Regardless of the result, there was always going to be plenty of talking-points from Saturday night’s clash between North and Carlton, given both sides were desperate for a win.

Ben Brown’s dominant five-goal performance was the highlight, while a dominant midfield performance from Shaun Higgins, and a break-out game from Jed Anderson also steered much of the conversation.

Fox Sports

“The ever-reliable Ben Brown had nine contested possessions of his own, to go with four first-half goals.

“Brown had Liam Jones on toast early in the piece, while Jarrad Waite consistently had the better of Blues youngster Jacob Weitering.” - Staff Writers

The Mercury

“In conditions not generally conducive for big men, with showers falling and a fluky breeze in Hobart, Brown was irresistible in the first half with four goals as the Roos ran riot.

Jarrad Waite was the perfect foil for Brown with three goals, with both Shaun Atley and skipper Jack Ziebell chiming in with three of their own.” - Adam Smith.

AFL.com.au

“On a wet and blustery night at Blundstone Arena, the Roos gave the Blues headaches from the outset and Brown closed the gap to two goals at the top of the Coleman Medal table as he continues to blaze a trail as one of the AFL’s most damaging tall forwards.

“Ben Brown lined up alongside Kayne Turner and club captain Jack Ziebell as the only Kangaroos forward of the centre square and the trio caused more than a few early headaches for the Carlton defence.

“By half-time North Melbourne's key man had added another couple of goals, including a brilliant checkside from deep in the right forward pocket to push his side out to a 40-point lead midway through the second term. A cult hero in his state of origin, Brown had entered round four with 10 goals for the season, trailing Lance Franklin by four goals on the Coleman Medal table. At the final siren his five-goal haul had narrowed Buddy's lead to two and provided even more evidence of Brown's rise as one of the most dominant forwards in the AFL.” - Stu Warren.

The Age

“It’s hard to believe a 200 centimetre man with an afro and a killer leap could fly under the radar, but so off-Broadway have North been for the last 18 or so months, Ben Brown probably still isn’t getting the plaudits he deserves.

“Brown took direct opponent Liam Jones to the cleaners, taking contested marks, drilling goals with bananas, and knowing just where to lead. He was more than ably complemented by Jarrad Waite, who tormented his former side with his enduring athleticism, and skipper Jack Ziebell.” - Daniel “Pipes” Cherney.

Shaun Higgins, who collected 35 disposals, was also the talk of the town, with his class and efficiency with the ball praised.

Fox Sports

“Those contested ball winners feature the usual suspects in Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell (seven apiece), but the brilliant Shaun Higgins (10 contested possessions) and Jed Anderson (nine) also made their presence felt.

“Higgins was superb on both the inside and outside, leading all comers for both clearances and disposals with 11 and 35 respectively.” - Staff Writers.

Channel 7

“High quality running skillful players combined with some contested ball has made for a really top quality performance in that North Melbourne midfield.” - Cameron Ling.

Fox Footy

“North Melbourne, even though they’ve got a few youngies in there, they just seem to have a better spread of senior players and that home ground.” - Dermott Brereton.

The Mercury

“Higgins gathered a game high 35 possessions in a best-afield performance, 17 of which were contested to go with 11 clearances, while former Hawk Jed Anderson continued his improvement with a career-high 23 touches and a goal.” - Adam Smith.

The Age

“The service [to Ben Brown] had been good too, with Shaun Higgins and Ben Cunnington providing the inside grunt, allowing the likes of Shaun Atley, Billy Hartung and Jed Anderson to provide plenty on the outside.” - Pipes Cherney.

North extended its record at Blundstone Arena to 12 wins from 15 matches, which caught the eye of some commentators.

Fox Footy

“The two teams that have home ground in Tasmania love it down there and are very tough to beat.” - Dermott Brereton.