A tight, fiery contest at Etihad Stadium had all the media talking.
After North Melbourne’s heavy loss to Hawthorn in the last meeting, the intent was there from the Roos to bounce back.
It only took a handful of plays for everyone to see what the night would be like.
Herald Sun
“A spark was always going to make this game combustible, and acting Kangaroos captain Jack Ziebell provided it within the first three minutes.” – Glenn McFarlane
Ziebell provided that spark for what would be a dominant North first quarter.
AFL.com.au
“He was in everything early, leading the way with his aggression and driving home a team-lifting 50m bomb as North dominated the opening exchanges.” – Travis King
Then the theme of general play started to emerge. For all North’s dominance, it couldn’t grab a decisive lead on the scoreboard.
The Age
“The Roos dominated the inside-50 count 20-8 and clearances 12-7 and, for about 15 minutes heading into quarter-time, spent about 70 per cent of the time with the ball. But they squandered opportunities in front of goal.” – Jon Pierik
At half time North’s lead was two points, but it had kicked 4.11 to Hawthorn’s 5.3.
AFL.com.au
“Spotfires flared across the ground during the first half, with every disposal hard-earned under intense physical pressure.” – Travis King
The Hawks had the better of the scoreboard in the third term, kicking five goals to three.
But there were enough signs to suggest North was still right in the match.
The Age
“Another advantage they did have was aerially up forward, where Petrie and Brown stretched James Frawley and Josh Gibson.” – Jon Pierik
Not only did Petrie and Brown seem to have the advantage over their opponents, but another Roo forward had arguably a breakout game for the club.
AFL.com.au
“Mason Wood saw his chance to establish himself in the Roos' attack. The 22-year-old, in his 14th senior game for the club, went on to produce his most complete AFL game to date. Across half-forward the athletic Roo jumped for his grabs, weighted passes nicely to teammates, and late in the third term showed all of his tricks with a flying mark in the goalsquare, which he converted for a major.” – Callum Twomey
Wood’s late goal in the final term brought the margin back to within a goal, and there was still hope for North.
But it was Paul Puopolo who stood up for Hawthorn. Ultimately the difference between the two sides was simple.
Herald Sun
“Hawthorn couldn’t miss when it mattered; North Melbourne couldn’t convert when it simply had to; and that proved the difference in a fiery and sometimes spiteful encounter at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.” – Glenn McFarlane
