Combined with smart movement in the forward 50, it led to a number of good passages of play, one of which ended in a Todd Goldstein goal.
NMFC.com.au highlights the lead-up to Goldstein’s goal.
After Michael Firrito finds Nick Dal Santo from a kick-in, North works the ball outside its defensive 50, before it goes to ground just short of the wing.
This is where we pick up the play. Notice how North has kept its structure behind the ball, preventing St Kilda any room to move if the ball does happen to turn over.
Scott McMahon, North’s spare defender at this point, has also set up on the opposite side of the ground, allowing his teammates a get-out option if under pressure.
Sam Gibson is the closest to the ball and wins possession. At this stage it still appears that McMahon will be the crucial link-up player, but Shaun Atley uses his experience to provide a valuable option.
Atley’s opponent at this time, Jack Billings, gets fractionally drawn towards the ball. It’s all the opportunity the number 18 needs as he receives the handball from Gibson and bursts into space.
Once Gibson uses Atley, it allows McMahon more time to move up the field and provide a threat inside the forward half, rather than taking possession in a defensive position.
Now when Atley completes the switch, he has plenty of space and a clear target right on the forward 50.
Once Brent Harvey marks, his task of picking a forward within scoring distance is made easier by the prior ball movement. The speed of the play has left an open forward 50, with Drew Petrie and Goldstein working in tandem at the top of the goalsquare.
Demonstrating the understanding that can only come after playing more than 100 games together, Petrie smoothly gets in the road of Goldstein’s opponent without actually applying any contact. It provides the space his team-mate needs without the risk of conceding a free kick.
Keep an eye out at the top of the gif for the subtle, quick play by the vice-captain to release Goldstein.
In the box seat, Goldstein is further benefited by Harvey’s perfectly weighted kick, which allows the ruckman to have a clean jump, mark and go back to kick his second goal of the term.
