Match result
North Melbourne 11.9.75 def. Box Hill Hawks 10.13.73
Player stats
AFL-listed
Nathan Hrovat (36 disposals), Tom Campbell (25 disposals, 2 goals), Dom Tyson (16 disposals, 6 tackles), Tom Murphy (12 disposals), Ben McKay (10 disposals), Tom Wilkinson (8 disposals, 1 goal), Tristan Xerri (8 disposals, 17 hit-outs), Lachie Hosie (7 disposals), Red Og Murphy (7 disposals), Joel Crocker (3 disposals)
VFL-listed
Nash Holmes (20 disposals, 8 tackles), Chris Jansen (18 disposals, 1 goal), Dan Robinson (17 disposals, Ryan Morrison (13 disposals), Nick Rippon (13 disposals), Brodie McLaughlin (10 disposals, 1 goal), Cameron Hodges (7 disposals), Ty Leonardis (7 disposals), Tom Hotchin (6 disposals), Jacob Lohmann (6 disposals), Tanner Stanton (4 disposals), Louis Cunningham (3 disposals), Quinton Montanaro (3 disposals).
Recap
North Melbourne was comprehensively defeated by Geelong at GMBHA Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Cats were far too good, leading at every change and running out eventual 102-point victors.
Nathan Hrovat and Tom Campbell found plenty of the footy, winning 36 and 25 disposals respectively.
Campbell also led the Roos for goals, kicking two of the Roos’ five majors.
Nash Holmes put in another solid performance in midfield, with 20 disposals and 8 tackles.
What the coach said
“They were really good, and they played the ground really well,” coach David Loader told North Media.
“They looked bigger, faster and stronger and we were outgunned.
“The pleasing part was that we fought the game out.
“In the last quarter, we had more inside 50s than them, and there was a period in the last where we had 5 or 6 shots on goal in a row.
“Benny McKay was really good. He probably had his best defensive game of the season. And he was playing on three AFL listed guys.
“With Majak (Daw) and Dec (Watson) going down in the last couple of weeks he has had to take on a lot down there and credit to him, he did really well.”
Best of the AFL
Tom Campbell
Ruckman Campbell has been a picture of consistency in first year in the royal blue and white stripes.
The number 42 had another great game.
“Tom has just been so good for us all year,” Loader said.
“His form has just been excellent.
“I’d think he would have to be right up there in the JJ Liston standings (VFL Best & Fairest award).”
Best of the VFL
Nash Holmes
Holmes put in a solid shift.
“Nash had a good game,” Loader said.
“He tried really hard as he always does.”