blue clash guernsey, North Melbourne went into the game as underdogs against Collingwood and in the early stages that status looked warranted with the Pies booting the first three goals of the game.
An amazing volley goal, perhaps more accustomed to the world game, from vice-captain Drew Petrie was the catalyst behind the Roos revival, and it was followed by goals to Edwards, Thomas and Harding which brought the margin back to just five points at quarter time.
It didn't take long for the Magpies to re-establish their ascendency though, four goals in eight minutes to start the second quarter saw their lead extended to 36 points at the main change. North Melbourne's only ray of light was Aaron Edwards who booted four goals in the first half.
Despite some encouraging performances from Andrew Swallow, Ben Warren and Jack Ziebell, Collingwood's class shone through in the second half as it eventually went on to win by 52 points.
Tarkyn Lockyer booted four majors for the winners, while 33 possessions to Dane Swan and 31 to Scott Pendlebury went a long way to getting their team over the line.
Adam Simpson continued his stellar form in the opening part of the season with 34 disposals for the Kangaroos, and Gavin Urquhart could see himself in the votes for the second time in a fortnight after he racked up 28 possessions.
Goals: Edwards 4, McIntosh 2, Thomas, Petrie, Harding, Firrito, Warren
Best players: Simpson, Urquhart, Ziebell, Firrito, Swallow.
25 – Simpson, Firrito, Urquhart, Edwards
23 – McIntosh
21 – Rawlings, Swallow, Ziebell
20 – Gibson
19 – Petrie, Harris
17 - Warren
13 – Thompson
12 – Harding, Power, Thomas, Watt
North Melbourne 20.5.125 defeated Port Adelaide 18.12.120
Two disappointing losses saw North Melbourne languishing in 13th place, and with the Power rounding out the top four, it loomed as another tough match.
Brady Rawlings and Gavin Urquhart were both late withdrawals and the outlook appeared bleak, but early goals to Jack Ziebell and Matt Campbell set North Melbourne on its way.
The Roos kicked five goals in the first term, and continued their ascendency in the second term with seven goals to two, three goals to Aaron Edwards the catalyst of their best half of the year.
North led by as much as five goals in the final term and a late Adam Simpson goal looked to have clinched the match, but a four goal burst from Port Adelaide saw the lead slashed to just five points with only a minute remaining. In a final quarter which lasted a remarkable 37 minutes, a series of grueling stoppages in the Power's forward line had the fans on the edge of their seats, but the Kangaroos somehow held on to record an memorable victory.
Daniel Wells made a return to form with 26 possessions in a new role off half-back, while Adam Simpson and Andrew Swallow continued their good form with 27 possessions a piece.
Goals: Edwards 3, Campbell 3, Harding 2, Warren 2, Thomas 2, Hale 2, Ziebell, Firrito, Swallow, Lower, Petrie, Simpson
Best players: Wells, Swallow, Ziebell, Edwards, Campbell, McIntosh
33 - Wells
30 – Swallow, Harding, Power
28 – Simpson, McIntosh
26 – Ziebell
25 – McMahon, Firrito
24 – Petrie
23 – Ross, Campbell
22 – Gibson
21 – Thompson, Lower
20 – Thomas
North Melbourne 7.7.49 defeated by Geelong 18.11.119
Sam Wright and Nathan Grima both made their debuts, but it looked a near impossible task against the Cats at Skilled Stadium. The Roos had a first half they'd rather forget, booting just three goals as James Kelly and Jimmy Bartel dominated for Geelong.
North Melbourne showed some promising signs in the third term, Wright popping up for his first career goal and Hale working hard up forward, but the damage had already been done and Geelong eventually skipped away to a 70 point win.
Kelly and Bartel combined for 71 possessions between them for the Cats, while Hamish McIntosh, Scott Thompson and Leigh Harding were the few shining lights for the Kangaroos.
Goals: Hale 2, McIntosh 2, Thomas, Swallow, Wright
Best players: Hale, McIntosh, Harding, Petrie, Ross, Gibson
24 – Gibson
22 – Ross
21 – Thompson
19 – McIntosh, Petrie, Goldstein, Grima
17 – Warren
16 – Urquhart
14 – Hale, Harris
12 – Thomas
11 – Simpson, Swallow, Wright
10 – Harding, Firrito, Lower, Edwards
Leaderboard after Rounds 5 - 8
184 – McIntosh
180 – Simpson
173 – Swallow
156 – Gibson
155 – Rawlings, Harding, Petrie
154 – Thompson
152 – Urquhart
150 – Firrito
142 – Power
135 – McMahon
North Melbourne 14.14.98 defeated Fremantle 12.13.85
Both North Melbourne and Fremantle sat in the bottom half of the ladder before the round nine clash at Etihad Stadium, but it was the Dockers who excelled in the first quarter breaking out to a 26 point lead at the first break.
Daniel Wells weaved some magic early in the second term, and with David Hale on song up forward the Roos were back in the game within the blink of an eye, trailing by just five points at the main change.
They continued with the momentum in the third quarter and Brady Rawlings had plenty of the ball while and Michael Firrito worked hard through the midfield as the lead extended to 13 points at the end of the premiership quarter.
Fremantle made a late charge for victory in the last term, but some strong defence from Josh Gibson and Nathan Grima saw the Kangaroos hold on for a 13 point win.
Rawlings finished the match with 24 possessions and a goal and could be in the votes, while Adam Simpson, Michael Firrito and Petrie were all important.
Goals: Hale 5, Warren 2, Goldstein, Edwards, Wright, Petrie, Harding, Wells, Rawlings
Best players: Petrie, Hale, Gibson, Rawlings, Harding, Firrito, Urquhart
31 – Gibson
30 – Petrie
28 – Hale
25 – Rawlings
24 – Swallow
23 – Power, Wells
22 – Firrito
21 – Simpson, Harding, Urquhart, McMahon
20 – McIntosh, Thompson, Goldstein
19 – Warren, Grima
North Melbourne 11.9.81 defeated by Brisbane Lions 15.9.99
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
News: Match report
News: Roos' immediate post-mortem
News: Loss makes for a bittersweet day
With its fourth win on the board, and the return to form of Daniel Wells and David Hale in the win over Fremantle, North Melbourne went in the Round 10 clash against Brisbane with plenty of confidence.
Brisbane was quick to gain control early though with goals to Justin Sherman and Rhan Hooper breaking the margin out 11 points. After a week at Werribee, Daniel Harris made a strong start with the Roos’ first major, while youngsters Ben Warren and Scott McMahon were the other goal scorers in the first quarter.
North Melbourne worked hard in the second quarter and was able to get to the front within three minutes, but the Lions' big boys Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw fired things up for their team and helped it take a 13 point lead into the main change.
David Hale continued his rich vein of goal kicking form with the first of the third term, but Brisbane had all the answers, a free kick to Rhan Hooper and another goal to James Polkinghorne pushed the Lions 19 points clear at the final break.
Simon Black and Hooper combined early in the last and put the game beyond doubt for the Lions, some late resistance from Warren and Petrie not enough to bridge the gap as Brisbane went on to win by 18 points.
Adam Simpson was again North’s best with 37 possessions, while Warren's four goals, and a strong performance from Hamish McIntosh in the ruck were the other highlights.
Goals: Warren 4, Hale 2, Petrie 2, Thomas, Harris, McMahon, Wells
Best players: Simpson, McIntosh, Warren, Gibson
32 – Simpson, Gibson
30 – Thompson
29 – Warren
28 – Swallow
23 - Rawlings
22 – Petrie, Wells
21 – McIntosh, Ross
20 – McMahon
19 – Harding
16 – Wright 
North Melbourne 9.3.57 defeated by St Kilda 15.13.103
Video: Post match player interviews
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
News: Match report
News: Laidley lauds bravery
News: Roos ran out of legs: Swallow
News: Warren sent to hospital
No-one expected North Melbourne to challenge an undefeated St Kilda in Round 11, but the Kangaroos had other ideas.
Coming into the match with just four wins compared to the Saints' 11, North Melbourne started the match with enthusiasm and played an exciting brand of football as it broke out to a 22 point lead at the first break.
With the experience of Adam Simpson and Brady Rawlings proving valuable through the middle, the Roos continued to fight hard in the second quarter despite St Kilda's Jason Gram and Brendan Goddard getting plenty of the ball.
North continued to press in the third term, but injuries to Warren, Power and Wright took a major toll as the Saints started to find their feet. Justin Koschitzke and Nick Riewoldt took control of the forward line, and the Kangaroos' lead was quickly eliminated.
With just 17 men on the field in the final minutes of the last quarter, North Melbourne was overrun by 46 points. Koschitzke booted six goals for the winners, while Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna were both important in the final stages.
Michael Firrito could be in the votes for the Roos after picking up 18 possessions, as could Josh Gibson who tried hard on Riewoldt.
Goals: Swallow 2, Edwards, Ross, Simpson, Firrito, Petrie, Warren, Thomas
Best players: Firrito, Gibson, Simpson, McIntosh, Harding
25 – Firrito, McMahon
19 – Gibson
18 – Simpson, Swallow
17 – Thomas
16 – McIntosh, Petrie, Urquhart, Grima
15 – Harding, Wells, Edwards
14 – Ross
13 – Thompson
12 – Warren
11 - Pratt 
North Melbourne 3.6.24 defeated by Adelaide 9.14.68
Video: Dean Laidley press conference
Video: Dean Laidley resignation
News: Match report
News: Forward failure hurting Roos
News: Roos plagued by inefficiency: Jones
Round 12 saw another debut for North Melbourne with Cruize Garlett promoted from the rookie list.
It wasn't an ideal start for the youngster though, the Crows looking more suited to the wet weather at AAMI Stadium as they skipped out to a 16 point lead at the first change.
Adelaide continued on its way in the second term, a goal to Corey Jones in the opening minute the Roos' only major for the first half.
A devastating injury to Jack Ziebell in the third quarter saw the day go from bad to worse for Dean Laidley, and the dominance of Jason Porplyzia up forward for the Crows helped them to a 22 point lead in the premiership quarter.
Lindsay Thomas reduced the margin to 16 points early in the last term, but Adelaide handled the tricky conditions better and eventually kicked away to a 44 point win.
Porplyzia and Scott Thompson were the stars for the Crows, while Nathan Grima, Josh Gibson and Lachie Hansen defended admirably.
The match would see an end of an era for the Kangaroos as Dean Laidley resigned from his position as senior coach in the week following the loss.
Goals: Jones, Edwards, Thomas
Best players: Firrito, Thompson, Simpson, Rawlings, Grima
24 – Firrito
23 – McIntosh
21 – Thompson, Grima
19 – Rawlings, McMahon
18 – Gibson
17 – Petrie, Pratt
16 – Swallow, Ross
15 – Harding, Urquhart
14 – Simpson, Power, Thomas, Hansen, Harris, Jones, Garlett
11 - Edwards
Leaderboard after Rounds 9 - 12
265 – Simpson
264 – McIntosh
259 – Swallow
256 – Gibson
240 – Petrie
238 – Thompson
232 – Rawlings
231 – Firrito
225 – Harding
220 - McMahon 
North Melbourne 12.14.86 defeated by Western Bulldogs 17.6.108
A new coach, a debut for Liam Anthony, and a mid-season break saw the Roos go into the round 13 clash against the Bulldogs full of confidence.
Shaun Higgins and Jason Akermanis had other ideas though, helping their team to a nine point advantage at the first change, as North Melbourne failed to capitalise on chances at the other end of the ground.
Goals to Mitch Hahn and Scott Welsh early in the second term had North on the ropes, and when Ben Warren went down with a broken leg it looked a near impossible task to come back.
But with the help of Drew Petrie, Lachie Hansen and Corey Jones in attack, North Melbourne fought its way back bravely to within two points at the main change.
Leigh Harding continued his impressive season with two goals early in the third quarter, and in the blink of an eye the Roos had hit the lead.
But the team from the west quickly hit back, Akermanis again doing the damage in front of goal, while a Josh Hill screamer snatched the lead back for the third-placed team.
Daniel Giansiracusa was dynamic when it mattered with an assist to Hill, then two goals of his own single handedly putting the game beyond reach.
Liam Anthony was in the best for North Melbourne in his first game at the highest level. The former East Fremantle player had 28 possessions on debut, while Brent Harvey and Andrew Swallow were also solid.
Goals: Petrie 3, Harding 3, Garlett, Swallow, Hansen, McIntosh, Jones, Hale
Best players: Harding, Swallow, Harvey, Petrie, Gibson, Ross, McIntosh, Anthony
Brownlow Medal: 3. Matthew Boyd, 2. Daniel Giansiracusa, 1. Robert Murphy
28 – Swallow, Gibson, Petrie, Anthony
27 – Harvey
26 – Thompson
25 – Harding
24 – Firrito, Grima
22 – McIntosh, Ross
21 – Rawlings
20 – McMahon
18 – Jones
17 – Pratt 
North Melbourne 13.7.85 defeated by Sydney 15.10.100
After four straight losses North Melbourne was desperate to register its fifth win of the season, and Leigh Harding set about getting the side off to a good start with a brilliant goal from the boundary.
The Swans hadn't won in a month either, and goals to Michael O'Loughlin and Jude Bolton had them in front at the first change.
David Hale was looking in good touch up forward, but inaccurate kicking stopped the big man from having a great influence. Ed Barlow on the other hand was making the most of his opportunities, two goals in the second term helped the Swans maintain their lead. Corey Jones was able to strike back with two goals and he gave the Roos a five point lead at half time.
Josh Gibson was doing a good job on Adam Goodes, and Adam Simpson was instrumental through the midfield, but with Ryan O'Keefe and Brett Kirk getting plenty of the ball for the Swans it was always going to be tough with a seven point deficit at the last change.
A strong mark from Lachie Hansen reduced the margin to a solitary point midway through the final term, before Leigh Harding had an opportunity to level the scores but missed on the run.
Michael O'Loughlin was able to seal the game with a trademark snap over the shoulder to lift his side to a 15 point win.
Goals: Jones 3, Harding 2, Swallow 2, Firrito 2, Hansen 2, Harris, Ross
Best players: Gibson, Simpson, Swallow, Firrito, Pratt
Brownlow Medal: 3. Ryan O'Keefe, 2. Brett Kirk, 1. Josh Gibson
32 – Gibson
25 – Rawlings
24 – Swallow
23 – McMahon, Jones
21 – Simpson, Firrito, Hale
19 – Harding
18 – Pratt
17 – Hansen, Harris
16 – Grima
14 – Urquhart, Harvey, Anthony
North Melbourne 9.10.64 defeated by Hawthorn 10.13.73
For both Hawthorn and North Melbourne, 2009 had so far been disappointing. Sitting 11th and 13th respectively, both were keen to get back on the winners list but a wet and windy day at Aurora Stadium didn't help either in their quest.
In his long awaited return from injury, Leigh Adams got North Melbourne off to the perfect start with a close range goal. The Roos had trouble clearing the ball from defence for the remainder of the quarter as Liam Shiels booted just the second goal of the term to give the Hawks the lead.
Lindsay Thomas and Brent Harvey combined to regain the lead early in the second term. Thomas first goaled from a set shot, before a long bomb to the goal square fell kindly for his captain.
Liam Anthony continued his impressive run of form, his first career goal opening the lead out to nine points at the main change.
North Melbourne made the most of its opportunities in the third term, Leigh Harding marking inside 50 to extend the margin to 14 points as an upset looked likely.
But it wasn't to be, Lance Franklin came to life in the last quarter with four goals to shatter the hearts of the Kangaroos who had worked so hard for victory.
Goals: Adams 2, Thomas, Harvey, Anthony, Jones, Simpson, Harding, Hale
Best players: Anthony, Simpson, Harding, Swallow
Brownlow Medal: 3. Brad Sewell, 2. Andrew Swallow, 1. Sam Mitchell
30 – Rawlings
25 – Anthony
23 – Thompson
22 – Grima
21 – Firrito, McMahon
20 – Swallow, Hale, Hansen
18 – Harding
17 – Thomas, Greenwood
16 – McIntosh, Harris, Adams
15 – Power, Harvey 
North Melbourne 12.13.85 drew with Richmond 12.13.85
North Melbourne and Richmond sat in 13th and 14th place respectively heading into their round 16 clash at the MCG.
It was expected to be a tight clash, but the Tigers burst out of the blocks and lead by three goals at the first change.
Things didn't get any better for the Roos in the second quarter, Jack Riewoldt firing up forward and Richard Tambling in good form through the midfield as the margin was extended to 42 points at half time.
The game looked over leading into the third quarter, but quick goals to Leigh Harding and Aaron Edwards quickly brought the margin within reach and the deficit was reduced to just 16 points heading into the final term.
In what proved to be one of the most exciting finishes of the year, Harding put the Roos into an unlikely lead late in the game, before Mitch Morton replied shortly after. With less than a minute remaining, David Hale marked within goal kicking range, but was controversially deemed to have pushed his opponent in the back. With the ball in skipper Brent Harvey's hands when the siren sounded, the match ended a nail biting draw.
Goals: Harding 3, Harvey 2, Hale 2, Hansen, McIntosh, Greenwood, Jones, Swallow
Best players: Harvey, McIntosh, Harding, Power, Thompson, Swallow, Gibson
32 – Harvey
26 – Harding, Power, Greenwood
22 – Grima
21 – Thompson, Pratt
19 – McIntosh, Anthony
18 – McMahon
16 – Rawlings, Jones
15 – Swallow, Gibson, Hansen, Adams
13 – Petrie
12 – Hale
Leaderboard after Rounds 13 – 16
346 – Swallow
341 – Gibson
333 – McIntosh
327 – Thompson
324 – Simpson, Rawlings
313 – Harding
308 – Petrie
307 – Firrito
302 – McMahon
260 – Urquhart
North Melbourne 11.9.75 defeated by Brisbane 17.14.116
Up against the fifth placed Brisbane, and having to travel to the GABBA meant it was always going to be a tough task for the Roos in Round 17.
With Jonathan Brown on fire up forward and Simon Black dominant through the midfield, the Lions skipped out to a two goal lead at quarter time.
North Melbourne worked hard to stay in the match in the second quarter, Levi Greenwood stepping up into a tagging role to negate Brisbane youngster Daniel Rich. Regardless, the Lions were able to take a 16 point lead into the main change.
Lindsay Thomas opened the third quarter with a bang, booting one of his four for the match to reduce the margin to just ten points.
It didn't take long for Brisbane to gain the ascendency back though, Rich and Brennan combined soon after to extend the lead, before Brown took control.
The Brisbane captain finished the match with eight goals, while Adam Simpson, Josh Gibson and Corey Jones with four goals, were in the best for North Melbourne in the 41 point defeat.
Goals: Jones 4, Thomas 2, Campbell, Firrito, Goldstein, Hansen, Harvey
Best players: Simpson, Harvey, Jones, Greenwood, Anthony, Gibson
25 – Greenwood
23 – McIntosh, Rawlings, Jones
19 – Swallow, Thompson
18 – Simpson, Urquhart, Power
17 – Harvey
16 – Petrie, Firrito, Goldstein
15 – Gibson, Thomas
13 – McMahon
12 – Anthony
11 – Hansen, Ross 
North Melbourne 11.18.84 defeated by Carlton 14.10.94
Adam Simpson's retirement in the week leading up to the clash between North Melbourne and Carlton saw the Roos go in with extra motivation to win for their former captain.
A calf injury suffered at training meant Simpson was lucky to play, but he had an impact on the game in the early stages and the scores were tied at the first break.
North Melbourne lost Leigh Harding to a hamstring injury soon after, but continued to battle away. Brent Harvey and Liam Anthony had plenty of the ball through the midfield, while Levi Greenwood kept Chris Judd quiet.
The Kangaroos went into the third term with an 11 point lead, but Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs were beginning to get on top in the middle, and a six goal to four term saw Carlton back in front with a quarter to play.
It was more of a case of North Melbourne losing the game than Carlton winning in it as the Roos wasted chances up forward, booting nine behinds for the quarter and eventually fell by just ten points.
Lindsay Thomas finished the match with four goals, while Drew Petrie, Hamish McIntosh and Harvey were all solid contributors as Simpson left the field for the final time.
Goals: Thomas 4 Harding 2 Petrie 2 Harvey McIntosh Swallow
Best players: Petrie Harvey McIntosh Greenwood Anthony Thomas Rawlings
29 – Harvey
28 – Rawlings
27 – McIntosh, Thomas, Anthony
26 – Thompson, Greenwood
25 – Petrie
23 – Swallow
22 – Power
18 – Gibson, Grima
17 – McMahon, Urquhart
16 – Simpson, Pratt, Goldstein 
North Melbourne 19.9.123 defeated Melbourne 8.13.61
North Melbourne and the Demons were playing for pride in their round 19 clash at Etihad Stadium, with both teams well out of the finals race.
Brent Harvey gave his team the perfect start with an early goal before Nathan Jones answered quickly. It didn't take long for the Roos to overpower the Dees and they extended a four point lead at quarter time to 22 at the main break thanks to goals from Andrew Swallow, Brady Rawlings and Lachie Hansen.
Todd Goldstein was playing the game of his life in the ruck and up forward, finishing the match with five goals.
The third quarter saw North Melbourne push the margin out further, Lachie Hansen and Drew Petrie joining in the party as it piled on seven for the quarter.
Five goals to one in the last quarter gave the Roos a long awaited win as Darren Crocker tasted victory for the first time since taking over as coach.
Brent Harvey was the star for the winners with 26 possessions and a goal, while Goldstein picked up two votes for his goal kicking heroics.
Goals: Goldstein 5, Hansen 3, Petrie 3, Swallow 2, Harvey, C Jones, Rawlings, Harris, Firrito, Thomas
Best players: Goldstein, Firrito, Hansen, Petrie, Thompson, Harvey, Harris
32 – Goldstein
29 – Harris
28 – Rawlings, Petrie, Greenwood
27 – Thompson
26 – Firrito
23 – Power
21 – Hansen, Harvey
20 – Swallow, Anthony, Adams
19 – McIntosh
17 – Urquhart, Pratt 
North Melbourne 10.12.72 defeated by West Coast 17.8.110
Keen to finish the season on a good note, the Roos got off to a strong start thanks to youngster Leigh Adams.
The first quarter was a tight tussle, Josh Gibson keeping Andrew Embley quiet, and Brent Harvey winning plenty of the footy as North Melbourne went into the first change with a two point lead.
Corey Jones kicked the opening goal of the second quarter and it looked like an upset might be on the cards, but quick goals Josh Kennedy and David Wirrpanda quickly saw the Eagles gain the ascendency.
The Kangaroos still had hope, going into half time trailing by just ten points, but goals to Wirrpanda and the dangerous Kennedy quickly put the game beyond doubt.
Natanui was on top in the ruck and Adam Selwood racked up countless possessions as the Eagles booted seven goals to two in the third quarter.
Early North Melbourne goals in the last quarter gave the away team a glimmer of hope, but despite the efforts of Adams, Harvey and Drew Petrie the margin was too great, West Coast eventually winning by 38 points.
Goals: Adams 3, Campbell, Goldstein, Hansen, Jones, McIntosh, Petrie, Swallow
Best players: Harvey, Petrie, Anthony, Grima, Rawlings, Adams
31 - Petrie
29 – Swallow
23 – Adams
22 – Thompson, Grima
21 – Harvey
19 – Anthony
17 – McMahon, Power
16 – Gibson
15 – Rawlings, Pratt
14 – McIntosh
Leaderboard after Rounds 17 - 20
437 – Swallow
421 – Thompson
418 – Rawlings
416 – McIntosh
408 – Petrie
404 – Gibson
376 – Firrito
365 – McMahon
North Melbourne 10.4.64 defeated St Kilda 8.11.59
With six changes going in, North had nothing to lose going against top of the ladder St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, and just as they did in Round 11, the Roos had the better of the opening quarter with five goals to three.
The Saints hit back hard in the second quarter, but North Melbourne were up to the task, going into the main change with plenty of confidence and a 16 point lead.
Andrew Swallow and Liam Anthony were on top through the midfield, but it didn't take long for the class of St Kilda to shine out in the third quarter, Riewoldt and Goddard started to have an impact as the margin was reduced to just six points at the last change.
A goal to Andrew McQualter early in the final term could have easily seen the Saints run away with the game, but vice-captain Drew Petrie had other ideas, marking strongly in the closing stages and kicking truly to take back the lead for his team.
St Kilda had chances to respond in the dying stages, but desperation from Andrew Swallow in defence, and a flying Nathan Grima on the last line helped North Melbourne to one of its most memorable wins.
Goals: Petrie 4, Edwards 2, Adams, Campbell, Goldstein, Swallow
Best players: Swallow, Petrie, Anthony, Greenwood, Grima
35 – Swallow
33 – Petrie
31 – Greenwood
30 – Rawlings
29 – McMahon
28 – Thompson
26 – Harvey
25 – Anthony
24 – Grima
23 – Adams 
North Melbourne 10.11.71 defeated Port Adelaide 9.13.67
With Port Adelaide fighting for a spot in the finals it was always going to be a tough battle for North Melbourne to travel to AAMI Stadium in the last round of the season.
Drew Petrie gave the visitors the ideal start though in the opening minutes, and followed up with another soon after, a miraculous kick over his head continuing his terrific form in the later part of the year.
Despite the brilliance of its vice-captain, North Melbourne still went into the first change down five points.
Josh Gibson was finding plenty of the footy, and when Josh Smith kicked his first career goal the margin was reduced to 13 points at half time.
When Port Adelaide kicked two of the opening three goals in the third quarter the game threatened to blow out, but the Kangaroos fought back with three of their own, a brilliant snap from Brent Harvey the highlight.
Another to Harvey early in the last had North Melbourne fans excited, but when the rain set in half way through the last quarter the Power had regained their lead through Brett Ebert and it looked tough to come back.
Harvey and Petrie both missed opportunities to cover themselves in glory with errant shots on goal and it looked like the Power might hold on before Scott McMahon was pushed after marking the ball outside 50m and the Roos had one last shot at victory.
McMahon was awarded a 50m penalty and he kicked truly to give his side a four-point win on the siren and finish the season in the best way possible.
Goals: Petrie 3, Smith, Harvey 2, Edwards, Gibson, McMahon
Best players: Gibson, Rawlings, Petrie, Harvey, Anthony, Firrito, Thompson
30 – Gibson, Harvey
29 – Greenwood
28 – Thompson, Rawlings, Petrie, Grima, Garlett
25 – Anthony
24 – McMahon
20 – Campbell, Josh Smith
21 – Edwards
20 – Adams, Obst
18 – Firrito
16 – Goldstein
Final leaderboard:
Andrew Swallow - 487
Scott Thompson - 477
Brady Rawlings - 476
Drew Petrie - 469
Josh Gibson - 452
Hamish McIntosh - 448
Scott McMahon - 418
Michael Firrito - 406
Adam Simpson - 358
Leigh Harding - 337
Gavin Urquhart - 319
Brent Harvey, Sam Power - 308
Related links
Become a North Melbourne fan on Facebook
Follow North Melbourne on Twitter
View past Syd Barker Medal winners
2009 player signed guernseys auction
Season in review - Pt 1 - Pt 2 - Pt 3 - Pt 4 - Pt 5 - Pt 6
