It was a point both coaches agreed on, and it was where the game turned.

“We got some ascendancy around the contest in the third quarter. Our pressure went to another level.” – Brad Scott

“We lost a bit of control around the contest and from there they (the Kangaroos) were able to start getting the ball in their half and got a bit of a run-on.” – Don Pyke

The game seemed to be stuck at around the two to three goal margin during the early stages of the third term, despite North Melbourne’s best efforts.

But then it was that talked-about pressure which went up. Combined with a Boomer burst, North's deficit was reduced to just one behind with a quarter to go.

From that point, the difference in the contested possession was vast. In the last quarter and a half, North was +17. Before then, it was -8.

The burning questions

In NMFC.com.au’s Definitive Preview, we listed three key talking points to track during the game.

1. How will the Kangaroos midfield setup without Jacobs, and how effective will it be?
For the most part, it was a straight head-to-head battle through the centre of the ground. The clearance battle was largely even throughout the whole night, while the general contest went the way of Adelaide in the first half, and North in the second.

With Brisbane next up, Jacobs could be recalled for the trip to the Gabba considering the quality of the Lions' midfielders.

2. North’s small forwards are capable of creating havoc but will they create enough turnovers to influence the game?
For North fans, memories of last year’s season opener against Adelaide – whatever of them still remain – would most likely be of the Crows able to go from one end of the ground to the other too easily.

In 2015 nine of the Crows' goals started from the defensive half. On Saturday night that was reduced to just five.

3. Can North restrict Adelaide’s forward line in what shapes to be an open encounter?
For much of the night, it was one man who terrorised the Roos defenders; Josh Jenkins kicked five goals, however his fifth was the catalyst for the game changing.

His last goal put the Crows 19 points up, 13 minutes into the third term. From there, he had just one handball and three hit-outs as the North backline was able to clamp down on his influence.

Not coincidentally, the Roos kicked seven goals to two the rest of the way and went home with the victory.