Match result

Casey 5.14 44 defeats North Melbourne 0.7 7

In action

AFL-listed
Luke Davies-Uniacke (18 disposals, 10 tackles), Mitch Hibberd (14 disposals, 6 tackles), Nick Larkey (3 disposals), Ben McKay (14 disposals), Sam Durdin (11 disposals), Dan Nielson (3 disposals), Braydon Preuss (19 disposals, 6 marks), Josh Williams (15 disposals, 7 marks), Kyron Hayden (8 disposals, 7 tackles), Tristan Xerri (8 disposals, 10 tackles), Tom Murphy (20 disposals, 9 tackles), Gordon Narrier (7 disposals), Oscar Junker (10 disposals) 

VFL-listed
Nick Rippon (12 disposals, 8 tackles), Ty Leonardis (11 disposals, 7 tackles), Matthew Lee (7 disposals, 9 tackles), Nash Holmes (17 disposals, 20 tackles), Chris Jansen (20 disposals, 15 tackles), Fraser Cameron (4 disposals), Louis Cunningham (12 disposals), Quintin Montanaro (6 disposals), Nick Hogan (3 disposals), Matt Northe (14 disposals, 8 tackles)

Story of the game

North Melbourne has fallen to Casey Demons in wet and difficult conditions at Casey Fields.

On an afternoon plagued by torrential rain, neither side was able to claim clean possession of the footy with a water-logged ground proving to be problematic in all areas. 

The opening minute told the story of the day, as Ben McKay was greeted by an extended pool of water after ushering through the first of several rushed behinds.

It took almost 20 minutes for the first goal to be scored, with Mitch Hannan firing the second-placed hosts in front, kicking against the wind.

His effort was the lone goal of the opening term, allowing the Demons to hold an eight-point advantage at the first break.

Despite scoring just three behinds in the first half, North was implored to ignore the stats sheet, as the young Roos continually pressed at the stoppages, boasting an impressive spread of tackles.

Structurally, North showed improvement after half-time, allowing debutant Matthew Lee to seamlessly transition into a role within its forward six.

The Demons spent large patches of time inside of their forward 50, with several attacking opportunities resulting in stoppages as North’s forward threats moved into deeper roles to draw possession.

With almost every play drawing contested packs, the ability to mark the ball and get clean possession was limited, with Braydon Preuss and Nick Rippon proving to be the rare exceptions for the royal blue and white.

North’s goal drought looked certain to be broken in the dying stages of the final term by Lee, but his floating effort struck the inside of the goal-post.

VFL coach David Loader conceded that the trying conditions were a contributing factor to the overall performance, while drawing positives from the result.

“It was trying conditions, right across the day,” Loader told North Media.

“Football is like that, it takes you out of your comfort zone. Today certainly did and we spoke a lot about learning more about ourselves sometimes with a loss in trying conditions, than you do when you win.

“There’s some really clear messaging to come out of that for the players. The guys that stood up can be really pleased tonight and go home and have a spell.

“The other guys will learn from what they’ve been through today.

“I thought we gave ourselves some opportunity around the ball. In the last quarter, we started to win our fair share of the ball, when we’d really struggled there.

“There were some little wins throughout the day and some individual performances that were a positive. Plenty to work on as we go forward.”

Best of AFL

Luke Davies Uniacke
The talented youngster negotiated both the rain and wind with relative ease, getting 18 possessions in spite of limited attacking opportunities.

Davies-Uniacke showed grit, breaking through packs several times in an attempt to run and carry against the gale.

Although the 19-year-old faced initial difficulties avoiding congestion, Davies-Uniacke found his feet in the second quarter, navigating through traffic around the stoppages.

“The result didn’t go our way, but we stuck together,” Davies-Uniacke told North Media.

“The pitch was water-logged, it didn't drain well. My boots weighed about five kilos each, that didn't help either.

“One of my strengths is just being clean around the contest and just bringing that to the table every week.”

Best of VFL

Nick Rippon
The JJ Liston Trophy winner can win the football like few others.

The 24-year-old has relished his deeper role this season and wasn’t deterred by both difficult circumstances and trying conditions at Casey Fields.

Rippon’s toughness around the footy was on display yet again, showing no ill-effect from the lack of clean possession, continuing to impress while inspiring those around him with his work ethic.

Called upon several times in the second half, Rippon filled multiple roles during rotations.

Talking points

LDU develops
If ability is measured by temperament in adverse conditions, Davies-Uniacke will be worth his weight in gold.

North’s earliest draft pick since 2006 continues to show glimpses of his elite potential, offering an ability to break lines and contribute across varying roles.

“I thought he was terrific,” Loader said. 

“I thought he worked his way into the game. He probably wasn’t great in the first quarter, we saw some really promising signs [from him] after half-time, which is fantastic for Luke.”

VFL engine room
The tackling efforts of North co-captain Chris Jansen and Nash Holmes were simply remarkable.

Between the pair, the Roos were boosted by their collaborative numbers, offering 35 tackles.

Working in tandem with Rippon, who contributed a further eight tackles of his own, North was a constant threat to earn first use of the footy.

“Out of our VFL listed guys, Rippon and Holmes were really good,” Loader said. 

Preuss and McKay continue development
Leading a young list hasn’t derailed the ascension of AFL-listed pair Braydon Preuss and Ben McKay.

The duo, playing at opposite ends of the ground, were excellent in their respective roles, with Preuss honing his craft in the wet while still venturing forward when alternating with Tristan Xerri.

Meanwhile, McKay maintained his reputation as one of North’s rugged defensive units, offering stability and a cool head under pressure.

“There were a number of players that I thought were pretty solid today,” Loader said. 

“'Preussy' did some good stuff, and Benny McKay stood up down back I thought.

“It was a pretty influential role with him today. It wasn't the result we were after, but there were certainly some positive signs to come out of it.”