North’s 43-point win over the GWS Giants at Blundstone Arena on Saturday afternoon catapulted it back inside the top eight after nine rounds, and reinforced its standing amongst the competition.
Trailing at the main-break, it was star forward Ben Brown who stood-up to the task and gave his side a strong lead at three-quarter-time, one the young Roos managed to build on in the final term.
The Mercury
“Coleman Medal leader Ben Brown has turned Blundstone Arena into his own personal playground as the hometown hero again starred for North Melbourne in Hobart.
“Brown has now kicked 10 goals in North’s first two games in Hobart in 2018 and has moved to 31 for the season.” - Adam Smith
AFL.com.au
“Hometown hero Ben Brown stole the show in the third term, kicking five of the Roos' seven goals to set up the win.
“Opposed to the returning Tim Mohr, Brown was barely sighted in the first half before clunking everything at his favoured southern end of the ground.
“Two of his majors came when he was hard against opposite boundary lines, his long run up taking him closer to his junior roots of Devonport at the other end of the Apple Isle.” - Mitch Cleary
Fox Sports
“Prior to Saturday afternoon, the most number of goals Brown had kicked in a quarter was three — something he’d achieved on seven other occasions.
“But his five third-term goals not only smashed that record, but further strengthened his lead in the Coleman medal race” - Ben Waterworth
Ben Brown wasn’t the only forward the media were writing about, veteran Jarrad Waite received high praise for his performance, highlighted by a trifecta of first-quarter goals.
The likes of Mason Wood and Jack Ziebell were also acknowledged for their strong presence inside the forward 50.
The Age
“The Kangaroos had been prepared to wait until game day to make a call on Waite, who had battled a corked thigh.
“He responded with three goals in the first term, two coming from strong marks about 50m out from goal after the Giants had hurriedly bombed the ball out of defence.
“The Kangaroos insist a tall forward line of Ben Brown, Jarrad Waite and Mason Wood can work in a year when several sides prefer just the one tall and rely on pressure from small forwards to morph into goals.
“The Roos have even more reason to back their strategy after Brown, a proud Tasmanian, contributed five goals, all after half-time, taking his season tally to 31, Waite booted four, all before half-time, and Wood added two.” - Jon Pierik
Fox Sports
“Jarrad Waite was the game-breaker in the first quarter, booting four goals and taking several strong marks to impose himself in the contest.
“Jack Ziebell and Mason Wood also contributed with two goals each.” - Ben Waterworth
Once again, the midfielders had no issue finding the ball, and capitalised on Todd Goldstein’s impressive ruck performance.
The Age
“The Roos' midfield run – sparked by ruckman Todd Goldstein and led by the irrepressible Shaun Higgins, hard-nut Ben Cunnington and a reborn Jed Anderson – overwhelmed their opponents.
“The Roos would win the clearances 46-31.” - Jon Pierik
Fox Sports
“The Roos were stronger at the contest, winning the clearance count by 15, with Jed Anderson (8 clearances) and Ben Cunnington (6) leading the way. Shaun Higgins finished with a game-high 28 disposals.” - Ben Waterworth
The Mercury
“Jed Anderson was prolific early and finished with 26 disposals (17 contested), eight clearances and a goal, Shaun Higgins had a team high 28 touches while rebounding defender Luke McDonald lifted in the third term and collected 25 disposals by the final siren.
“Ruckman Todd Goldstein began dominating at the stoppages, giving the Roos an 18-7 advantage in the clearances and a 45-29 edge in contested possessions and it was Brown who benefited from the superb supply.” - Adam Smith
AFL.com.au
“Fresh off keeping Dustin Martin to 16 disposals last week, North Melbourne stopper Ben Jacobs was used in a variety of roles by coach Brad Scott.
“Walking to Giants co-captain Callan Ward at the opening bounce, he spent time on Ward (19 disposals) and partly Dylan Shiel (24 disposals) throughout the afternoon.
“He also floated forward at times and finished with 14 disposals and nine tackles of his own, with North Melbourne pushing a number of different players through centre bounces.” - Mitch Cleary
Overall, the win has has caused commentators to now strongly consider North as a finals contender.
Fox Sports
“It was North Melbourne’s 12th win at Blundstone Arena from their past 14 attempts, proving the Kangaroos’ venture into Hobart is quickly turning into a genuine home ground advantage.” - Ben Waterworth
SEN
“With both teams outside the eight and looking to break in, North Melbourne once again proved it's the real deal, taking down GWS in very windy conditions in Tasmania.” - Nic Negrepontis
The Age
“For the Kangaroos – a club tipped to finish in the bottom four – they again have shown why they are a legitimate finals contender.” - Jon Pierik
