With its fifth win in a row, North Melbourne is on the charge.
The media was understandably critical of the team’s performance earlier in the year, but the sentiment has shifted with the Roos’ stars beginning to shine.
Lindsay Thomas was one of the brightest on the MCG when North defeated the Demons.
Herald Sun
“Thomas was back to his best as the most influential forward on the ground.
“Thomas bagged his second five-goal haul for the season, finishing with 5.2 from 16 disposals, five marks, four tackles, three inside 50s and, just as importantly, two goal assists.”
Shaun Higgins also lit up the MCG without a best on ground effort.
Herald Sun
“Don’t always subscribe to the comment that a player needs a new environment, but with Higgins, it’s proved correct. I still imagine how better the Dogs’ forward line would look with Higgins playing in the manner he is for North, but if he stayed, would that have happened? Who cares, says North. He’s had a ripper season and will be in discussion for All Australian but suspect he may miss.” – Mark Robinson
Herald Sun
“If there was an official AFL award for recruit of the year, Shaun Higgins would be the odds-on favourite to take out this year’s title.
“The 27-year-old booted two goals from an equal season-high 31 disposals, as well as five marks and 145 SuperCoach points.
“Higgins’ workrate was exemplified by his five inside 50s and five rebound 50s, proving how much ground he covered during the game.
“It’s taken 10 years and a change of clubs, but Higgins is finally injury-free, which has allowed him to showcase his immense talent and produce a career-best season.”
There’s rarely a media report about North without mention of Todd Goldstein and this week was no different. The ruckman went head-to-head with Melbourne’s Max Gawn and came out well on top.
Herald Sun
“It was one of the most highly-anticipated ruck battles of the season between the two most improved big men in the competition.
“But in the end, it was Todd Goldstein who took the honours over Max Gawn, further pressing his claim to win All-Australian honours for the first time.
“The Roos ruckman racked up remarkable numbers: 50 hit-outs, 20 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles, three clearances, three inside 50s and 155 SuperCoach points.”
The Age
“Todd Goldstein bullied Max Gawn to help North win the centre clearances by eight to one.” – Michael Gleeson
Unsung hero Ben Jacobs was also complimented for his close checking of Melbourne captain Nathan Jones.
The Age
“Ben Jacobs closed down Demons captain Nathan Jones – who admittedly did not look to move freely all day – and he did not get a kick in the first term. Jones finished with an uncharacteristically low 12 possessions for the day.” – Michael Gleeson
AAP
“With Ben Jacobs blanketing Nathan Jones, the Kangaroos kicked five of the first six goals and were up by 34 at the first break.”
With North now sitting in sixth spot, talk about finals is beginning to ramp up and even the top four.
AFL.com.au
“It seemed ludicrous to think the Roos could challenge for the top four – and therefore be in the premiership mix – after their nightmare loss to Gold Coast in round 14, but that's now the reality.
“The Kangas' early season stumbles saw many pundits write them off. However as their fixture has opened up towards the back half of the year, last year's preliminary finalists have started to rediscover their groove.
“Suddenly, Brad Scott's outfit is sixth on the ladder with a bullet after five straight wins. History says teams have to finish in the top four and earn the double chance to be genuine flag threats. Though the Roos have a tricky run home against St Kilda, Fremantle, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond, the door into fourth spot is now ajar. If they can sneak through it, anything could happen in this remarkably even season.” – Travis King
