Match result

North Melbourne 13.8.86 defeated by Footscray 13.14.92

Player stats

AFL-listed
Tom Campbell (25 disposals, 1 goal, 29 hit-outs), Joel Crocker (22 disposals, 5 marks), Mason Wood (20 disposals, 2 goals), Tom Murphy (19 disposals), Lachie Hosie (13 disposals, 6 goals), Ben McKay (12 disposals, 5 marks), Tristan Xerri (10 disposals, 2 goals), Tom McKenzie (9 disposals), Red Og Murphy (7 disposals, 2 goals)

VFL-listed
Dan Robinson (20 disposals), Chris Jansen (18 disposals, 5 tackles), Ryan Morrison (18 disposals, 5 marks), Nick Rippon (16 disposals, 8 tackles), Nash Holmes (15 disposals, 8 tackles), Ty Leonardis (15 disposals), Brendan Whitecross (14 disposals), Cameron Hodges (12 disposals), Tanner Stanton (12 disposals), Tom Hotchin (10 disposals), Brodie McLaughlin (9 disposals),

Recap

North Melbourne did everything but hang on for the four points in an impressive display against Footscray on Sunday.

It was always going to be a big challenge coming up against the second-placed side in the VFL, but the home side burst out of the blocks at Arden St, booting 7 goals to 2 in the first term.

From there, the Bulldogs slowly worked back into the game, with the likes of Lachlan Hosie and Tom Campbell providing plenty of resistance for North.

It wasn’t until the 26-minute mark of the final term the Roos finally surrendered the lead, with a Lukas Webb goal a heart-breaker for David Loader and his team.

Best of the AFL

Lachlan Hosie
North’s mid-season recruit was on fire from the start, finishing the day with an impressive 6-goal haul.

The 22-year-old was brilliant, both in the air and on the ground, doing his best to push a case for an AFL recall.

Best of the VFL

Dan Robinson
The former Swan was the best of North’s VFL contingent, finishing with 20 disposals to cap off a strong first season at the club.

Talking points

1. Tom Campbell continued his outstanding season, with another strong performance in the ruck, but it was one particular play which brought the crowd to its feet.

70 metres out from goal, the big man could have been excused for putting the ball to ‘the hot spot’. Campbell had other ideas.

He hit the ball perfectly off the boot, with it sailing over the goal line with ease.

2. Mason Wood responded strongly to his omission from the AFL side, finishing with 20 disposals and 2 goals to press his claim for a recall.

3. Joel Crocker’s light frame has him seen as a longer-term prospect, but he’s done plenty to suggest he’ll become a handy player in the years to come.

A 22-disposal, 5-mark effort will have the youngster full of confidence going into 2020.