It was a riveting game at Blundstone Arena and one that North used to silence the critics - or one critic in particular – over appalling claims of tanking during the week.

Despite cold and blustery conditions, and the fact the Roos were 17th on the ladder, they held on to beat the finals-bound Demons yet again.

The Age

“Well if North were tanking in this one, they were doing a terrible job of it. They prevailed after a rousing effort to come from behind in the final quarter while kicking into the breeze, putting to bed those conspiracy theories as well as memories of five losses by less than a goal earlier this season.” – Daniel Cherney

The Mercury

“The courageous Kangaroos blew that theory out of the water when they held on by their fingernails to beat Melbourne in a four-point thriller in Hobart … The Kangas had lost plenty by single digits this season but they found a way to win this one and in doing so, extend their winning streak over Melbourne to 17 on the trot.” – James Bresnehan

The Herald Sun

“The argument a team is tanking — and where did it start anyway? — is lost somewhat when the so-called tanking team beats a finals team the next week. North Melbourne coach Brad Scot held his tongue, saying actions would speak louder than words. They did. That’s twice they’ve beaten Melbourne this year and even though they beat Adelaide this year in Hobart, you’d argue this was their best win this season. Clearly, there’s no cue in the rack at North Melbourne. The next bit of encouraging news will be a contact extension for the coach.” - Mark Robinson

The game had its heroes, like Ben Brown throughout the afternoon as well as Jack Ziebell and the in-form Shaun Higgins.

The Herald Sun

“Jack Ziebell was clipped two weeks ago when he had just 16 disposals against Port Adelaide and then we find out he was carrying injuries and was rested for the next round. He returned on Saturday and was inspiring for North Melbourne. What separates good players from great players is standing up when required. Ziebell’s final quarter was the foundation for the victory. He had game-highs in ranking points (57), disposals (11) clearances (11) and metres gained (261m).” – Mark Robinson

The Mercury

“Big Ben Brown fought a two-on-one battle most of the day for his four goals plus goal-assists to Higgins and Luke McDonald … The man who gave North its backbone was ultimate fighter Shaun Higgins, whose work rate was unsurpassed in amassing 28 disposals, five marks, 11 contested possessions, four centre clearances and seven inside 50s … Higgins had plenty of sidekicks, like former skipper Andrew Swallow (27 disposals), the only man remaining from the last time North Melbourne lost to Melbourne — round 20, 2006.” – James Brenehan

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The Herald Sun

“They need stars but maybe Brown, the boy with a run-up longer than Brett Lee, is that player. His improvement graph is rapid and his physical attributes are very similar to Joe Daniher.” – Jon Anderson

With the Dees surging late in the game, the Roos needed to stand tall and hold onto their tiny lead and the likes of Jy Simpkin, Scott Thompson and Majak Daw answered the call.

The Age

“The Roos however won enough crucial late contests, with Simpkin, Ben Cunnington, Daw and Higgins all coming to the fore when needed.” – Daniel Cherney

The Mercury

“North Melbourne’s heroics then stepped up a notch, particularly a desperate lunge to spoil a mark by Scott Thompson followed a towering Majak Daw intercept mark on the defensive 50 with 1m45s on the clock.” – James Bresnehan

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