Last week: A grinding win in heavy conditions at the WACA against Fremantle
It could only be described as a chaotic week for North Melbourne.
The team returned from Perth and were greeted by a merger proposal seemingly in its final stages, and the shock of Wayne Schwass being called before the Tribunal for a charge of biting.
RELATED: The Merger, Part 3
The hearing was set for Wednesday night, just 48 hours before North was to face Carlton in a top-of-the-table, 1 v 2 clash.
North took the rarely seen step of bringing in a neurosurgeon to defend Schwass at the Tribunal.
“James Cummins, a St Vincent’s neurosurgeon, told the Tribunal he believed hair from the forearm of Fremantle’s James Clement got caught in Schwass’ teeth, giving the appearance of a bite. Cummins said Schwass had his teeth clenched before the alleged bite until Clement’s arm forced it open.” – The Age
Dockers defender Clement helped Schwass' case.
“I wasn’t aware of any bite. An actual bite would be a bit painful.”
The work of Cummins seemed to do the trick, with a relieved Schwass walking out of the Tribunal free to face the Blues.
“I’ve had four and five-year-old kids walking up to me and calling me a biter. It was said in a jovial way, but that sort of thing doesn’t sit well with me. It’s been a long couple of days and the result is very good and now I can just concentrate on playing against Carlton.
“It’s very disappointing, the stigma that comes along with the charge. I think that’s all I’d like to say.”
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Game day dawned with the news North Melbourne’s future had been confirmed, with Fitzroy set to merge with Brisbane at the end of the season.
RELATED: The Merger, Part 4
Freed of the constant speculation around their futures, the Kangaroos came out and turned in arguably their best performance of the season.
Facing a Carlton side they hadn’t defeated for three years, a crushing six goal to one third quarter put the contest beyond doubt for Denis Pagan's men. North cruised to a 55-point victory, scoring a major psychological edge over what was expected to be one of its main rivals at the pointy end of the season.
“If this was the grand final preview that many were predicting, then North Melbourne can look forward to the next three months with supreme optimism. The shellacking it handed out last night to Carlton was almost complete – and gave North its first success over the Blues since 1993.” – Charles Happell, The Age
“Freed of merger speculation, North Melbourne confirmed it can prosper alone with a thumping top of the table victory over Carlton last night. Forget about Fitzroy’s best players! On that display several of the Blues’ premiership performers wouldn’t be required for North’s best 21 either.” – Bruce Matthews, Herald Sun
Fittingly, it was Wayne Schwass who was best on ground, earning the three Brownlow votes for his 33 disposals.
“People don’t realise how severe a break it was (when Schwass broke his arm). Virtually his arm was shattered and had to be repaired and plates put back in. It’s enormous pressure on someone coming back from injury like that.
“To have a 30-plus possession game tonight was a real sign of a champion and Wayne Schwass is a champion.” – Denis Pagan
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Next week: A clash at the MCG against a struggling Collingwood outfit
Scores
North Melbourne: 4.5.29, 9.7.61, 15.12.102, 21.18.144
Carlton: 4.2.26, 7.4.46, 8.8.56, 13.11.89
NMFC changes
In: Peter Bell
Out: Matthew Capuano
Goals
North Melbourne: Archer 3, Carey 3, Rock 3, Bell 2, Freeborn 2, Roberts 2, Anderson 1, Blakey 1, Daniltchenko 1, Lissenden 1, McKernan 1, Stevens 1
Carlton: Kernahan 3, Bradley 2, Silvagni 2, Brown 1, Madden 1, Rice 1, B Sexton 1, M Sexton 1, Williams 1
Brownlow Medal
3 – Wayne Schwass (North Melbourne), 2 – John Blakey (North Melbourne), 1 – Anthony Stevens (North Melbourne)
