VIDEOS: Robbie Tarrant intercept | Drew Petrie strong mark | Join in the Chorus | Match highlights | Petrie "unstoppable" | Scott press conference | Post-match interviews | Channel 7 behind the scenes | Roos firing up front | Thomas flies high

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1. History rewritten by the victor
The Magpies have a solid recent record of flying starts against the Kangaroos. In round two last year, they booted five goals to one in the first quarter, and in round 16 - the game where the Pies easily triumphed by 117 points - they managed four goals to one. On Saturday night, it looked like the game was heading the same way when the first four goals went the Pies' way - but this time around, North had an answer. The Roos kicked the last four goals of the term to lead by one point at the first change - and the Pies could only reply with another four for the game to North Melbourne's nine.

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2. Believe us now?
A question mark has hovered over the Kangaroos in recent years with their inability to beat higher-ranked teams. This season, their scalps include both grand finalists from last year (after beating Geelong in round three), Adelaide, Essendon and Carlton. But this is perhaps their most significant win, given the Pies were red hot after last Saturday night's stirring win over the Sydney Swans and seemingly charging towards a top two finish. The Roos have now won six in a row - nine from their past 10 - and firmed as a team to contend with in the finals.  

3. Jack's back
Young Roo Jack Ziebell returned after serving a four-match suspension and spending two weeks in Utah for a fitness top-up. The 21-year-old was used on and off the bench in his first game since round 16, and ended with 22 possessions and an important goal late in the third quarter. Interestingly, the Pies' Arizona experiences and the fact they got plenty out of Dane Swan and Darren Jolly following their mid-season US trips in 2011 could see Ziebell follow suit and go to another level over the next few weeks.

4. A tale of two backlines
It's not often the Collingwood backline becomes rattled. In the first half, Harry O'Brien gave away two costly free kicks to Lindsay Thomas that resulted in goals while Heath Shaw couldn't match Lachlan Hansen's contested marking and later, along with Sharrod Wellingham, committed costly turnovers. In comparison, the Roos' defence was excellent. Scott Thompson consistently outmuscled Travis Cloke while Luke Delaney was excellent against Chris Dawes, and Scott McMahon played an important role helping his teammates.

5. Beaming light
Much has been made about Dayne Beams' terrific season, which was celebrated with the confirmation of a three-year contract extension during the week. The 22-year-old had yet another impressive game with 38 possession and two goals. It was just as well he continued to find the space between the big sticks given Cloke, Dawes and Chris Tarrant - although the latter was moved down back in the second half - failed to fire. Tarrant was the only one to kick a goal with Cloke and Dawes managing just six marks between them.

Jennifer Witham is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow her on Twitter @AFL_JenWitham.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.