The papers and websites were full of Brent Harvey facts, figures, commentary and celebration after he broke the VFL/AFL games record.

But after taking Boomer out of the equation, there was still plenty more to talk about with North all but sealing a finals berth with a win over St Kilda.

In a scrappy affair, North was able to maintain control of the match with its midfield holding sway.

The Age

“What wasn't reflected on the scoreboard, though, was the Roos' superiority in the harder aspects, North ahead 10-2 on the clearance count at the first change, and leading the tackle tally 19-7.” – Rohan Connolly

But it wasn’t all positive with both sides needing to address some issues ahead of the next round.

The Age

“…it seemed neither team could hit the side of a barn, leads not honoured, overshot, long high haphazard delivering to each respective forward 50 the order of the day. The misses started mounting up, Josh Bruce off-target for the Saints, Jed Anderson running into an open goal and putting it well wide for North. Skipper Andrew Swallow missed, and, given a second chance, kicked into the man on the mark.” – Rohan Connolly

Drew Petrie silenced his doubters with a stunning return to form.

The Herald Sun

“Thank goodness for Drew Petrie. Petrie famously kicked six goals in a first-quarter burst in Glenn Archer’s 300th game and last night he again delivered on a special night for a mate. With the game stuck on that error-riddled seesaw, Petrie launched over a pack of three Saints to pull down a monster mark in the third quarter. The refreshed veteran slammed through his first goal and then added another at the start of the final quarter to surely slam the door shut on the Saints’ season.” – Sam Landsberger

The Age

“But any lingering hopes were extinguished within 18 seconds of the start of the final term, and again it was the old warhorse Petrie providing the spark, picking up cleanly, executing a lovely little sidestep, then snapping over his shoulder.” – Rohan Connolly

AFL.com.au

“North came out the stronger side after the main break and kicked away, largely thanks to Drew Petrie up forward, who stood up in the absence of Jarrad Waite. His form has been questioned and there were doubts on his fitness after he wore a guard on his left wrist at training on Monday, but a brilliant speccy showed there's life in Petrie's legs yet. Petrie climbed on top of teammate Ben Brown's shoulders, which is no mean feat considering Brown stands at 200cm. Petrie's resulting goal put his side up 22 points midway through the third quarter, an important buffer in what had been a low-scoring contest. With questions over Waite's health, Petrie needs to keep playing well if he wants his side to go deep into the finals series for a third successive season. A great snapped goal after a spin move to begin the last quarter all-but sealed the result.” - Dinny Navaratnam

Harvey’s night ending on the right note thanks to some inspired individual efforts.

AAP

“But while every sign and banner bore Harvey's name and face, it was his team-mates who really shone in a critical win in the fight for finals. Big forwards Ben Brown (three goals), Drew Petrie and Jarrad Waite (two goals) did the damage up forward while Jamie Macmillan racked up 31 disposals.”

The Herald Sun

“It was contributions from the old and the young who helped to make Saturday night special for Boomer. Petrie was mighty as a key forward — his goal at the start of the final quarter was the game killer — and plenty of commentators have to admit they were wrong about his demise. Dumont might’ve been the most influential player on the ground. He had Jack Steven for 70 minutes and kept St Kilda’s match-winner to 15 disposals and one clearance.” – Mark Robinson

“For the Roos, Todd Goldstein rewound the clock to the first nine rounds a week after declaring he does not need a rest.” – Sam Landsberger

The Age

“Finally, the Roos could relax, Thomas and Brown cashing in for their efforts, the latter a dangerous target all night, Petrie continuing his revival begun last week against Collingwood, and Jamie Macmillan playing one of his best games for the Roos out of defence.” – Rohan Connolly