North’s stunning Elimination Final win over Essendon at the MCG meant the Sunday papers and news websites were filled with plenty of reading for Kangaroo fans.

With the team well down at half-time and staring down the barrel, the Roos found a way.

Rohan Connolly – The Age
"North’s spark seemed to come from nowhere, big forward Ben Brown lighting the fuse with three goals in seven minutes as the Roos banged on five in 11minutes to creep within three points."

Warwick Green – Herald Sun
"In one of the most dramatic and unpredictable finals of recent seasons, the Kangaroos defied the critics — who would paint them as flighty and prone to going missing — and scrapped their way to a remarkable 12-point win over Essendon."

There were plenty of standout performers for North, but Daniel Wells was perhaps its most important.

Rohan Connolly – The Age
"Wells had been a beacon for North Melbourne, not only winning a heap of ball, but using it with a precision several of his teammates weren’t able to match, let alone putting his foot to the pedal to time and again sprint into space.

"North had Wells as a constant force, helped by a superb second half from Ben Cunnington. When most of their mates jumped on board, the Roos were irrepressible."

Warwick Green – Herald Sun
"Having looked cautious, they found some risk-taking run, particularly through Daniel Wells and Shaun Atley, and in the way they launched attacks off half-back, where Sam Wright took the game on.

"Wells was classy throughout and used the ball beautifully, while Levi Greenwood was typically committed to winning contested possessions, and had a remarkable 15 disposals in the final quarter."

Ben Brown again showed why he belongs with a timely four goal haul.

Ben Waterworth and Adam Baldwin – News Limited
"After a slow start, cult figure Brown inspired North’s spectacular comeback, booting three third-quarter goals to keep his side in the match.

"While Brown’s celebrations were outstanding, his set-shot kicking was just as entertaining, nailing crucial opportunities at crucial times."

Warwick Green – Herald Sun
"Both Brown and Petrie had been relatively subdued, well beaten by Hooker and Ariel Steinberg respectively, until Brown began playing more like Jonathan than Ben and grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in the third quarter.

"Brown kicked three goals within seven minutes to spark a desperately needed Kangaroos revival.

"The result was that they kicked seven of the 11 goals kicked in a third quarter where the ball flowed from one end of the field to the other."

Paul Barbieri – Sportal
"But that was the cue for youngster Ben Brown, wearing the No.50 jumper in just his ninth match, to take the game by the scruff of the neck as he received the ball from Daniel Wells after Sam Wright produced a critical interception in the middle of the ground. 

"And, when Brown nailed his first for the night, the Kangas woke from their slumber in a big way, kicking five consecutive goals in 11 sizzling minutes of footy, with Brown booting three of them."

Rohan Connolly – The Age
"His first goal was a ‘‘Joe the Goose’’ over the top, but Brown followed it up with another mark and conversion barely a minute later. He got involved in the next from Thomas, kicked a third a couple of moments after that, then Sam Gibson chipped in to incredibly reduce the gap to just three points, the Roos having now slammed on five goals in just 11 minutes."

Mark Robinson – Herald Sun
“Brown was the instigator which says plenty about his character. It’s not so much winning the ball, it’s kicking the goal when you’re five goals down and Brown nailed three in that third quarter. Without him, the Kangas were out of there.”

Scott Thompson returned to his All-Australian form at just the right moment.

Warwick Green – Herald Sun
"Scott Thompson was exceptional in marshalling the backline and frequently repelled attacks, while skipper Andrew Swallow shaded Jobe Watson. Atley’s pace was critical in breaking the lines."

Levi Greenwood was awarded best on ground by Channel Seven.

Paul Barbieri – Sportal
"Greenwood was massive in this game, picking up 15 of his 32 possessions in the final term as he led his side to victory. He had plenty of mates, though, as Ben Cunnington (30) and Daniel Wells (28) also produced big performances.”

The brilliant comeback couldn’t be put down to any individual, but a number of players who played their part. With the game in the balance, it was a matter of which team wanted it most.

Warwick Green – Herald Sun
"But it was the North players who stood up.

"Not just the ones who bobbed up with cameos, but the ones who worked hard to keep them in the contest throughout.

"In the end, they all stood up. The Kangaroos looked like their season might be done five minutes into the second half, but they showed their resolve and kicked 12 of the next 17 goals."

The Roos booking a semi-final against Geelong on Friday night.

Emma Quayle – The Age
"The Roos are settled, (mostly) healthy and should be feeling so confident after finding their way out of major trouble against Essendon. Their best is very good, and can be difficult to stop.

"The North Melbourne side that might - and hopefully will - turn up is good enough to play in a preliminary final."