North’s win on Saturday night has much of the football world talking.
Mason Wood’s impactful return was the highlight of the two-point win, while an outstanding comeback from Shaun Higgins and strong resilience shown by the side also made headlines.
The Age
“The wonder of Wood is why he has not played more often. The answer is he would have but for injuries. It is clearer now why it is they have been impatient for him to be fit and in the team. He is versatile - being strong over head, powerful and quick. He knows where the goals are and has a nice left foot.” - Michael Gleeson
The Daily Telegraph
“Mason Wood was the hero with four goals, including two in the last quarter, to steer the Kangaroos home in his return to the senior line-up.
“As well as the goals, Wood also ruled the air with nine marks, four of them contested.” - Neil Cordy
AAP
“Mason Wood has made a stunning return to the AFL, kicking a career-best four goals, including the match-winner, in the Kangaroos' two-point win over Sydney at the SCG.
“Wood showed great tenacity to win the ball, beat a couple of defenders and kick truly to wrestle the lead back from Sydney late in the SCG arm wrestle on Saturday night.” - Adrian Warren
AFL.com.au
“Mason Wood has capped a brilliant return to senior footy with a four-goal performance in his side's thrilling two-point win over Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.
“Wood booted the opening goal of the match but saved his best for the final term, when his outstanding solo effort put the Kangaroos in front almost 29 minutes into the quarter.
“Wood took nine marks, four of those contested, and kicked his four important majors from 18 possessions.” - Adam Curley
Fox Sports
“Mason Wood has given North Melbourne coach Brad Scott something to ponder, after he starred with four goals in the club’s two-point win over Sydney at the SCG.
“Banished to the VFL to find some form, Wood was given a reprieve against the Swans, with the club opting to rest veteran Jarrad Waite.
“Wood seized the opportunity with both hands, kicking the final goal to put North Melbourne in front in the dying minutes of the match.
“Wood’s size and mobility troubled the Sydney defence, who also found it tough to combat the long reach of Ben Brown.
“In total, Wood took nine marks, four of which were contested and three of which were inside 50.” - Sarah Olle
Shaun Higgins was dominant in his return from concussion, racking-up a game-high 31 disposals.
He was well assisted by younger midfielders Jed Anderson, Ben Jacobs and Trent Dumont, who had no issue finding the ball.
The Daily Telegraph
“Shaun Higgins was also outstanding in his return from a nasty concussion with a game high 32 possessions and a goal.” - Neil Cordy
“Shaun Higgins, back from concussion led the way with 32 touches, with Ben Jacobs and Ben Cunnington also getting plenty of ball.” - Adrian Warren
AFL.com.au
“Shaun Higgins was electric for the visitors with 32 possessions, five clearances and a goal after returning from concussion.
“Ben Jacobs finished with 29 touches and nine tackles, while Ben Cunnington and Jed Anderson gathered 24 apiece.
“Higgins began the match in brilliant fashion and his 12 first-quarter touches helped the Kangaroos establish a clear advantage at stoppages, and Jacobs, Trent Dumont and Anderson also found plenty of the footy.” - Adam Curley
Fox Sports
“Shaun Higgins was the other stand out performer for the Kangaroos.
“Back in the side after a nasty concussion a fortnight ago, the classy onballer was a cut above, racking up 31 touches, five clearances, three inside 50s and a goal.” - Sarah Olle
As North secured its fourth win of the year, commentators and experts are beginning to revisit their pre-season predictions.
The Daily Telegraph
“The Kangaroos were widely tipped to be a contender for the wooden spoon this season but sits 4-3 following their two-point win over the Swans.” - Neil Cordy
SEN
“I think well done to Brad and the club and their development program,”
“I have to put my hand up, I had them in the bottom two or three and they right now are seventh and they deserve that.
“Brad Scott deserves a really big tick.” - Danny Frawley
The Age
“We need to stop under-selling North.”
“Their first wins were against St Kilda and Carlton so they needed to be put in context, but since then they have beaten Hawthorn and Sydney away. Their wins are becoming like Peter Daicos' goals, where at some point they reach a regularity that they can no longer be flukes or a surprise. We have to now stop being surprised when North wins.” - Michael Gleeson
Channel Nine
“I think North can now knock on the door of the eight, when I thought they would be wooden spooners.” - Matthew Lloyd
