Last Week: A crushing, record-high 131-point victory against Footscray sent North Melbourne to 2-0
The outstanding form of Corey McKernan was now one of the main talking points when it came to the Kangaroos.
McKernan, playing his 50th game against the Hawks, was the key man in the previews across the Melbourne newspapers.
From Geoff Poulter in The Herald Sun:
“Corey McKernan, playing his 50th game, has emerged as one of the form players of the opening rounds and poses a problem to the Hawks.”
From Len Johnson in The Age:
“The outstanding form of McKernan gives North a huge edge up forward and around the ball. Overall, it appears the Roos have way too many strengths.”
And for all the talk about the ruckman before the game, it was only the tip of the iceberg compared to post-match.
McKernan was everywhere in his side’s 73-point defeat of Hawthorn at Waverley.
If it wasn’t for kicking 2.6, the game could have been remembered as one of the classic individual performances. He also had 19 disposals, 14 hit-outs, was the dominant big man on the ground and the plaudits kept coming after the match.
“The match was dictated by ruckman Corey McKernan, who has the potential to be the most outstanding player in the competition.” – Rod Nicholson, The Herald Sun
“Corey McKernan is blessed with that unmistakable Brownlow Medal class and, equally important, the flair to catch the eye of those who cast the votes. His influence is as pronounced as captain Wayne Carey’s.” – Bruce Matthews, Herald Sun
Apart from McKernan, it was tagger Robert Scott who came in for praise from Denis Pagan.
Scott’s task was to neutralise John Platten, a Hawk who had caused numerous problems in matchups over the years.
North's number eight carried it out to perfection, restricting Platten to 16 largely ineffectual disposals.
“John has been a real thorn in our side,” Pagan said after the win.
“He has played some wonderful games and we were so thrilled Robert could do the job he did today. He kicked two goals and could have had a couple more.”
However it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The early-season injury crisis worsened, with Dean Laidley a late withdrawal (back) and Darren Crocker only playing one quarter (thigh).
Although North went to 3-0, it was about to face its toughest test of the season so far, travelling to the Gabba to face Brisbane on a Friday night.
(click to enlarge)
North Melbourne: 6.3.39, 13.8.86, 18.16.124, 22.21.153
Hawthorn: 2.2.14, 4.5.29, 7.6.48, 12.8.80
NMFC changes
In: Jason Daniltchenko
Out: Dean Laidley
Goals
North Melbourne: Carey 4, Roberts 3, McKernan 2, Scott 2, M Stevens 2, Allison 1, Anderson 1, Armstrong 1, Bell 1, Blakey 1, Crocker 1, King 1, Simpson 1, A Stevens 1
Hawthorn: Dunstall 6, Gibson 2, Hargreaves 2, Taylor 1, Treleven 1
Brownlow Medal
3 – Corey McKernan (NM), 2 – Mark Roberts (NM), 1 – Stuart Anderson (NM)
