North Melbourne did exactly what it needed to in order to almost guarantee a spot in the finals with a 75-point win over the Giants in Canberra.

A 50-point blitz in the third quarter buried the young Greater Western Sydney side and the media hailed the Roos’ performance in the second half.

Drew Petrie and Brent Harvey labelled the catalysts for the second half surge.

David Polkinghorne – Fairfax
"With just four points separating the sides at the main break, Harvey and Petrie stamped their authority on the game, the latter booting four for the quarter against an undersized Giants defence.

"While Petrie was clunking everything in the air, Harvey was everywhere on the ground as the Kangas embarked on an unanswered 10-goal run."

AAP
"Despite going into half-time with just a four-point lead, the Kangaroos kicked clear with eight third term goals — four of which were jagged by Drew Petrie — with the Giants only able to muster up a solitary behind in response."

North veteran Harvey was well held early, but broke Tom Bugg’s shackles. Ben Cunnington was singled out as one of North’s best players on the day, however it was the youngest player in the AFL who took most of the attention after a solid first outing.

AAP
"Kayne Turner, North Melbourne’s youngest player at 18-years-old, was praised by Scott for a solid debut where he notched up a maximum (goal) with just his second kick."

Turner finished with 12 disposals and lived up to his reputation for his attack on the ball with a bone crunching bump on Phil Davis.

Todd Goldstein's form has been improving and it could see the ruckman recognised.

Mark Robinson - Herald Sun
“Talking All-Australian and talking about the No. 1 ruck spot. (Sam) Jacobs is favourite after yet another dominant display in Brisbane, but Goldstein is putting up an argument.”