Last week: A stunning defeat to Collingwood in what was being labelled as one of the upsets of the season
Reeling after its heavy loss to the Magpies, the Kangaroos had a quick chance to turn their fortunes around.
A six-day break brought their next clash at the MCG, this one against St Kilda under the Friday night lights.
The Saints were battling to keep their finals chances alive. That, combined with North’s loss the previous week, meant predictions of a close encounter.
“Which North Melbourne will we see this week? North has rebounded well from its previous three losses this season. It’s North – in a close one!” – Geoff Poulter, Herald Sun
“North should return to form after losing to Collingwood last week. The loss of top spot should shake them out of their complacency. Alves believes it is still possible for the Saints to make the eight, but this game is their last chance.” – Stephen Cauchi – The Age
Those predictions were blown away in a North Melbourne burst at the G. After an even start, there was simply no stopping the Roos.
The Saints kicked three of the first five goals. They would only kick one of the last 16 as Wayne Carey and Corey McKernan put on a show.
Carey finished with a staggering 5.6, outscoring St Kilda by himself. McKernan had 28 disposals, eight marks and three goals and would poll another three votes in the Brownlow Medal for his performance.
“Corey McKernan and Wayne Carey looked and played like gold medallists. The only purpose of the second half was to establish a winning margin. Carey kicked 5.6 to personally outscore St Kilda, and McKernan was taken from the ground in the last quarter to save him from RSI.” – Greg Baum, The Age
An interesting note from the game, one which was being repeated more and more often as the weeks rolled on, was how North was setting up its forward line.
“Like ice hockey or soccer players, they retreated in numbers when St Kilda gained possession, squeezing the traditional positional lines together into two-thirds of the ground between centre half forward and full back.
“When North pushed forward into the largely vacant forward zone of its own making, which often meant a North player had only to beat his opponent, and not someone else’s as well, to create a scoring opportunity, the lumbering Vidovic was unable to keep up with McKernan, who repeatedly dashed ahead to enjoy precious seconds unattended in attack.” – Stephen Rielly, The Age
Pagan’s Paddock was beginning to take effect.
Next week: A clash against Melbourne at the MCG would bring one of the all-time great individual performances
Round 16 v St Kilda
North Melbourne: 3.5.23, 10.8.68, 12.13.85, 17.16.118
St Kilda: 3.1.19, 4.2.26, 4.5.29, 4.5.29
NMFC changes
In: Crocker, A Stevens, M Stevens
Out: Daniltchenko, Lissenden, Smith
Goals
North Melbourne: Carey 5, McKernan 3, Crocker 2, Sholl 2, Armstrong 1, Laidley 1, Rock 1, Simpson 1, M Stevens 1
St Kilda: Bardsley 1, Beveridge 1, Daniels 1, Smith 1
Brownlow Medal
3 – Corey McKernan (North Melbourne), 2 – Wayne Carey (North Melbourne), 1 – Craig Sholl (North Melbourne)
