The Roos travelled to Skoda Stadium for their first ever game at the venue, looking to cap off a home and away season which had gone from strength to strength in the second half of the year.
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While GWS was able to restrict North to a 28-point victory, there were still a number of notable positives to come out of the game.
Scott Thompson collected a staggering 39 possessions in his regular role as a key defender. He combined it with eight inside 50's and 13 marks to be a well-deserved recipient of three Brownlow Medal votes.
What made the offensive outburst from Thompson so surprising is that in his 92 previous games, he had only had 30 disposals on one occasion and his 2012 season high until that point was just 28. This game set a career high in disposals, kicks, marks, handballs and contested possessions.
Ben Cunnington also set a career high in disposals as he played a big part in helping North's midfield overcome a comprehensive loss in the clearances, 50-25. His eight clearances capped a month-long stretch where he averaged seven per game. The midfielder continued his form in the Elimination Final, where he had a further eight clearances and was one of the Roos' shining lights.
In one of the best performances by a substitute since it was introduced, Kieran Harper kicked four goals after replacing an injured Lachlan Hansen late in the first quarter. It was the first time a substitute had led a team's goal kickers in a match.
Aaron Mullett came into the side and picked up 26 disposals, which was the most to date in his nine games.
GWS Giants 3.3.21, 4.5.29, 7.8.50, 11.11.77
North Melbourne 3.2.20, 7.4.46, 12.5.77, 16.9.105
Goals
GWS Giants: Giles 3, Palmer 3, Folau 1, Greene 1, Treloar 1, Tyson 1, Ward 1
North Melbourne: Harper 4, Campbell 3, Harvey 2, Petrie 2, Thomas 2, Delaney 1, Gibson 1, Swallow 1
Brownlow Medal
3 - Scott Thompson (NM), 2 - Callan Ward (GWS), 1 - Toby Greene (GWS)
