Match result

North Melbourne 10.10 70 defeats Port Melbourne 8.14 62

In action

AFL-listed
Taylor Garner (10 disposals, 5 tackles), Nathan Hrovat (21 disposals, 7 marks, 9 tackles), Luke Davies-Uniacke (19 disposals, 6 tackles, 1 goal), Paul Ahern (18 disposals, 1 goal), Mitch Hibberd (20 disposals), Nick Larkey (7 disposals, 3 goals), Alex Morgan (17 disposals), Ben McKay (11 disposals, 8 marks), Sam Durdin (8 disposals), Will Walker (6 disposals), Braydon Preuss (15 disposals, 5 marks), Josh Williams (18 disposals, 5 marks), Kyron Hayden (7 disposals), Tristan Xerri (6 disposals, 1 goal), Tom Murphy (18 disposals), Gordon Narrier (8 disposals), Oscar Junker (9 disposals, 2 goals)

VFL-listed
Nick Rippon (14 disposals), Nash Holmes (27 disposals, 7 tackles), Chris Jansen (18 disposals), Louis Cunningham (10 disposals 6 tackles), Michael Close (9 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 2 goals), Nick Hogan (12 disposals) 

Full stats will be uploaded on Sunday. 

Story of the game

An inspired North Melbourne rebounded from a disappointing run of results, ousting reigning VFL premiers Port Melbourne in a remarkable eight-point upset at North Port Oval.

The form book was thrown out the window as North put together a consistent four-quarter performance, leading from start-to-finish in a determined display.

The Roos were unrelenting with their attacking pressure and burst out of the blocks, booting the game’s first major inside of a minute, courtesy of Nick Larkey.

Further goals from Tristan Xerri, who celebrated signing a new contract with the club, followed by Larkey’s second gave North three consecutive goals to open proceedings along with a solid foundation to build on.

The hosts returned fire with minutes remaining in the first term off the back of classy midfielder Isaac Conway, but North entered the first break boasting an 11-point buffer.

It was scrappy at times, but the intensity never wavered as both sides battled to work themselves into their respective attacking arcs.

North midfielders Nash Holmes, Nick Rippon and Nathan Hrovat were busy, with the former creating several attacking opportunities for key talls Michael Close and later Oscar Junker.

With that said, the midfield battle was unanimously won by a dominant Luke Davies-Uniacke, who brushed aside any resistance with his outside run and ball-use.

The margin increased to as high as 17 points at half-time, but floated within 10 points for most the second half.

A scintillating fourth quarter, topped by another mature defensive display from consistent pair Sam Durdin and Ben McKay allowed North to hold on for a memorable win on the road.

“It was really pleasing today,” David Loader told North Media.

“We saw great improvement last week, even though the scoreboard probably didn’t indicate that. It was a matter of probably finishing off some of the stuff we started last week.

“The set-up around the footy was a lot better today, our effort lifted, we just got a much better spread of players that contributed today.

“When you get that mix, you end up with a better result, which we did.

“To come down to Port Melbourne and win a game of footy is no mean feat. I thought the boys were really brave, especially late in the day, so it was great.

Best of AFL

Sam Durdin
Durdin has been a pillar in defence over the last month, with another strong display against Port Melbourne. 

“It was unbelievable, obviously to bounce back from the last two weeks, which were some disappointing losses,” Durdin told North Media

“The boys really bounced back and showed what quality youth can do.

“Port Melbourne are a quality side… we knew we had a big task ahead [and] just to stay focussed on the task. We knew what our mind-set would have to be and we executed very well today.”

Luke Davies-Uniacke
Given the freedom to roam, Davies-Uniacke displayed his speed and agility, with his strength in the packs a highlight. 

“My role [today] was to be an attacking midfielder,” Davies-Uniacke told North Media.

“That’s where I see myself playing in the future, just that more dominant player. I got a good taste for it today.”

Best of VFL

Nash Holmes
Gifted with a no-nonsense approach to his footy, Nash Holmes goes about his business with minimal fuss.

On a day where midfield pressure was high for extended periods, Holmes showed maturity beyond his years, collecting the ball from messy scrums and often amongst a sea of bodies.

The hard-nosed midfielder often a staggering display of resilience, attacking the stoppages with a stubborn tenacity. 

Talking points

Durdin's tackle
With the result still hanging in the balance and with Port Melbourne displaying its full attacking arsenal, Sam Durdin produced a tackle worthy of any highlight-reel.

“We’re a club that hangs our hat on our Shinboner qualities and that’s a terrific one that we’ll celebrate this week in review time,” Loader said.

“The effort that he [Sam] showed today, he was 100-1 to make that tackle, but he just never gave up, got to him and saved a certain goal.

“It was a point where we were under siege at that stage late in the game. The game turned again when Sam did that. Those small moments are the things that perhaps win matches.”

Durdin, however, saw the lighter side. 

“I actually got stepped inside, which is not part of the game plan,” he said. 

“I knew I had to go and chase, luckily he slowed down right at the end and I got him.”

Larkey among the goals
It seems only a matter of time before Nick Larkey gets another chance at AFL level, with the key-forward chiming in with another three vital goals on Saturday. 

Hogan impresses
It’s safe to say VFL-listed player Nick Hogan made an impression in his debut in the royal blue and white.

After a quiet opening term, Hogan burst to life in the second quarter.

The youngster outleaped his opposite number close to the boundary to spoil a contested pack mark, with the footy flying into the grandstand, before laying a tackle in a goal-bound sequence just seconds later.

Hogan ended the quarter with a trio of memorable moments, unloading a bump off the ball to secure the footy in one of North’s attacking sequences.

Join in the Chorus!
Hogan and Kyron Hayden sung the North Melbourne song for the first time, copping a Gatorade shower, while Davies-Uniacke now has wins at both AFL and VFL level, and was in the centre of the circle for a rousing rendition of Join in the Chorus.