North Melbourne's VFL side has defeated the Sydney Swans 13.6 (84) to 12.7 (79) after a late match-winner from Cooper Harvey.
With time ticking away in the last term, Connor Downie intercepted an outlet kick and drove the ball deep inside 50, where Harvey (two goals, 12 disposals) read the play, got out the back and soccered home what was the ultimate game-winning score.
The drama didn't finish there though as the Swans set up a shot after the siren, but Jake Bartholomaeus was unable to convert from a difficult shot beyond the arc.
Young gun Zane Duursma (three goals, three contested marks) impressed for the visitors, snagging two crucial goals in the fourth term, while Robbie Hansen jnr (two goals 16 disposals) was dangerous yet again as he continues his strong form.
The Roos were switched on early and dominated the middle of the ground with midfielders Hugh Greenwood (21 disposals, 12 tackles, six clearances), Jack Watkins (29 disposals, seven clearances), Will Phillips (22 disposals, seven clearances) and ruckman Hamish Free (16 disposals, seven clearances) having their way
A high tackle on Duursma saw the No.7 open North Melbourne's account with a well-taken set shot, before Tyler Sellers, Cooper Harvey and Wil Dawson all booted majors, with Dawson snagging his first as a Roo.
SWANS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats
The second quarter was a more even contest with both teams kicking a single goal - North Melbourne's coming through the returning Blake Drury.
The Swans started to assert themselves at the contest in the third quarter and pinched a quick one through Willem Smit, but two majors to Hansen jnr and one to Free saw the Roos keep their lead intact.
After two classy finishes at the beginning of the final stanza from Duursma it looked like the visitors would cruise home, but Sydney managed four of the next five goals and hit the lead late despite Bigoa Nyuon slotting his first major in North Melbourne colours.
That's three for ZD 💫
— North Melbourne Reserves (@NMFCReserves) July 13, 2024
🎥: https://t.co/TisHRmMrq7#Kangas pic.twitter.com/KAdYX0k3VM
However, in expert forward fashion, it was Harvey who sealed a dramatic win in New South Wales.
Harvey on the goal line!
— North Melbourne Reserves (@NMFCReserves) July 13, 2024
🎥: https://t.co/TisHRmMrq7#Kangas pic.twitter.com/UHod0ZUYtB
In his return from a foot injury, Zac Fisher racked up 27 disposals and six rebound 50s, while Charlie Lazzaro was another top performer, notching 24 touches and five inside 50s.
Jaidyn Stephenson started the contest actively and finished with 15 disposals in limited gametime as the carryover emergency for the AFL side.
Taylor Goad showed more positive signs in defence and managed eight disposals and five rebound 50s, while Jarrod Lienert held down the backline again with 17 possessions and seven intercepts.
SYDNEY SWANS 1.3 2.4 7.5 12.7 (79)
NORTH MELBOURNE 4.1 5.4 9.5 13.6 (84)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: Hanily 3, Smit 2, Reid 2, Lloyd, Ladhams, Hamling, Green, Bartholomaeus
North Melbourne: Duursma 3, Sellers 2, Harvey 2, Hansen jnr 2, Nyuon, Free, Drury, W Dawson
BEST
North Melbourne: Hansen jnr, Watkins, Duursma, Lazzaro, Greenwood, Free
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