There were plenty of talking points from North’s narrow loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Ben Cunnington’s final quarter heroics almost helped North get the four points in a frenetic finish at Etihad Stadium.
The Age
“The reigning premiers had seemingly shrugged off a stubborn but inferior Roos outfit when Matthew Suckling goaled to extend the Dogs' lead to 26 points at the 11-minute mark of the final term. But the Roos, and in particular Ben Cunnington had other ideas. Cunnington had 12 final quarter touches including two goals as North came from the clouds to all but do what had been done to them several times earlier this year.” – Daniel Cherny
Herald Sun
“There’s no denying (Cunnington’s) final quarter against the Bulldogs. He had 12 disposals, eight contested possessions, four score involvements and kicked two goals. His ability to find teammates by hand when under serious heat is sometimes astonishing and when North was challenging late it was on the back of Cunnington’s intent and Shaun Higgins’ smarts.” – Mark Robinson.
Jarrad Waite was another of North’s stars singled out for attention, as he took on a new role on the wing at Etihad Stadium.
AFL.com.au
“(Waite’s) move onto a wing was a winner. Showcasing his full running capacity, Waite worked up and down the wing to win nine possessions and take six marks in the first half.” – Nathan Schmook
His move also had a positive effect on the forward line, according to those covering the match.
Herald Sun
“The Kangaroos bent but never broke and were potent in the forward half. With Jarrad Waite lively in a new role on a wing, Brown flourished while Taylor Garner quelled Jason Johannisen at the other end.” – Sam Edmund
Discussion around the shot clock has also been on the agenda after one incident in particular, as Higgins was run down from behind as he lined up for goal.
Herald Sun
“With North Melbourne charging, Shaun Higgins had a shot from 45m out directly in front to cut margin to seven in the shadows of three-quarter time. He was poleaxed from behind by Jake Stringer after being called to play-on, unbeknown to him. The countdown clock isn’t shown in the final two minutes of each quarter, but the officiating umpire didn’t appear to tell Higgins to play-on. That call came from his colleague 40m away, which only Stringer appeared to hear.” - Sam Edmund
AFL.com.au
“The set-shot countdown claimed another victim on Saturday night, with Shaun Higgins joining Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon in an exclusive group of players to let their 30 seconds run down before starting their set shot run-up. Like Dixon in round 10, Higgins was unaware his time had expired as he lined up for what would have been a 40m set shot on the eve of three-quarter time.” – Nathan Schmook
