With a home final locked away after a brilliant win in Hobart, North Melbourne’s stocks rose significantly. The Roos battled the Crows to the wire without the likes of Brent Harvey, Lachlan Hansen and Daniel Wells in the side.

That fact wasn’t lost on the media.

Jay Clark – Herald Sun
“Without three of their best players, the Kangaroos ensured five clubs, including Richmond and Collingwood, can still secure the last finals berth as the AFL season reaches a thrilling climax next weekend.”

Peter Hanlon – The Age
“Brad Scott says suspended duo Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells weren't mentioned at North Melbourne in a week that preceded a "superb" showing by his club's leadership group in a win over Adelaide that sealed a home preliminary final and took the Crows' finals hopes out of their hands.”

Jack Ziebell and captain Andrew Swallow lauded for their match-winning efforts.

Mark Robinson – Herald Sun
“Been waiting a long time to write those two names and after Saturday it’s absolutely appropriate. Swallow’s final 10 minutes were the best of his career.

“Swallow had influence at six of the last eight stoppages as North won by seven points. Swallow was huge and Ziebell was probably the match-winner. Rested forward he had nine shots at goal for 4.5 to go with 25 disposals.”

Peter Hanlon – The Age
“Power forwards and clever goalsneaks dot the front half for the Roos and Crows, but for more than a half none could make the sort of impact that would break the game open. Little wonder then that, having hit upon a potent target almost by accident when Ziebell went forward for a rest, Scott did everything to keep him there.

“Ziebell's threat was the impetus for Scott subbing local hero Ben Brown, who the coach said was stiff, but someone had to go in the restructure.”

Adam Smith – The Mercury
“Fittingly it was hard-as-nails on-baller Jack Ziebell — who for so long has been the man entrusted to take the mantle from Harvey as the side’s No. 1 player — who ­answered the call.

“Ziebell spent the second half camped inside the forward 50 and dominated his match-up with Luke Thompson, kicking 4.5 from 25 possessions and eight marks, four of which were contested, to carry his side to a memorable seven-point win in front of 10,702 fans.”

North’s play in several key areas also highlighted.

Peter Hanlon – The Age
“The Roos' dominance of the uncontested possession and handball receives columns wasn't lost on Sanderson, who bemoaned a lack of speed and dynamism on the outside.

“The pressure was finals-like, and both real and perceived, the effect either asphyxiating or causing jitters;  Kayne Turner and Drew Petrie were beneficiaries of first-half blunders by foot from Ben Rutten and Luke Brown from deep in defence.”