After every round for the remainder of the 2014 season, NMFC.com.au will search the major media outlets for all that is being said about the weekend’s performance.

It wasn’t the most exciting or the most convincing victory against Melbourne, but a 41-point victory at the MCG kept North in the top eight.

The Demons were very much in the game until midway through the third quarter, but some suggested the four points should have been in the bag far earlier.

Jon Ralph – Herald Sun
“Only on the strange and wonderful universe of Arden St could North Melbourne ever be in danger of losing last night’s MCG contest.

“Only in the Land of Miracles - formerly known as the Melbourne Football Club - could the Demons be in the hunt midway through the third term.

“At half time the Demons had been brutalised on the scoreboard with 15 shots to six yet still trailed by only 14 points.”

Michael Gleeson – The Age
“In a game that spanned two hours it was just 10 minutes of play that was the critical difference. The difference in the contest, in the score and in the class.

“It was not the only difference, but when North ramped up the pressure for 10 minutes in the third term and booted five unanswered goals the momentum uprooted Melbourne’s doggedness and put an end to the contest.”

Ben McKay – AFL.com.au
“After an error-strewn first half, North Melbourne put the foot down in the third term, kicking seven goals in a dominant spell to end the contest.”

Courtney Walsh – The Australian
“As inconsistent as the Kangaroos have been in 2014, they have demonstrated an ability to score in a rush.

“While not as devastating as the burst produced when significantly in arrears of Richmond a fortnight ago, the Kangaroos effectively sealed victory kicking six goals in succession in 16 minutes before Dawes added another for Melbourne.”

Gilbert Gardiner – Herald Sun
“Solid win over Melbourne but far from convincing, especially with Hawthorn on the horizon. The Kangaroos travel to Brisbane for Saturday night’s clash at the Gabba — a danger game for a club struggling with consistency this season. The Roos then take on the reigning premiers (Hawthorn) under the roof at Etihad Stadium. 

“Two wins and a top four position could well be within the Kangaroos’ sights. One or more losses and it’s back to the drawing board.”

Travis King – AFL.com.au
“The Roos have won all five of their games when they have been in front at the first change. North has not lost two games in a row this year, but the challenge remains to bring the same intensity every week.”

Debutant Ben Brown also stood out for obvious reasons.

Mark Robinson – Herald Sun
“Cult figure in the making — that’s if he can keep his spot in the side. The North Melbourne debutant yesterday had eight touches, five marks and kicked a goal, and with that kick he pointed to the skies as teammates surged towards him from all over the ground. He said later the finger-pointing was for his Pop who passed away two years ago, and that he was always going to dedicate his first goal to him. #familyfirst.”

Michael Gleeson – The Age
“Brown proved himself as a robust but raw competitor who helped create a contest forward in a strong attack on the ball and relief in the ruck.”

Courtney Walsh – The Australian
“In attack, Ben Brown showed promise on debut. Standing 200cm and sporting the rarely seen No 50 on his back, Brown managed to kick a goal as a third tall option in attack.

“Whether the Tasmanian holds his place will depend on his form and whether Robbie Tarrant, who was dropped after a poor effort against Adelaide, or Majak Daw, who was dominant at VFL level on Saturday, find consistency.”