The following editorial piece was published in The Hobart Mercury following North's win over West Coast on Sunday.

Sunday's remarkable victory to the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena was the type of performance that will endear this suburban Melbourne club to the Tasmanian public.

There is a certain synergy of DNA between North and Tasmania that complements their association with the island state.

The Roos have forever been the poor cousins of the Melbourne scene, living in the shadow of historically more powerful and wealthy clubs such as Collingwood, Carlton, Richmond and Essendon.

This assumed underdog status has helped the club forge a reputation for gutsy, spirited and courageous play when the chips are down. It is known to Roos fans as the shinboners’ spirit.

North’s performance in Tasmania at the weekend was typical of this backs-against-the-wall determination. Holding a slender lead at three-quarter time, North faced the all-conquering West Coast Eagles that had been blessed with a five-goal gale at their backs. It was almost an impossible ask.

Few watching the game held much faith that the Kangaroos could get the job done.

However, despite the odds being stacked against them, the Roos persevered and held on to win in triumphant fashion. Pure spirit. Pure grit. Pure commitment.

Tasmania as a state has suffered from a similar underdog status throughout its recent history.

Looked down on by some interstaters, our island is often underestimated, undervalued and at times completely forgotten in a national sense.

This is as infuriating as it is immensely powerful in motivating a serious and palpable sense of independence, confidence and self-reliance in the island population – three of the most critical aspects in the success of any team.

The poor cousin status has forged a fierce spirit of bravery, innovation and determination that can be seen in the glint of the eye of Tasmanian sports men and women, artists, writers, business men and women, and community leaders.

Some interstaters dismiss brilliant performances by Tasmanians on national and global stages all too readily, and a touch patronisingly, as punching above our weight.

The fit with Tasmania and the Kangaroos is a snug one that has potential to grow and develop.

It is critical that the club taps into the grassroots support that is developing for it in Tasmania. It is vital that this spirit is nurtured.