Match result

North Melbourne 19.10. 124 defeats Coburg 9.18. 72

In action

AFL-listed
Taylor Garner, Nathan Hrovat, Paul Ahern, Mitch Hibberd, Sam Wright, Nick Larkey, Alex Morgan, Ben McKay, Sam Durdin, Daniel Nielson, Will Walker, Braydon Preuss, Mason Wood, Josh Williams, Kyron Hayden, Tristan Xerri, Tom Murphy, Oscar Junker

VFL-listed
Jordan Harper, Nash Holmes, Chris Jansen, Fraser Cameron, Michael Close

Story of the game

North Melbourne secured its first win on the road against a resurgent Coburg Lions, in an impressive 52-point win at Piranha Park.

After a slow start against Frankston last weekend, the Roos responded with an attacking intent from the opening bounce.

Braydon Preuss scored the first major after making a surprise move to full forward.

A wasteful opening term followed, with the boys in the royal blue and white unable to capitalise on a series of set-shots inside the forward 50.

The nervy first quarter was closed out with dependable forward Nick Larkey converting twice in the space of two minutes. A further two quick-fire goals from co-captains Chris Jansen and Michael Close assured North held a comfortable buffer at the first exchange.

By the time Coburg converted their first major of the afternoon, North had already registered eight consecutive goals, going into the main break with a 50-point lead.

Although the hosts tried their best to reduce the deficit, the game was put beyond reach by Mason Wood, who starred with a four-goal third term, including two within a minute. The skilful forward put forward his case for senior selection and was instrumental for North, finishing with six goals.

The 24-year-old provided the highlight of the afternoon, converting a left-footed effort from a tight angle in the forward pocket.

To its credit, Coburg showed resilience in the final term, significantly reducing the margin of defeat with six unanswered goals.

“We weren’t too worried about the way we finished the game,” North VFL Coach David Loader told North Media.

“The boys had done a lot of good work until three quarter time. We had a couple of guys that we wanted to get off the ground and when you do that [the rotations], you probably expose yourself a little bit.

“That’s your challenge every week, to keep everyone up and about and on-task.

“Today was certainly a step forward again from probably one sideways last week. It’s just a constant challenge to keep learning and keep moving forward in all the areas we possibly can.

“(It was) a great result today. We’ll review this and we’ll move forward again.”

Best of AFL

Mason Wood
It was a classy performance from the polished forward.

Wood took control of the game and was unrelenting with his attacking pressure. His efficiency and influence on the game was highlighted with his four-goal third term, before being rested for the most of the final quarter.

“He was really good,” Loader said.

“Mason even over the previous three or four weeks, his running has been there, the ball just probably hasn’t landed in his arms as much.

“Just seeing him get up and down the ground today and probably finishing off some of the really good work he’d done was pleasing.”

Best of VFL

Fraser Cameron
In a game that was dominated by key forwards, Fraser Cameron showed great signs. 

Flanked by in-form big men Sam Durdin, Ben McKay and Daniel Nielson, Cameron was able to grow into the game, combining with his AFL-listed teammates to great effect.

Cameron’s key moment came in the third term, where the versatile defender out-leaped his opponent to produce a highlight-reel worthy spoil against the run of play.

Talking points

Garner impresses
Stepping up the intensity, Garner ended the afternoon with four goals.

With key talls Braydon Preuss and Michael Close continuing to draw attention due to their imposing presence, Garner crummed around them and was often found alone and in dangerous attacking positions.

The explosive-forward was left unmarked twice, with both passages of play ending with him splitting the middle, including a snap that was seemingly made from nothing.

Hayden returns
Kyron Hayden impressed in his shortened hit-out, providing coverage across the centre of the park.

Starting in midfield alongside Paul Ahern and Taylor Garner, North’s third pick in the 2017 National Draft performed well and showed why he has been tabbed as one to watch.

Hayden cleanly moved the ball through the corridor and was measured with his ball distribution.

“It’s good to get the first one out the way,” he told North Media.

“Coming into the game, I just wanted to do my best really and play as hard as I could for the time I had out there.

“I had a time limit on how much I could play, I just wanted to push through that.”

Late resurgence
Down by 84 points at the final break, a fourth quarter fight-back allowed Coburg to save face, ending the game with six unanswered goals.

Due to the rotations of several key players, the Lions were able to press and found success late. Despite the resurgence, David Loader offered praise to the determined home side.

“Give credit to Coburg. I thought they were really strong late,” Loader said.

“The effort that was shown early in the game [by North] was terrific. We’d spoken pre-game about how good teams respond, I thought we were able to do that.

“That was really pleasing for us as a group. When the effort is there and we can stick to our structure of play, you end up with better results.”