While it took a team effort to bring home the four points from the GABBA on Saturday, much of the hype has been about Jarrad Waite’s scintillating start to the year.
The key-forward played one of the best games of his career against the Lions and booted his 300th career goal early in the game.
The Herald Sun
“Could be in the best form of his career. Swayed the game against the Crows with three goals, seven marks and 20 disposals. Followed up with a best on ground against Brisbane. His contribution as a key forward was staggering.” – Mark Robinson
AFL.com.au
“The difference in this one was Jarrad Waite. The former Blue looked a class above for much of the match…” – Andrew Lowther
Waite finished with 23 possessions (13 contested), six marks, five tackles and five goals and in doing so, recorded back-to-back 20-plus disposal games for the first time since 2009.
The Age
“Against the Brisbane Lions, he turned in a wonderfully complete performance, running tirelessly, presenting constantly, and five goals was a well-deserved reward.” – Andrew Stafford.
But Waite wasn’t the only veteran to carry his Round 1 form into the second week of the home and away season.
The Age
“It was particularly pleasing to see Daniel Wells back at his creative best. Brent Harvey, 412 games and counting, would still walk into any team in the competition and Nick Dal Santo (in his 303rd) kicked two third-quarter goals that all but put the Lions away.” – Andrew Stafford
The Twittersphere
“How good is it to see Daniel Wells injury-free & in full flight? Such a smooth mover & has great composure even in traffic #afllionsnorth.” – Tristan Foenander (AFL Live Radio)
AFL.com.au
“For North fans, it will be the display of Daniel Wells; after a solid outing against Adelaide last week, the 31-year-old looked as smooth and assured as ever and with a little luck will play a central role in the Roos going a step or two further than last season.” – Andrew Lowther
While North secured a 34-point win, it was far from convincing with some wayward kicking cause for concern. The Roos booted 17 goal 15 behinds, while the Lions scored 11 goals 17.
The Courier Mail
“North Melbourne re-asserted their authority through Dal Santo again but caught Brisbane’s goalkicking yips and started to spray shots in front of the sticks. The Kangaroos straightened themselves up and kicked away again through Jack Ziebell and Waite to surge away to 37-point lead at the last change.” – Greg Davis
The Age
“The Kangaroos weren't exactly slick themselves, but they were more than good enough to take advantage of the plethora of opportunities their opponents handed them. And alongside the ageing Waite and Drew Petrie, Ben Brown, who kicked three, continues to develop into a forward to be reckoned with.” – Andrew Stafford
Just like Round 1, North’s pressure caused plenty of turnovers.
The Courier Mail
“Brisbane’s ham-fisted attempt at run-and-gun football backfired far too often as they either turned the ball over on a silver platter for the Kangas or missed gettable shots at goal. The Lions were robust early but there were no excuses for the series of schoolboy errors littered throughout the match – especially in the second term when North Melbourne took hold.” - Greg Davis
A late inclusion, Ben Jacobs blanketed Daniel Rich and picked up where he left off in 2015.
AFL.com.au
“Fresh off a first-round performance of 23 possessions and two goals against West Coast in Perth, Rich was smothered throughout by Jacobs, including just two touches to half-time and a measly seven for the match; the lowest of Rich's career.” – Andrew Lowther
