There weren’t many experts who gave North a chance in the lead-up to Good Friday, but the Roos proved them wrong.
Ben Brown’s six-goal game was the highlight of the match, while Jarrad Waite’s strong performance and the ability of less-experienced players to step up to the challenge caught the attention of fans and the media alike.
The teams’ inaccuracy in front of goal was a talking point, but North turned the tide after half-time.
Herald Sun
“When you bring the effort the rewards will follow, and that’s what happened for the Kangaroos on Friday against the Saints. They nearly blew it after a 0.6 first quarter but to their credit, the Roos never dropped their heads.” – Mark Robinson
Herald Sun
“At one point North was 1.10 from set shots, but while they were caught in a flood last week, they eventually made it rain goals to turn this match.” – Sam Edmund
AFL.com.au
“North Melbourne, a team known to be in a rebuilding phase, booted 11 goals to St Kilda's three after the major break, outworking its much-fancied opponent on the spread and around the contest.
“After being minus-20 in contested possessions against Gold Coast in a water-logged Cairns last Saturday night, the Roos thrived in that category on a dry track, smashing the Saints, who pride themselves in this area, in tight (150-119).” - Ben Guthrie
The Roos’ midfielders and some more experienced heads were vital in getting the game on North’s terms.
Herald Sun
“The Kangaroos were too good opening up St Kilda through the middle of the ground with their run after half-time with Shaun Higgins, Jack Ziebell and Billy Hartung running riot.” – Sam Landsberger.
AAP
“The Roos led by 11 points at three-quarter time and sealed the win with a seven-goals-to-nil final term blitz.
“Shaun Higgins impressed through the middle for North, with 24 possessions, with Billy Hartung (24 disposals and a goal) and Jarrad Waite (24 and one) also important.”
While the ability to negate the opposition’s best was just as important; enter Ben Jacobs
Fox Sports
“It was Seb Ross in the star tagger’s sights — and it proved an important call, with the reigning St Kilda best and fairest winner well held by Jacobs.
“Kept to just 10 disposals to half time and 23 for the match, Ross’ impact was severely limited by the shadow of Jacobs following him across the field.
“It proved a significant decision from North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, with the Kangaroos dominating the midfield and the contested possession count.” - Riley Beveridge
But perhaps the biggest star on the day was Ben Brown.
Herald Sun
“Ben Brown kicked six goals and at one stage had five of North’s seven. In a game plagued by errors, his honest jump at the high ball shone and exquisite finishing shone like a beacon.” - Sam Edmund
Now, it’s onto the Demons, and another big opportunity for the Roos’ youngsters.
Herald Sun
“The win will inject plenty of confidence in the group heading into this Saturday’s clash against Melbourne.” - Mark Robinson
