Ben Cunnington’s dominant midfield displays, Ben Brown’s goal-kicking heroics and Todd Goldstein re-capturing his finest form; there were some excellent individual displays in 2019, and we take a look back at some of the best.
Ben Cunnington - Round 2 v Brisbane
Despite the Roos suffering a disappointing loss to the Lions in Round 2, Ben Cunnington did everything he could to drag his team across the line.
The number 10 was enormous in the midfield battle, collecting 36 disposals (22 contested), 10 clearances and kicking a goal.
Ben Cunnington – Round 6 v Port Adelaide
Cunnington continued his brilliant early season form with another massive effort in the midfield.
He notched up 35 disposals and 13 clearances in the 16-point loss to the Power.
Todd Goldstein - Round 10 v Western Bulldogs
Goldstein turned back the clock in the clash with the Bulldogs, as he dominated Tim English in the ruck battle.
The big man finished with a then equal-career-high 28 disposals, 7 marks, and a whopping 57 hit-outs.
He went on to enjoy one of the best seasons of his career.
Cam Zurhaar - Round 11 v Richmond
Zurhaar had already announced himself on the big stage with a NAB Rising Star nomination in Round 7, but his pressure and tackling in the Round 11 win over the Tigers cemented his status as the Roos’ new cult hero.
Cam "The Bull" Zurhaar was on a rampage on Friday night! #North150 pic.twitter.com/0iPqeOx9tA
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) June 5, 2019
The youngster finished with 11 tackles as North enjoyed a big win over the eventual Grand Finalists
Jack Ziebell - Round 12 v Gold Coast
In his 200th career game, the skipper didn’t disappoint, inspiring his team to a win at Metricon Stadium.
Ziebell finished with 28 disposals, 10 tackles and 2 goals as the Roos made it three wins in a row.
Ben Cunnington - Round 15 v Collingwood
Cunnington was at his dominant best against the star-studded Collingwood midfield, as North kept the Magpies to their lowest score since 1995.
He tallied 37 disposals at 86.5 per cent efficiency, and won 7 clearances.
Ben Cunnington's broken tackle montage from the Collingwood game is, as expected, extremely NSFW pic.twitter.com/tuQyTd5d5x
— Ethan (@ethan_meldrum) July 2, 2019
Jack Ziebell - Round 15 v Collingwood
The number 7 was instrumental in the win over Collingwood, showcasing his ability to be damaging around the ground.
Ziebell finished with 25 disposals, 7 clearances and 3 goals.
Jy Simpkin – Round 16 v St Kilda
Simpkin hit a purple patch of form midway through the season, including arguably the best game of his career against the Saints.
The 21-year-old starred for the Roos, collecting 36 disposals and kicking a goal in the big win.
Ben Brown – Round 17 v Essendon
Brown was brilliant in the heartbreaking loss to Essendon, dominating in the forward line.
The number 50 took a game-high 12 marks, and kicked 6 goals.
Ben Brown - Round 22 v Port Adelaide
Brown was simply unstoppable against the Power in Round 22, kicking a career-high 10 goals.
He was the first Roo to kick 10 majors since Wayne Carey in 1999, and his feats propelled him to the top of the Coleman Medal standings, before being pipped to the award by Jeremy Cameron in the final Round.
Todd Goldstein - Round 22 v Port Adelaide
There were many strong performances in the big win over Port, but Goldstein’s outing was arguably the best.
The veteran ruckman put together one of the standout performances of his career, recording 34 disposals (19 contested), 28 hit-outs and a goal, helping North to its biggest win of the season.
Shaun Higgins - Round 23 v Melbourne
In what was largely a scrappy game, Higgins showed why he is one of the game’s best midfielders with his polished display.
Higgins recorded 34 disposals at 88.2 per cent efficiency, and kicked 2 goals, including the match-winner in the dying moments.
