If ever there was a definition of ‘a tale of two halves’ to describe a match, North’s victory over Essendon would be Exhibit A.

With a much taller line-up than normal, the question was whether the Roos were going to be able to apply the pressure that has propelled them to a 7-0 start.

Because Essendon’s game has a heavy reliance on uncontested marks – the highest figure in the AFL – it was crucial to stop the Bombers from controlling the tempo.

And in the first two quarters, the signs were excellent. North was able to dominate the ball and then harass the Bombers when they weren’t in possession.

The scoreboard at half time made for pretty reading with a 50-point lead and the Bombers goalless. In a sign of how North had been able to play the game on its own terms, it had:

- 39 more possessions
- 25 more uncontested possessions
- 19 more marks
- 7 more tackles
- 4 more clearances

But it all changed to start the second half. The loss of Mason Wood due to concussion was a hindrance, leaving North one short on the bench and missing a player whose running is a strength.

Essendon was then able to start dictating the tempo of the match. The Bombers upped their uncontested numbers, meaning the Roos were on the defensive for longer and longer periods.

Although North was able to hold on for the 14-point victory, the second half stats read almost as a complete opposite of the first. North had:

- 48 fewer possessions
- 43 fewer uncontested possessions
- 18 fewer marks

The structure of the team will be a hot topic heading into Saturday night’s match against Carlton, with Brad Scott hinting in his post-match media conference the Roos could change things up.

“We were a bit top-heavy today, but we were comfortable with that, comfortable that the players we brought in could pressure well enough,” he said.

“But probably at ground level, we were a bit under-represented there today.”

Stats leaders

Sam Gibson equalled his career-high in disposals (36) while setting a new high point with 15 marks. He became the first Roo to have more than 30 disposals in a game this season.

It didn’t stop there for the midfielder. Gibson also led the side in inside 50’s (seven) and rebound 50’s (five).