It was a game of two halves; North so dominant early, only to take the foot off the pedal against a depleted Essendon outfit at Etihad Stadium.
It’s been described as a “wake up call” for the Kangaroos and here’s how the media viewed the bizarre Saturday afternoon encounter.
The Herald Sun
“Restricted to its lowest halftime score in more than a century, Essendon teetered on the cusp of a monumental flogging at Etihad Stadium. Trailing by 50 points, it had been mercilessly punished by a ruthless and more efficient North Melbourne and restricted to a miserly 0.4 at halftime.” – Leo Schlink
The Twittersphere
Lauren Wood - @LaurenA_Wood
"This could get messy," @waynecarey27 declares on @triplemfooty. #AFLDonsNorth
Callum Twomey - @CalTwomey
This has all the makings of a mighty shellacking. #AFLDonsNorth
Essendon’s previous low was 0.3 against Collingwood way back in 1915.
AAP
“The Kangaroos were cruising at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, squeezing the life out of the Bombers in a record-setting first-half.”
The Twittersphere
3AW Football - @3AWisfootball
Leigh: "North aren't celebrating goals with any intensity. Their attitude is just 'let's come to win'." #AFLDonsNorth
The Age
“The Roos hadn't even been particularly "on". But this was an Essendon line-up not only weakened by the obvious, but carrying a forward set-up that at times borders on dysfunctional.” – Rohan Connolly
The Bombers had their chances and won plenty of the ball, but butchered it. Meanwhile it seemed North couldn’t put a foot wrong.
AAP
“The Kangaroos were in total control at half time, looking every inch the league leaders. Sam Gibson and Andrew Swallow were irrepressible in the midfield, while Ben Jacobs kept in-form Bomber David Zaharakis to just four touches. Majak Daw and Drew Petrie were giving lively forward-line performances and all of North's defence deserved credit for their ferocious shut-down job.”
The Age
“In the midst of all this wastefulness, North was making every half-chance count. The Roos had banged on another three goals within five minutes of the start of the second term, Ben Brown and Majak Daw both with dribbling efforts from the unlikeliest of angles and distances.” – Rohan Connolly
But as good as North’s start was, it couldn’t keep the intensity up and allowed the Bombers to storm back into the contest in a second half that took everyone by surprise.
The Age
“By the last term, North were looking like a side more than ready to put the cue in the rack. Whether they could afford to against a more capable team is debatable. Because a 14-point win against a side with one win to their name isn't necessarily one to savour.” – Rohan Connolly
The Herald Sun
“Its huge lead was steadily eroded — and might have vanished altogether if not for the Bombers’ late inaccuracy. The revival was not enough to prevent North unleashing its best start to a season since 1978 with an eighth successive win.” – Leo Schlink
The Twittersphere
Lauren Wood - @LaurenA_Wood
Essendon has been incredible this second half. A completely different outfit to the first, that's for sure. #AFLDonsNorth
While a win is a win, North has some work to do.
The Herald Sun
“North coach Brad Scott was grateful to pocket another four points, but Roos’ listless second half raised more questions than answers. In the end, it took all of North’s composure and grit to resist the charging underdogs.” – Leo Schlink
The Age
“North won't be too fussed about the tardy finish. The Roos got the job done and are still unbeaten. Essendon, though, might even be more pleased.” – Rohan Connolly
The Twittersphere
Brad McEwan - @bradmcewan10
Not quite sure who won that one. #AFLDonsNorth
In a win that “felt like a loss” according to Roos coach Brad Scott, there were few highlights. However, Sam Gibson and Brent Harvey became the first North players to amass 30 possessions in a game this season.
The Herald Sun
“Celebrating his 38th birthday, Harvey again provided plenty of spark with 31 disposals...” – Leo Schlink
Ben Jacobs could also hold his head high after another masterful shut down role.
The Twittersphere
Nick Bowen - @Nick_Bowen
David Zaharakis just 3 touches in first term. Ben Jacobs getting the job done again #AFLDonsNorth
