Sunday's win was a "special" result, North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson said, after selling two home games a season to Western Australia for the next three years.
The coach said North's leaders had stood up, with captain Jy Simpkin excellent in the final quarter alongside ruck Tristan Xerri and young star Harry Sheezel, who had 12 of his 28 disposals in the final quarter.
"We played a game against Collingwood a fortnight ago and it was their leaders that stood up in the last quarter. We’re pleased it was our turn for our leaders to step up," Clarkson said.
"Big 'X' (Xerri) in the ruck was superb. Luke Parker, Jy Simpkin and Harry Sheezel were pivotal for us getting scoreboard ascendancy and keeping the game in our half, which we were unable to do for three quarters.
"We were staring down the barrel of defeat, so to win from that position is a real credit."
Clarkson said the Kangaroos played nowhere near their best for three quarters but made some tweaks in the last term and told the players to hang in there, ultimately kicking the final three goals of the game to secure a win.
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02:53
The cave where people lived with megafauna
The boys explore the Ngilgi Cave in Western Australia’s South West, where the Wadandi people lived among megafauna more than 15,000 years ago. We’ll be back here in WA for Rounds 13 and 14, so be sure to secure your tickets and start planning to see the sights!
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The coach said important defender Charlie Comben would require scans for an injury in his upper back/shoulder after copping a knee to the area in a marking contest.
"He's had shoulder problems before but this is more his upper back. We're not sure if it's bruised or other damage, but he didn’t return to full function after being assessed.
"At that stage, you’re nearly ready to use your sub anyway. We hope for the best that his scan comes back with no significant damage."
