Although the 2015 season is only three rounds in, Saturday night’s clash against Port Adelaide has been hailed as an early contender for match of the year.
Initially it seemed that North Melbourne wouldn’t have the legs to run out the game strongly, with an unbelievable pace at the beginning resulting in players leaving the field left, right and centre.
AFL.com.au
“The opening term was played an incredible rate, with plenty of physicality. That made for a busy start to the evening for the club medicos, particularly the Kangaroos' contingent. Jack Ziebell headlined a number of injury concerns for the first quarter, being taken to hospital for chest scans after a heavy knock midway through the opening term in a marking contest with Ollie Wines.
“Then his teammate Sam Wright was on the end of a big clash with Alipate Carlile and needed treatment in the changerooms, while Todd Goldstein was out there with a sore finger.” – Callum Twomey
AAP
“Substitute Ben Jacobs entered the fray in the first term, ensuring the visitors would have the advantage when it came to fresh legs.
“The attrition had looked to be taking its toll late in the first half, when Port piled on three goals in the space of four minutes to grab a 20-point lead at the major break.
“The Kangaroos' desperation was magnificent, especially given the frenzied pressure dished up by the Power.”
Playing his second game for the season, Ben Brown emerged as North’s most dangerous key forward on the evening.
Matched up by Jackson Trengove, the Tasmanian kicked three goals for the second consecutive match and earned praise for his efforts.
Herald Sun
“With Drew Petrie and Jarrad Waite well held early, Brown emerged as the main scoring threat with two early goals, after missing the Roos’ Round 1 thrashing from Adelaide.
“Another VFL convert, Sam Gibson also continued his growth as a major midfield driver, with 20 first half possessions and one goal.” - Jay Clark
“Brown was the understudy last Sunday with the best vantage point in the house to witness Waite’s magnificent seven.
“He had to assume the role as the centrepoint of the tall targets this time despite playing just his 13th game. And he admirably shouldered that responsibility with a conversion rate that kept his Roos in touch.
“It emphasised that Brown is an integral part of the future.” – Bruce Matthews
Despite the disappointing result from a North perspective, the game was looked back on positively by the neutrals.
The Age
“Supporter engagement has been a consistent message coming out of AFL headquarters this football year.
“But if the league is serious about getting more people through the gates, it should save money on flashing neon signs, hovercrafts and parades, and simply play Saturday night's North Melbourne-Port Adelaide match on an endless loop.
“If we end up with a handful of better games this season than the thriller at Etihad Stadium, we'll be lucky indeed. It had everything, as much physicality as you'd find in a final, yet at the same time never an overly defensive slog.
“It was a lesson in how football should be played.” – Rohan Connolly
