North’s season may have come to an end on Saturday night, but there are still plenty of talking points from a game which ended a big year for the Roos.

With the Grand Finalists for 2015 confirmed, those in the media had plenty of opinions as to why West Coast was able to topple North Melbourne for a place in the Grand Final.

The Eagles started the match as heavy favourites, but it was the visiting side who dominated early.

The Australian

“It wasn’t so much the 20-point quarter-time deficit in itself that was alarming, but rather the suffocating early pressure applied by North Melbourne that rendered any attempt at fluency from the Eagles useless.

"West Coast had no time, no space and no goals in an opening stanza that left the packed crowd stunned.” – Braden Quartermaine

Herald Sun

“The opening was little short of a disaster for the red-hot favourites, with the Eagles’ return of just two behinds at the first change their lowest ever first-quarter score at Subiaco.

"West Coast was completely overwhelmed by North’s early pressure and some key midfield drivers were shut out of the game.”

AFL.com.au

“The Kangaroos were brave in trying to become the first side to qualify for a Grand Final after finishing eighth.

“But after a magnificent opening term where they out-ran, out-tackled and out-smarted the Eagles, they kicked just two goals and conceded eight in the second and third terms.” – Alex Malcolm

There was plenty of praise for Andrew Swallow’s game, with the captain impressing in his home state.

AFL.com.au

“Brave as they come, never gave an inch no matter who he had to battle, Swallow couldn’t have done much more to get his team over the line. Outstanding effort illustrated by his game-high 17 contested possessions, nine clearances and seven tackles.” – Jennifer Phelan

Fox Footy

“Swallow was one of North’s best. Led from the front with 25 disposals — of which 17 were contested — to go with his nine clearances and seven tackles.” – Riley Beveridge

The officiating was also a hot discussion topic, and while Brad Scott refused to be drawn on the controversy, journalists had plenty to say.

AFL.com.au

“Robbie Tarrant was harshly penalised for holding Jack Darling as the Eagle tried to lead and the set-shot goal gave the Eagles a 10-point lead in the third term.

“Jacobs was tripped early the last quarter 30m from goal but the umpires missed the contact and the Eagles kicked the next two goals to ice the game.” – Alex Malcom

The Age

“This was the moment North knew the fates had turned on them for good: early in the last quarter Ben Jacobs was tripped in front of goal, but, instead of getting the free kick, was penalised for holding the ball.” – Greg Baum

The Age

“Let's get one thing clear from the start. Umpiring didn't cost either Fremantle or North Melbourne their preliminary finals... but that shouldn't let the umpires of either game off the hook. Because these were two games in which over-officiousness ruled, certainly impacting on momentum at crucial stages, and drawing far too much attention to the three blokes on the ground who should be attracting the least.” – Rohan Connolly

With 2015 complete, there will be plenty of analysis of what went right, and what went wrong at Arden Street.

The Age

“It is a popular belief that it doesn't matter how you get to September, it's what you do once you get there. That rang true for North and their season should be regarded as a success. Granted, they went no further than last year, however they seem to have emerged a better, more rounded team for having made it back to the finals the hard way.” – Matt Murnane

Herald Sun

“Compare the September side to the one intimidated by Hawthorn in Round 4. Or the one wiped by 71 points in last year’s preliminary final. The ride was worth it.” – Sam Landsberger

Now, the focus turns to 2016 for the Roos.

The Age

“They (North) have their eyes on a variety of trade prospects to add value to another premiership run, and a good rebounding defender with elite skills and decision-making would be one target. Anyone with the kind of dynamism and play-making that Higgins brought this year would be handy, for they missed the type of outside pace and class that Wells usually provides to balance out the grunt work of Ziebell, Cunnington and Andrew Swallow in the midfield.” – Matt Murnane