David Noble challenged his leaders to step up against the Swans on Saturday, and although the Kangaroos eventually went on to lose the game by 11 points, North's leaders certainly stepped up to the plate in what ended up being a fiery and close contest.

Two of those leaders in question were among the best players on the ground, with Jack Ziebell and Jy Simpkin earning coaches' votes from Noble and Sydney counterpart John Longmire.

After spending all of last season in defence, Ziebell moved into the forward line to brilliant effect and kicked five goals. He was rewarded eight votes for his efforts.

Along with his five goals, Ziebell finished the clash with nine disposals, three marks and three tackles.

Simpkin has been one of North Melbourne's top performers so far this young season, and the reigning Syd Barker medallist put in another strong performance on the weekend.

Simpkin polled five coaches' votes for his efforts in midfield and finished with 33 disposals, four tackles, five clearances and North's best goal of the day.

Sydney v North Melbourne

10 Justin McInerney (SYD)
8 Jack Ziebell (NMFC)
5 Jy Simpkin (NMFC)
3 Callum Mills (SYD)
3 Oliver Florent (SYD)
1 Jake Lloyd (SYD)

North Melbourne leaderboard

10 Nick Larkey
8 Jack Ziebell
7 Jy Simpkin
6 Hugh Greenwood
1 Aaron Hall