A promising start ultimately faded away in hostile conditions in the preliminary final, as North failed to make the most of its opportunities.

The first quarter was one of the Roos’ best for the season; defending smartly while moving the ball patiently and with purpose.

North had 20 extra possessions in the first term, led by Brent Harvey’s eight (+ three inside 50’s) and Sam Gibson’s seven.

Jack Ziebell (four tackles) and Andrew Swallow (three tackles) were applying the pressure on the inside and the visitors were controlling the tempo.

However the game turned in the middle two quarters. North’s advantage on the outside at the vast Domain Stadium was flipped.

From a +16 advantage in uncontested possessions during the first quarter, the Roos were outpointed by 27 in the next two terms. It meant West Coast was able to play the game on its own terms.

It translated to a defensive group under siege, with North on the wrong end of a 28-11 inside 50 count. With all things considered, it did well to hold West Coast to only eight goals through the middle two terms, the majority of the home side’s missed shots either from distance or rushed through.

Ben Jacobs continued to play an excellent tagging job on Luke Shuey, while Sam Gibson completely minimised Andrew Gaff’s influence. The Eagle winger only gained 180 metres from his disposals, significantly down on his season average of 453.

However it was Sharrod Wellingham who proved a handful. Back in Round 10 he was influential with 24 disposals, and he bettered it with 27 on Saturday night. Picking up the slack for his teammates, Wellingham gained 496 metres, giving West Coast a huge amount of drive off half back and on the outside.

Amazingly it was Brent Harvey again one of North’s best on the night. At 37 years old and in his 23rd final, the 409-gamer had team highs in disposals (26) and inside 50’s (six), while also having six score involvements.

In season number 20, Harvey led North in total disposals with 570. It was also his second highest total ever in a year, behind only his 594 in 2007. With only 17 more games to go until he equals Michael Tuck’s record, 2016 looms as a special season.

Stay tuned to NMFC.com.au during the week as we break down the side’s areas of strength during 2015, highlighting what worked over the course of a rollercoaster year.