A 43-point loss against the Eagles saw the visiting team dominate the top votes from the coaches, but North’s best performers didn’t go unnoticed.

Shaun Higgins, Jack Ziebell and Todd Goldstein were all among the votes, battling bravely in the season-opener.

Higgins finished 25 disposals, 14 of which were contested, to go with 11 clearances as the Roos’ standout performer on the day; he polled three votes from Adam Simpson and Brad Scott.

In his first game as skipper, Ziebell worked hard at the coalface, finishing with 31 touches and a goal for two votes.

Goldstein started the season on a positive note, grabbing one vote for a game in which he kicked three goals, had 11 disposals and amassed 32 hit-outs.

Eagle Josh Kennedy was given a perfect 10 for his seven-goal haul, while Elliot Yeo picked up eight.

Round 1 votes

10 Josh Kennedy (WC)
8 Elliot Yeo (WC)
4 Mark LeCras (WC)
3 Shaun Higgins (NM)
2 Sam Mitchell (WC)
2 Jack Ziebell (NM)
1 Todd Goldstein (NM)