Just 23 minutes into the first quarter, it wasn’t looking pretty for North. Down by 25 points, much of the same problems from the SCG in Round 10 were re-appearing.

Sydney’s midfield was on top, and it was also able to counter quickly into space, the two things which were key to its 26-point win earlier in the season.

But from there until half-time, the Roos completely dominated the match.

With Robbie Tarrant blanketing Lance Franklin, the rest of North’s defensive setup was able to focus on stopping Sydney’s quick ball movement from its defensive 50.

The result was a long period of play essentially trapped in the home side’s forward half. Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey were finding plenty of the ball and Sydney was forced to hold on.

However, plenty of numbers behind the ball meant North struggled to make the most of its forward entries.

It’s been a common theme over the last few weeks; Hawthorn in the last quarter and the Western Bulldogs for the whole game have employed a similar strategy to slow the game down.

For all the edge in general play during the second quarter, the end result on the scoreboard was the same for both sides – 1.4.10.

When Sydney was then able to stretch its lead to a game-high 28 points in the third quarter, it appeared the margin was a bridge too far for the Roos.

But, learning from the second quarter, North was able to get back in the match again. This time, most of it came from slightly quicker ball movement, not allowing Sydney the time to get numbers back and slow the tempo down.

It was eight points the difference with a quarter to go, and it appeared North had all the momentum once again.

But the final quarter was almost an exact replica of the second term. Sydney was able to slow the tempo right down, especially after Hannebery’s goal at the 11-minute mark, and North was unable to find a way through the packed defence.

Considering how more and more opponents are employing this strategy against the Roos, a solution is critical if the finals campaign is to at least reach the heights of 2014 and 2015.

Stats leaders

Disposals: Harvey, 32
Goals: Harvey, 3
Tackles: Swallow, 14
Rebound 50’s: Macmillan, 9
Inside 50’s: Ziebell, 8
Clearances: Cunnington, 8