It’s being considered as one of the matches of the season, and despite North’s heartbreaking defeat, there were still some positives to take from the match.

It was a match-up that didn’t catch the attention of many in the lead-up, but once the South Sudanese born Majak Daw and fellow countryman Aliir Aliir lined up on each other, it was one you couldn’t take your eyes off.

Herald Sun

“They have jumped hurdles and fought footy perception all their lives, but North Melbourne’s Majak Daw and Sydney’s Aliir Aliir were not project players or AFL novelty acts, they were heroes, on Sunday.

“After battling each other spectacularly in the air for three quarters, Daw initially loomed as the match-winner in the pulsating final stages.

“The former rookie slotted his fourth goal from the boundary line with a laser-straight drop punt with barely five minutes remaining to tie scores.

“To that point, it was probably his best game of his eight-year career after spending much of this season down back.

“We have all doubted him, but his development has accelerated rapidly this season and now coach Brad Scott doesn’t know which third of the ground to play him in, he has grown in various roles this season.” - Jay Clark

Herald Sun

“Majak Daw kicked four goals and Aliir Aliir booted the winner for Sydney, and right there we saw a glimpse into the future of Australian rules.

“The incredible athleticism from both Daw and Aliir, and their ability to deliver at the highest level will inspire more North African-born players to the game.

“This was a day to remember and cherish,” - Mark Robinson

SEN

“I reckon if the AFL wanted one thing out of the game yesterday at Etihad Stadium, they would’ve said for two minutes can we get Aliir Aliir playing on Majak Daw, just to see how it goes.

“Well it eventuated for longer than two minutes and it was a fascinating clash between two extremely athletic players.

“Who would’ve thought a few years ago at one end of the ground you’d have a Sudanese player who was kicking goals and putting his side in front and looking like being a match-winner and at the other end of the ground you’d have exactly the same for the other team – it was extraordinary and brilliant.” - Tim Watson

AFL.com.au

“I think (Majak Daw’s) time down back has given him the confidence to play at this level.” - Jimmy Bartel.

It was North’s veteran players who lead from the front, with one of this year’s Brownlow Medal favourites, Shaun Higgins, starring once again.

AFL.com.au

“In a week where Shaun Higgins was identified as the AFL's most roughed-up player, a George Hewett tag did little to halt the midfielder's influence.

“After a number of key scalps earlier in the season, Hewett was beaten for a second consecutive week as Higgins racked up a game-high 33 disposals and eight inside 50s.

“Hewett went to the Brownlow Medal fancy at the opening bounce which he repeated at stoppages for much of the match.” - Mitch Cleary

AFL.com.au

“Higgins' influence was obvious, with the North midfield jet gathering 11 disposals in the first term and registering five inside-50s.” - Callum Twomey

Fox Sports

“North midfielder Shaun Higgins continued to do his All-Australian chances no harm, with an “outstanding” display through the midfield, according to Swans premiership coach Paul Roos on Triple M.” - Matt Balmer

Another one of those senior stars that stood-up in the heat of battle was skipper Jack Ziebell, who received high praise from one of the game’s most respected commentators.

SEN

“He played the best game I have ever seen him play.

“Not just the fact that he kicked five goals, he was an enormous presence in that forward line.

“You know how difficult it is to play against the Sydney defence, and I thought Ziebell was just outstanding.” - Tim Watson

SEN

“The things that make him such a good forward, also made it hard for him to play in the midfield, that’s just good coaching from Brad Scott.” - Garry Lyon