One for the road
Nick Dal Santo has described Friday's win as one of the best on-the-road victories of his career.
Nick Dal Santo has described Northβs win against Fremantle as one of the best on-the-road victories of his career.
The Kangaroosβ prized off-season recruit was one of the stars against the reigning Grand Finalists, racking up 28 disposals.
But despite scenes of jubilation after the game, the former Saint has reminded his team-mates not to get too carried away with one win.
βItβs a great thing to be able to tick off a win away from home, but to be honest with you it doesnβt mean a great deal if you go back to Melbourne and keep it going,β Dal Santo said on 6PR from the rooms.
βThat will be our focus this week particularly as the leadership group - trying to get the guys focused and make sure we donβt get a bit too comfortable and give ourselves a pat on the back.β
The difference between Northβs best and worst has been vast in the opening six rounds; consistency is key to a successful side.
βItβs not a great position to be in when youβre not sure what you are going to get from your team week-to-week.
βI think weβve been pretty competitive four out of six games. We were a bit disappointing against Essendon and then last week.
βI donβt mind losing, but as long as you lose the right way and you are making some progress. In those two losses I didnβt think we were doing that, but thatβs our challenge at the moment and thatβs where the competition is at. Itβs so even, and you see some really close games. Itβs those little things that are going to count.β
Nevertheless, Dal Santo sees reason for excitement at Arden Street. Two upset wins in a fortnight have the football world talking.
βWe went to Sydney two weeks ago and had a really good win against a quality opposition, and coming over here, a four hour flight away from home, a hostile environment and got the job done. Itβs a special feeling and you really need to enjoy them when you can.β
The number 15 paid special credit to Brent Harvey after the little champion fought a hard tag to register a massive 20 score involvements.
βHeβs been doing it for nearly 400-odd games. Iβve been on the other side of those games where heβs ripped us up (the Saints) in the past,β Dal Santo added.
βHis work-rate is exceptional. Itβs his trademark the way he runs out games and he just puts himself in really good positions, so our job tonight was just to give it to him when he was free. He was able to be damaging and contribute when he had to.β
While heβs not the flashiest or most-skilled, Sam Gibson was another who had a huge impact in the victory.
βHeβs an exceptional runner. Heβs probably as good as Iβve seen come the pre-season.
βParticularly with the modern game with it opening up a little bit late in quarters, his ability to run and break those lines and overlap is really valuable.
βHe played a different role tonight. I think itβs the first time heβs ever semi sort of tagged. Not that he was a lock-down, but he went on to (Stephen) Hill and worked off him. I thought he did a pretty good job.β