North Melbourne capped off its impressive season with a 23-point victory over St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
It was a game filled with sub-plots, with none bigger than the retirement of veteran forward Jarrad Waite.
AFL.com.au
“Jarrad Waite, in the final game of his career after announcing his retirement last week, kicked three goals (and missed a fourth after the final siren when his kick rocketed into the goal post).” - Callum Twomey
Herald Sun
“Retiring Kangaroos veteran Jarrad Waite, at pains during the week not to be remembered as an “enigma”, capped the 23-point win the way he’s played out his entire career.
“With a bit of everything, the easiest of goals running into an open goal square finished with a high-five for the cheersquad, a behind moments later and poster after siren drew an almost expected cheer from the fans.” - Gilbert Gardiner
The other focus was on Ben Brown, who needed a bag of seven or more goals to secure his maiden Coleman Medal.
However it wasn’t to be for the 25-year-old.
Herald Sun
“Brown loomed ominously in the race for the Coleman Medal, needing eight goals to reel in Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt (65).
“He slotted the first inside three minutes, bungled the second moments later, and then dropped a sitter within range of a possible third.
“The 200cm Tasmanian responded in the second term with a classy snap and team-lifting crumbing goal that would have left Riewoldt unnecessarily nervous as Brown would not kick another goal.” - Gilbert Gardiner
The Age
“When your traditional scoring avenues don't work, try something different.
“Brown did, and it worked. Jy Simpkin handballed to him on the boundary line and Brown ran directly at goal and from the right pocket near the fence slotted his second goal.
“If that was unusual, his third goal caused Brad Scott to laugh in the box, when Brown kicked and hoped as he was slung in a tackle just forward of the goal-square.
“Fortune was on his side, as the ball sailed through despite Daniel McKenzie's best efforts.” - Anthony Colangelo
Winger Trent Dumont capped off his year with another impressive performance, showing he’s got what it takes to become an impactful AFL player.
Wide World Of Sports
“Trent Dumont was outstanding for the Roos, with a career-high 38 possessions and a goal.” - Jason Phelan
AFL.com.au
“Trent Dumont played perhaps the best game of his career, finding 38 disposals through the midfield, while Sam Wright (29 disposals), Ryan Clarke (28) and Shaun Higgins (29) were also busy.” - Callum Twomey
