North Melbourne's next-generation led it to another strong win over St Kilda on Sunday, and there was plenty of positives for the media to dissect.
Herald Sun
Sunday’s 39-point victory against St Kilda — set up by a blistering opening quarter where they piled on 7.5 to 1.1 — was spearheaded by the club’s next crop of stars, with Jy Simpkin (36 disposals, 21 contested and nine clearances) again starring in the middle, while forwards Cameron Zurhaar and Nick Larkey kicked five goals apiece.
Veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein was also instrumental in North's fast start, winning six hitouts to advantage to none, and giving the likes of Jy Simpkin (36 disposals and nine clearances) a chance to dominate around the packs and lock the ball in the Kangaroos' forward half for long periods.
Jimmy Bartel - AFL.com.au
They’ve got all areas of the ground covered at the moment. They’ve got some key-forwards who they’re keen to kick long to. They’re well-structured behind the ball, and tough around it.
Matthew Lloyd - AFL.com.au
The kids. Larkey’s kicked 5 (goals), Simpkin has backed up 30 (disposals) with 36, and Zurhaar has kicked another 5. Kids which you think they didn’t have, are starting to play extremely well.
Adam White
A week after a career-high 30 disposals, Jy Simpkin has followed it up today with an even better game.
36 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 9 clearances, 6 inside 50s, 1 goal.
Rhys Shaw has discovered a genuine midfielder.
Jack Ziebell post-match
“We knew today would be a bit of a grind, and that’s exactly what it was.
“Over the last month we’ve been really focussed of building up a brand of football and a bit of an identity with our fans and that members can be proud of, and we know that stands up in big games and in finals.”
“We all know that we are capable of good footy, and it was just about putting that on the park in a consistent fashion”
“I think the AFL competition shows is that you can win or lose on any day and against any opposition so wins you used to think of as models back are no longer and teams that you think you have no shot against you probably have a decent shot against.”
Rhyce Shaw post-match
“We put a few things in place and the guys came out and executed in the second half of the third quarter. And then in that last quarter, we played the top footy we know we can play.”
“It was really pleasing that we can take a hit and get back up and go again.”
