North Melbourne followed its bye with an exhilarating two-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
The victory delighted the players and fans alike, with the gutsy come-from-behind nature of the win, and Jack Ziebell’s last-gasp goal a focus in the media.
SEN
“The fairy tale season for the Kangaroos continues with a thrilling win over the Bulldogs at Etihad thanks to a goal in the last minute by skipper Jack Ziebell. It put them in front by two points with 20 seconds to go and that was enough to seal an epic victory.”
AFL.com.au
“North Melbourne has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to continue its unlikely finals push, heading the Western Bulldogs with 20 seconds left off captain Jack Ziebell's goal-square finish.” - Marc McGowan
Ben Brown’s brilliant five-goal performance was monumental, with the big forward also setting up the match winner.
Herald Sun
“The North Melbourne spearhead wrote his own story in Saturday night’s heart-stopping win over the Western Bulldogs in a performance dripping in leadership, composure and skill.
“Brown was the constant presence on a rollercoaster night for North Melbourne.
“He was there when the Roos were put under the pump, there when they surged back into the lead and he was there to set up Jack Ziebell’s dramatic match-winner with 20 seconds left.
“The Roos were on the canvas early and late, but Brown was the one who kept swinging, kicking five goals from six marks — four contested — and 11 disposals.” - Sam Edmund.
The Age
“Brown would finish with five goals. AFL great Wayne Carey last year said Brown was worth $1.2 million a season. While he signed for less, Carey was spot on.” - Jon Pierik
Shaun Higgins put in yet another stellar performance, notching up his third, 30-disposal game in a row.
Higgins has gone from being an outsider for All-Australian selection, to now being well and truly in the Brownlow Medal discussion.
AFL.com.au
“This Roo's rise from injury-prone, unfulfilled talent at the Western Bulldogs to North Melbourne club champion at age 29 and almost-certain All Australian in 2018 gets better by the week.
“His 10 disposals to half-time were ho-hum by his standards, but he was scintillating in the last two quarters with 22 further possessions, six clearances and two goals to spearhead North's comeback. Higgins also dished the handball in Ben Brown's direction – his second involvement in the passage – for him to soccer the ball to Jack Ziebell for his match-winner.
“The Kangas have eight wins from 13 games and that is plenty enough, with nine rounds remaining and his sensational form, for a Brownlow Medal to be within his reach.” - Mark McGowan.
The Age
“He finished with a game-high 32 touches, including 17 contested, and is in All-Australian form, backing up after winning the club's best-and-fairest last year.” - Jon Pierik
Herald Sun
“Higgins has 13 votes in the Herald Sun’s player of the year competition and is in career-best form.
“Captain Jack Ziebell labelled Higgins an All Australian certainty yesterday after 32 possessions and two goals against his former side.” - Jon Ralph
Herald Sun
“Enormous month of footy from Higgins, culminating in a gut-busting sequence in the final minute on Saturday night.
“Was involved at halfback/wing with a handball, charged forward, gathered a ground-ball first touch with Bulldogs opponents coming at him and fired a left-hand handball to Ben Brown who soccered the ball to skipper Jack Ziebell who kicked the winner.
“He is grace and guts, Higgins, and surely in the All-Australian team.
“His past four weeks read: 6.5 inside-50s (ranked 2nd in competition), 564m gained (fifth), 6.8 clearances (sixth), 31.3 disposals (sixth) and 116 ranking points (eighth).” - Mark Robinson
Majak Daw was also praised for arguably his finest game in his defensive role.
Fox Footy
“Playing as the third tall behind Scott Thomson and Robbie Tarrant, Daw’s natural marking flair and athleticism has enhanced North’s defensive stocks. And it’s brought out the best in Daw.
“While the 27-year-old took some time to work into the match against the Bulldogs, he was crucial in the final term, despite a controversial free kick being awarded against him.” - Sarah Olle
Herald Sun
“Majak Daw starting taking balls out of the sky in the Dogs forward line like he was plucking low-hanging fruit.” - Sam Edmund
