With several players given the week off to prepare for this year’s finals series, the focus was on North’s younger brigade on Friday night.
And there was plenty to like about the pressure and performance, pleasing coach Brad Scott and the media alike.
It was a first half in particular that impressed, despite the absence of some of North’s most senior players after the Roos had already secured their place in the finals.
AFL.com.au
“What the Roos lacked in experience, they made up for in endeavour. With Daw leading the way in the ruck in Todd Goldstein's absence, North lead for all bar a few minutes in the first half, taking a thoroughly deserved 10-point lead into half-time.” – Nick Bowen
The Age
“For more than a hour, North Lite was out-playing Full-strength Richmond, and the team that didn't care about winning was beating the team that had plenty riding on the result.
“If North had little to play for, this did not apply to a number of players, whose desire to impress was apparent.” – Jake Niall
AAP
“Perhaps stung by the negative commentary around their controversial selection moves, the Kangaroos were ferocious at the contest early and the Tigers looked flat by comparison.”
Herald Sun
“North Melbourne had simply unnerved Richmond players with the attack on the ball and the ball-carrier, as evidenced by the lopsided 42-23 tackle count at halftime.” – Bruce Matthews
With the way the results panned out in Round 23, another match-up with the Tigers looms large in a blockbuster elimination final at the MCG.
There are plenty of mixed views on how that match will play out.
AFL.com.au
“North will obviously have a completely different look (on Sunday), with all nine of its rested players – Shaun Higgins, Nick Dal Santo, Todd Goldstein, Jarrad Waite, Andrew Swallow, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito, Ben Cunnington and Sam Wright – likely to play. Will the Roos' fresh legs help them rebound from Friday night's loss and knock the Tigers out of the finals in week one for the third straight year? We'll find out next weekend.” – Nick Bowen
The Age
”You could say that quite a few of Richmond's senior players waited until half-time before appearing. Once (Dustin) Martin and co arrived, the match was over.
"(When) these teams meet again at the MCG next weekend, we'll see a completely different North, and, presumably, a Richmond that is revved from the outset.” – Jake Niall
The performance of young gun Kayne Turner in particular drew plenty of praise, and despite a heavy knock in the final quarter, the 19-year-old will be given every chance to prove his fitness this week.
Herald Sun
“Turner’s night peaked when he roved a marking contest at full speed and snapped a goal off three steps shortly after halftime. He was the shining light of Round 23, finishing with three goals and five tackles as the Kangaroos tried to soften up a full-strength Richmond.” – Sam Landsberger
The Age
“Of the replacements who might have earned the chance to keep their spot for the real thing, youngster Kayne Turner seems the most likely after a spirited three-goal performance on Friday night.” – Matt Murnane
With a nine day break, giving both Richmond and North players will have plenty of time to recover – and the media plenty of time to speculate – Sunday is set to be a memorable affair at the MCG.
The Age
“The pros of giving key players an extended break measured against the cons of potentially losing momentum and gifting your opposition the confidence of beating you just a week before such a high-stakes match will be the main storyline out of this match.” – Matt Murnane
North Melbourne will hold an open training session this Saturday (September 12, 2015) at Arden Street from 11.15am-12.00pm.
