North Melbourne’s fifth consecutive victory over Richmond was largely based off the back of capitalising on turnovers.

Of the Kangaroos’ 16.13.109, 14.8.92 came after the Tigers had turned the ball over. It was a staggeringly high amount; the second-most so far this season in the entire AFL.

Unsurprisingly, it was what fuelled the seven-goal third quarter which broke the game open. Six of the seven majors were from turnovers as North was lethal in capitalising on the opposition’s disposal errors.

All statistics via Champion Data

Todd Goldstein was a catalyst to North’s big third term, with an intercept mark and spoil that both led to goals. He was again important in the ruck, with 36 hit-outs.

Another common theme throughout the afternoon at Blundstone Arena was the differing efficiency of both sides when going inside their respective attacking arcs. The Kangaroos actually went in on nine fewer occasions, but still managed five more scoring shots.

It was the home side’s work defending Richmond’s entries that was arguably the most pleasing sight considering what had happened in the first five rounds of the season. Opposition sides had been able to score relatively easily once within distance of goal, but that wasn’t the case for the Tigers in Hobart.

Nowhere was this illustrated more than the defining third quarter. Richmond had nine inside 50’s, but was only able to score 1.3. North had 10 entries, only one more than the opposition, but kicked 7.2 in an efficient display.

On an individual note, Round 6 saw the return of Brent Harvey closer to North’s goal after spending the first five rounds playing off half-back.

With 22 disposals, two goals and four inside 50’s – three of which led to scoring shots – it’s fair to conclude his shift into attack was a success.

Saturday’s victory continued the trend of North bouncing back emphatically following a loss the previous round.

Since the start of 2014, the Kangaroos are now 10-1 in the week after a loss, with an average winning margin of approximately seven goals.

Up next is an Essendon side desperate to bounce back after being defeated comfortably by Fremantle.