North recorded another emphatic win over the weekend, making it three wins in a row for the first time since 2016.
After a strong start, the Roos stuttered slightly in the second half, but were still able to run out 54-point winners.
North’s stars were happy with the dominant first-half display, but recognised they missed an opportunity.
Shaun Higgins - Fox Footy
“The first-half was really pleasing, but it probably got a bit messy in the second.”
Watch Shaun Higgins' interview on Fox Footy HERE.
Sam Wright - North Media
“It’s hard to keep that motivation up after such a strong first half, but we’re always looking to improve.
“It was a great win but it would have been nicer to be further in front at the end.”
Watch Sam Wright's interview with North Media HERE.
Wright and Higgins were quick to praise the team effort.
Shaun Higgins - Fox Footy
“We don’t rely on anyone, that’s the great thing about this side. The 22 guys know the role they need to play each week."
Sam Wright - North Media
“We know we have a lot of improvement to come, and with such a young side you’re always learning to teach the younger guys."
One of the stories of the day was the outstanding debuts of Paul Ahern and Tom Murphy, who impressed their team-mates. Meanwhile Jarrad Waite was a non-starter after feeling a bit tight in the warm-up.
Sam Wright - North Media
“I think Ahern was always going to look better at AFL level than VFL, with the qualities that he has. Murphy did really well to come in late and really played his role.”
Jarrad Waite - Fox Footy
“I ran out and did a few run-throughs, and the calf was feeling pretty tight. I knew we had a bit of time left to get someone else on, so I didn’t want to risk it, and it was good to see Tom Murphy get his opportunity for his first game.
“He’s a pretty switched on kid. He came down and was pretty relaxed, and he’s playing his role out there.”
“Paul (Ahern) has had a horror run with injuries, but he’s shown his quality in the VFL, and he has shown it out there today too.”
Watch Jarrad Waite's interview on Fox Footy HERE.
Shaun Higgins - Fox Footy
“It was a good occasion for Pauly (Paul Ahern), and I thought he played really well today.
“Murph (Tom Murphy) came in late and did a great job as well."
The debutants were understandably excited after making their first appearance, and getting a fantastic win to go with it.
Paul Ahern - North Media
“It was mixed emotions with my nerves and excitement, but once I got out there my nerves went away and I just tried to play my role.
“The boys just told me to keep playing how I’ve been playing, and that’s what I tried to do today.
“It’s been a long road but it was worth it in the end.”
Watch Paul Ahern's interview on North Media HERE.
Tom Murphy - North Media
“I was down here not really expecting to play, and then all of a sudden Waitey came down and had hurt himself, so it escalated very quickly.
“It all just happened very quickly, so I didn’t have much time to soak it in. I think it was probably better to find out that way than overthinking it in the lead-up if I was told earlier.
“Composure has always been one of my traits, but the back-six really helped me settle in.”
Watch Tom Murphy's interview on North Media HERE.
Paul Ahern - Fox Footy
“It was unreal, the best feeling in the world.
“I tried to just prepare for it like it was any other game, and not let the nerves get to me.
“I wasn’t really thinking about that at the time (29-disposals), and was just focusing on my role and the game-plan.
“I don’t care if I get two touches or 29, as long as we get the win.
“It took a long road to get here, but the wait made it extra special.”
While happy with the win, the focus has already shift to next week.
Watch Paul Ahern's interview with Fox Footy HERE.
Shaun Higgins - Fox Footy
“We don’t know where we are really. We feel that our best footy is good enough to compete with most teams, and there’s no bigger challenge than Geelong down there.”
