North continues to prove the doubters wrong and a big win under Friday night lights against the then second-placed Bulldogs won even more critics over.
The dour struggle at Etihad enthralled the 47,622 strong crowd with the Roos taking the four points to remain the only undefeated side in the AFL after six rounds.
Here’s how the media saw North’s performance.
The Twittersphere
Nick Bowen - @Nick_Bowen
One of the best defensive efforts @NMFCOfficial has produced under Brad Scott. #AFLNorthDogs
Peter Siddle - @petersiddle403
No better way to wake up overseas then to watch the @NMFCOfficial boys get up! #NMFC #YearOfTheRoo
The Herald Sun
“North was able to shut down the slingshot run of the Bulldogs, with the 16-point win coming off the back of a strong midfield, a superb defensive effort and the importance of power-marking forwards. Importantly, the Kangaroos produced a smart brand of football, displaying a versatility that some have questioned, and further stamping themselves as premiership contenders after making back-to-back preliminary finals.” – Glenn McFarlane
The Age
“There's not a lot more the Roos can do to prove they should be rated at least the equal of their rivals in the flag stakes. Except maybe win one.” - Rohan Connolly
Daniel Wells continued his incredible return to football and was on everyone’s lips after a scintillating start.
AAP
“Daniel Wells started like a house on fire and finished with 27 possessions.”
The Age
“Daniel Wells was North's best with 27 touches,but they were oh, so creamy,.” – Greg Baum
The Herald Sun
“Daniel Wells set the scene with a blistering first term of 13 touches, creating and cutting holes through the Dogs’ midfield, and he finished the match with 27 disposals, five clearances and four inside 50s.” – Glenn McFarlane
Jarrad Waite though was the difference with his brilliant contested marking and goal scoring ability. Many say he’s in career-best form.
The Herald Sun
“Jarrad Waite continued his outstanding form this season, with four of his team’s nine goals. He displaced Wells from the best afield honours with his outstanding aerial work in attack. He was the only multiple goalkicker of the game, and his telling marks inside 50m proved the difference between the two sides. He combined well with Drew Petrie, who got better as the game went on, and Ben Brown, who worked hard, as the Roos’ big men put the restructured Dogs’ defence under constant pressure.” – Glenn McFarlane
“Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell were also terrific, but it was Waite’s four goals that proved the difference — popping up time after time when his team needed him most.” – Staff Writers
The Twittersphere
Sam Landsberger - @SamLandsberger
Blues probably should have got a compensation pick for Waite ... #AFLNorthDogs
Triple M Footy - @triplemfooty
.@Browndogg_30x has just backed up his view that Jarrad Waite is the #1 player in the AFL right now... WITH STATS! Thoughts?
Martin Pakula - @MartinPakulaMP
Watching Jarrad Waite play makes me want to cry (when I'm not laughing). No compo indeed!
Scott Thompson also wound back the clock and played the best game of his season so far.
The Age
“Scott Thompson was the towering figure in the game.” – Greg Baum
“Their back six held together brilliantly, Scott Thompson playing one of his finest games, and well supported by the likes of Robbie Tarrant, Jamie Macmillan and Luke McDonald.” – Rohan Connolly
The Herald Sun
“Scott Thompson was the rock in defence. He clearly had the better of the dangerous but ineffectual Jake Stringer, having 26 touches as well as a game-high nine marks.” - Glenn McFarlane
One player that deserved a heap of credit was Andrew Swallow.
The Herald Sun
“The most underated captain in the competition … people will talk of Daniel Wells’ run and Jarrad Waite’s marking and goals, but Swallow’s contest work was pivotal.” – Mark Robinson
In the wash up following the 16-point win, there was plenty more talk about North’s chances. Leigh Matthews coming under fire for suggesting the Roos were unproven at the MCG.
The Age
“AFL Legend and respected commentator Leigh Matthews contended on Sunday, meanwhile, that North Melbourne hadn't proved themselves on the MCG. Which they haven't in 2016. They have, however, won five of their last six games there, three of them finals, no less. You certainly don't get the feeling the grand final venue has Brad Scott and co racked with anxiety.” – Rohan Connolly
The Herald Sun
“North Melbourne officials were taken aback when Matthews wondered if the Kangaroos might find the MCG testing later in the year. They might, but their previous outings there suggest their game style stacks up.” – Mark Robinson
Meanwhile former Roo David King said he expects North to be seriously challenged later in the season.
SEN
“I think when everyone looked at the draw for the first eight to ten rounds, it had opportunity written all over it for the Kangaroos and they’ve cashed in. They’ve banked these wins, which is a critical part to setting up the season, but their challenges will come from about rounds nine to 14, where it gets pretty tough for them.”
