The theme of Sunday afternoon at Domain Stadium was efficiency.

North Melbourne was the better side during the first quarter against West Coast, with a significant edge in general play.

With almost two-thirds of the play in the visitors’ forward half, it translated to a 14-5 inside 50 advantage.

But for all the work, the result on the scoreboard at quarter time was a seven-point deficit.

Down the other end the Eagles had scored five times from their five entries; key-forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling combining for their three goals.

Brad Scott’s post-match comments indicated that his side wasn’t scoring well enough from its supply, a comment best illustrated by how North struggled to retain possession when it did go inside 50 during the first term.

After North had its momentum during the first term, the second quarter was largely an even affair. With only a couple of minutes until half-time, the margin was just six points and both sides had kicked four goals.

However, two late Eagles goals deep in time-on proved decisive. What made them even more frustrating for North is that it has generally been very good at defending late in quarters.

Heading into Round 16, only three sides had conceded fewer points than the Kangaroos in time-on of quarters this season. But in Perth, six of the 16 goals conceded were in this time period, an anomaly compared to the season as a whole.

After struggling to defend in the first term, North improved significantly in that regard in the third term, but was then unable to win enough of the ball to rebound.

Almost pinned exclusively in its defensive 50 for the first 20 minutes of the third term, North conceded only three goals, but rarely went inside 50.

It blew the margin out to 39 points and despite fighting the match out gamely with two short on the bench, the bridge was too far for the Roos.

Stats leaders

Disposals: 29 – Sam Gibson
Goals: 4 – Ben Brown
Tackles: 12 – Jack Ziebell
Rebound 50’s: 5 – Robbie Tarrant
Clearances: 8 – Ben Cunnington, Trent Dumont