For the first six rounds of 2015, Friday night football had often seen the result decided well before the final siren.
However, this wasn’t the case when North Melbourne faced Essendon at Etihad Stadium; the Kangaroos’ 11-point victory a worthy clash for prime-time.
The Australian
“The showcase timeslot had been marred this year by uncompetitive matches and some ordinary sides but that was not the case in a tense and exciting clash.
“It was not until Jack Ziebell, who was arguably best afield, kicked a goal on the run from inside the centre square with three minutes remaining that North Melbourne had the match in hand.” – Courtney Walsh
North reeled in the Bombers after the home side had kicked the first three goals of the game in quick time.
Herald Sun
“North Melbourne never panicked in the face of the sustained challenges despite briefly surrendering the lead early in the third quarter.
“With Jack Ziebell setting a stellar example to the midfield brigade, the Kangaroos reaped the benefits of a better functioning forward set-up that, really, should have delivered a bigger margin.” – Bruce Matthews
AFL.com.au
“North Melbourne vice-captain Jack Ziebell played one of the best games of his career against the Bombers on Friday night. Ziebell was bull-like at stoppages, winning a game-high 11 clearances, and in a game where both teams butchered the ball at times, his clean foot skills stood out.” – Nick Bowen
The Age
“North assumed control of the clearances and the flow of play with Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington's industry and Sam Gibson having the better of Brent Stanton on a wing. Ziebell was superb throughout.” – Michael Gleeson
It was Ziebell who had one of his best games for the club to lead the drive from midfield, collecting 29 disposals and the game-sealing goal.
Meanwhile, Drew Petrie was moved back in the final term and excelled, taking four intercept marks in amongst 10 disposals for the term to continually repel Essendon’s forward thrusts.
Herald Sun
“One in the midfield and one ultimately in defence won this game for North Melbourne. Often in close games - in all games to be fair - North’s leadership has been questioned. But not this time.
“Ziebell played perhaps his best game for the club and Petrie played an old fashioned role late in the game and that was to send a big bloke into the defence to take marks. They’re tracking pretty good without Wells and Dal Santo.” – Mark Robinson
While North was plagued by inaccuracy, kicking 13.15, ultimately it was the dangerous, versatile forward setup that proved just enough to register its fourth victory of 2015.
Herald Sun
“North Melbourne had a balanced and experienced attack, while Essendon — hampered by the late withdrawal of Jake Carlisle — cobbled together an unorthodox and makeshift forward six with an average age of 22.
“The Kangaroos have the traditional blend: tall targets Drew Petrie, Ben Brown and Jarrad Waite, classy mediums Lindsay Thomas and Shaun Higgins, and dangerous crumbers such as Brent Harvey and Robin Nahas.” – Warwick Green
