After a five match losing streak, North Melbourne finally broke through against the Pies on Friday night.

The Roos flew out the blocks and survived a late Collingwood charge to end up 40 points clear in a victory that lived up to the pre-game hype.

AFL.com.au

“Despite Buckley claiming his players were ready to put reputations on the line, it was the Roos who made a statement, unleashing a first-quarter blitzkrieg on the shellshocked Magpies. North dominated centre clearances 6-0 in the opening stages, putting Collingwood's defence under siege, and ran rampant in attack with five of the first six goals to seemingly kill the contest.” – Travis King

The Age

“It was clear the Roos weren't going to die wondering. They monopolised territory early on, and were duly rewarded.” – Daniel Cherny

There was early drama, with Daniel Wells being put through a fitness test, after leaving the field during the warm=up. Coach Brad Scott later revealed the silky midfielder was having upper back issues.

Herald Sun

“(Wells) underwent a dramatic fitness test just 20 minutes before the opening bounce but ran out with his teammates to start the game. And what a start. Wells was on fire from the first bounce, racking up 11 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency, two marks, including one intercept, three clearances, two inside 50s, one rebound 50 and two score assists (in the first quarter).” – Ben Higgins

AFL.com.au

“The classy veteran… was cleared to play – and it was a crucial decision. Wells dominated the first quarter.” – Travis King

Key-forward Drew Petrie was on song on Friday night, with his pressure a highlight for those watching on from the stands.

The Age

“Petrie had six disposals to half-time. But more tellingly he had six tackles, including two holding the ball scalps. That he also had two goals was more incidental than anything. Nostrils flared – he had come for the fight, and even lost a jumper in doing so.” – Daniel Cherny

Collingwood didn’t die wondering, launching a big third quarter charge.

ABC

“A thrilling third quarter brought the contest to life, with the Pies switching on make a game of it and the play remaining completely captivating.”

Ultimately, it wasn’t enough and the Roos went on to claim the four points, and potentially Mark of Year honours, thanks to the high-flying Majak Daw.

Herald Sun

“Daw used Magpie defender Jonathan Marsh as step ladder in the final quarter of the clash against Collingwood and was pretty happy with the effort on Saturday morning.” – Jay Clark

With the record-eqauallng game 426 done and dusted, Brent Harvey will next week break Michael Tuck’s games’ tally, and all eyes will be on the number 29.

AFL.com.au

“'Boomer' was in vintage touch against the Pies, using the ball craftily with his 25 touches and screwing two clever goals over his shoulder.

“(Harvey) has bagged 29 majors this year and is averaging a tick above 20 disposals, suggesting a new one-year contract extension is a certainty and that 450 games isn't out of the question – a record that could stand for decades.” – Travis King

Twittersphere:

It will be hard to escape #Boomer427 this week, and the milestone was the talk of the Twittersphere on Friday night.