Despite North’s loss to Richmond on Sunday afternoon, the home side still drew plenty of plaudits and admiration from some of the game’s most respected voices.
It was midfielder Ben Cunnington who had everyone talking, with his record-breaking performance a clear highlight.
AFL.com.au
“The admittance price was almost worth it just to witness a game for the ages from North midfielder Ben Cunnington, whose 32 contested possessions (he had 38 possessions overall) was an all-time League record.
“The 26-year-old is enjoying a fantastic season and is surely in All Australian contention.” - Ashley Browne
Herald Sun
“The best handballer in the game continues to win plaudits, as does his team despite Sunday’s loss.
“He is a beauty with ball in hands, all skill and poise and he compliments it with smartness and courage at the contest.” - Mark Robinson
The Age
“Cunnington was unstoppable in the midfield from start to finish, with his tally bettering the previous record set by Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield and Sydney's Josh Kennedy, who had both previously amassed 29 contested possessions in games.” - Anthony Colangelo
Herald Sun
“Cunnington was easily best on ground at half-time with 20 touches, which included 16 contested possessions and seven clearances.” - Scott Gullan
AFL.com.au
“There are few better players at the coalface than Ben Cunnington.
“The gun North midfielder probably doesn't receive the praise or acclaim that he deserves but is the most consistent of Kangaroos and starts things every week for his side in the midfield.
“There isn't anything flashy about the 26-year-old but he has some of the quickest and cleanest hands in the game, meaning he is able to pick the ball up, shoot it off and hit a target with a minimum of fuss, over and over again.” - Callum Twomey
Fox Sports
“The 26-year-old produced one of the more dominant performances of his career
“Cunnington, who finished second behind Shaun Higgins in last year’s Syd Barker Medal, also collected career-highs for disposals (38) and clearances (14), as well as 21 pressure acts and seven tackles at Etihad Stadium.” - Josh Gabelich.
There was much debate in the lead-up to this clash surrounding whether North’s Ben Jacobs would tag Trent Cotchin or Dustin Martin.
The question was quickly answered, with Jacobs handcuffing himself to the reigning Brownlow Medallist.
It was a position he found himself in for much of the match.
AFL.com.au
“Ben Jacobs has taken some big scalps so far this season as the competition's best tagger, and he added another to his list on Sunday after blanketing Richmond superstar Dustin Martin.
“Martin had two disposals in the first term, had seven by half-time, and by the last change had only 11 disposals.
“He finished with 16 disposals, and so minimal was Martin's influence that he spent a fair chunk of the second half in attack, seeing Jacobs then take on a rampaging Trent Cotchin.” - Callum Twomey
Herald Sun
“Dusty was expecting it and after contesting the opening bounce he slid down to full-forward to try and shake his shadow.
“It didn’t work. At quarter-time he’d had just two handballs, by half-time he was up to seven disposals but zero impact on the contest.” - Scott Gullan
RSN
“After eight games, Ben Jacobs should be in the All-Australian squad discussion. He's having a profound impact on each game in the role he plays.” - Adam White
North’s willingness to compete against the competition’s best left many feeling confident in the young side’s future.
AFL.com.au
“What was hoped for on Sunday, apart from a surprise win against defending champs and ladder-leading Richmond, was that North supporters would walk away from Etihad Stadium with the same belief and confidence On that front at least, the Kangas delivered.”
“It was a highly entertaining affair and the Kangaroos showed great effort and pluck in front of a healthy Mother's Day crowd.
“Based on what was served up on Sunday, the Kangaroos are vastly improved on last season and would have lost no friends.” - Ashley Browne
SEN
“They are what I would consider to be a serious, serious team North Melbourne after what they did yesterday at Etihad Stadium.
“They kept coming back, they’re well coached, they’re well organized, they’ve found some sprint and speed on the outside, defensively they don’t break down.
“They were bloody good … again.” - Tim Watson
Fox Footy
“Irrespective of the result today, this is just indicative of what a great job Brad Scott and this group of players have done so far this season.
“They’ve just emerged as a very, very competitive unit. If they continue on like this, they’re playing finals and they’ve got some weapons.” - Gerard Healy
RSN
“North Melbourne didn't win the game, but win even more respect.” - Adam White
SEN
“I would pay to see North Melbourne play every single week. Win, lose or draw, they're bloody exciting to watch.” - Sam McClure
