However, the 10 goals kicked by the Roos in the second half was due in large part to some smarter play around the contest.
The first half was characterised by large numbers of players around the fall of the ball and in this edition of NMFC Playbook, we take a look at how Brent Harvey’s awareness and smarts resulted in a goal.
Late in the third quarter, North has orchestrated space in its forward 50 for Daniel Currie. Drew Petrie looks to hit the debutant on the lead.
Unfortunately the kick is just out of Currie’s reach and a contest ensues. This is where the defining actions begin – note it is four-on-four and close to the boundary line. From here the normal result would be the ball rolling out for a throw-in.
The first of three great individual plays in the passage belongs to Leigh Adams. With a toe-poke he finds some space along the boundary line, forcing the Bulldogs’ defenders to collapse on him.
However, just as important as Adams’ play was Todd Goldstein’s refusal to be drawn towards the ball.
Knowing that the worst case scenario from the position of the ball was a throw-in 10 metres out from goal, Goldstein keeps his space, giving Adams an option to keep the ball in. The ruckman also knows he has space around him with the three defenders going to his team-mate.
After Adams manages to knock the ball out towards the ruckman, it creates a domino effect. Will Minson is caught out on Brent Harvey, but is drawn towards his direct opponent Goldstein.
Attempting to keep his own man out of the game, Minson makes a desperate effort to close him off, leaving Harvey free.
Much like Goldstein earlier, the veteran refuses to get sucked in to the growing pile of numbers, giving the ruckman an option to handball to.
A brilliant handball from the ruckman gets to Harvey in a good position, allowing the 364-gamer to run towards goal, dodge and weave and kick a crucial goal in the context of the game.
