There’s no doubting it’s been a tough month on the field for North Melbourne.
Four losses from the past five games have Brad Scott’s team back with the pack, and the Roos’ coach admitted the break will give his players the chance to ‘reset’.
After a 33-point loss Adelaide in enemy territory, the media had their say on North’s performance.
The Advertiser
“The Roos have now not beaten the Crows at Adelaide Oval or Football Park in their past nine attempts, dating back to round 21, 2003.
“They fought hard and had strong contributions from midfielders Jack Ziebell, Andrew Swallow and Ben Cunnington while Lindsay Thomas was lively in attack, kicking three goals.” – Andrew Capel
Herald Sun
“They’ve got the wobbles the Roos, dropping four of their past five matches, and the week off couldn’t come quick enough.
“Had their colours lowered at Adelaide Oval and lucky to escape with a six-goal loss thanks to poor Crows goal-kicking. Travel to Perth to take on West Coast after the bye in what is a genuine eight-point game.” – Gilbert Gardiner
The Age
“Adelaide kicked 12.28 – their most inaccurate game ever, surpassing the 13.27 they kicked against Melbourne in round 20, 1993 – yet still won by 33 points with 59 inside-50 entries.
“And to be given chances to stay in the game, and be within a kick at three-quarter time, spells concern for the Kangaroos, who have now lost four of their past five with an imminent surrender of their once comfortable top-four spot.” – Ashley Porter
Herald Sun
“That’s Sydney, Geelong, Hawthorn and Adelaide and despite injury issues, the fact is they have lost to the top-eight teams, which was always going to be their challenge. And they have failed.” – Mark Robinson
Despite a difficult night, there were positives.
AFL.com.au
“North’s response in the second term was superb. The midfield worked its way on top and the Kangas’ forwards nailed the chances they missed against the Hawks.
“Ben Brown and Lindsay Thomas were dangerous, while Mason Wood kicked a goal and gave away another to Brent Harvey after a superb pick-up in the wet. The Roos led by four points at the long break despite having six fewer scoring shots.” – Kym Morgan
Wood was again a strong performer, continuing his recent good form.
AFL.com.au
“The youngster's most exciting piece of play came late in the second term when he took a low Lindsay Thomas pass cleanly on the half volley – 1987 Wimbledon champ Pat Cash couldn't have done better – then slipped past Adelaide defender Jake Lever with an 180-degree turn before hitting Brent Harvey with a long handball that set up an easy goal.
“Most encouragingly, after his career-best game against Hawthorn six days earlier, Wood was again a solid contributor all night for North, finishing with 19 possessions, two contested marks, 1.1 and two goal assists.
“After playing 15 games in four seasons, Wood looks to have established himself in the Roos' forward line for the rest of the year.”
Now sitting in fifth place on the table, the focus for North now shifts to a tough stretch after the break.
Herald Sun
“Expect Daniel Wells and Jarrad Waite to return, while 19-year-old ball magnet Ryan Clarke can’t be far off making his debut after another brilliant VFL performance.” – Gilbert Gardiner
