Not many experts gave North a chance before the clash against Geelong, but the Roos did a lot to prove the doubters wrong.

Ultimately, they fell short by a solitary point, but gained plenty of respect along the way.

Herald Sun

“The Kangas seemed harder and hungrier in the first three-quarters and their ball movement was slick.” – Mark Robinson

AAP

“The Kangaroos were given little chance, especially when star ruckman Todd Goldstein was a late withdrawal with an ankle injury.

“But North was outstanding, first jumping Geelong in the opening quarter for a four-goal lead.”

AFL.com.au

“Geelong started the game in a slumber after their round one trip to Perth, allowing North Melbourne to slice through them with the ball and kick five of the first six goals.

“The Kangaroos were also harder at the contest and more switched on defensively, laying 18 tackles to six in the first quarter and setting the trend for the match.” – Nathan Schmook

The Age

“North were more purposeful and direct with their ball use for most of the game. They were eager to move it on quickly and taking risks with their kicking out of defence.

“From the first bounce it was their preparedness to search out a teammate with aggressive choices from half-back that enabled them to lead by four goals within 20 minutes, a lead they essentially held for three quarters.” – Michael Gleeson

Herald Sun

“While Geelong on Sunday escaped to remain unbeaten, the Kangaroos fans went away content this building team is also on the right track.” – Jon Ralph

After missing much of 2016 due to injury, Shaun Higgins has returned in fine form.

AFL.com.au

“North Melbourne midfielder Shaun Higgins was best on ground, having set up the Kangaroos' early lead.” – Nathan Schmook

Andrew Bogut

AFL.com.au

“The former Dog, whose career has often been cruelled by injury, gained 474m in the opening half, with the next-closest player being Joel Selwood with 286m. Higgins finished with 27 disposals to be clearly the Kangaroos' best.” – Mark McGowan

The Age

“Shaun Higgins was dominant through the middle for three quarters.” – Michael Gleeson

Big man Braydon Preuss also caught the eye of reporters and media commentators. 

AFL.com.au

“Geelong was also being beaten in the ruck, despite the late withdrawal of North star Todd Goldstein, with replacement Preuss throwing his weight around at stoppages.

“The aggressive big man gave North a significant aerial advantage – going on to win the hit-outs 54-21 against Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs.” – Nathan Schmook

Herald Sun

“Preuss was a revelation replacing the injured Todd Goldstein and across the board there was spark and life.” – Jon Ralph

AFL.com.au

“The bronzed former rugby league prospect was sensational, especially in the first half. He won the aerial battle, set up goals and threw his considerable weight around.” – Mark McGowan

After two losses to the start to the season, North’s focus switches to the Giants in Hobart.

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