North’s impressive win over the weekend has been drawing praise from all corners of the media, with many of the plaudits directed towards North’s immense tackling pressure.
Cam Zurhaar led the way with 11 tackles, but was by no means the only player to take the game to Richmond.
Jon Ralph - Herald Sun
“Cam Zurhaar’s drag-down tackle on Sydney Stack in the game’s opening moments (one of 11 for the game) was a bold signal the Roos wouldn’t be pushed around.
“The astounding tackling statistics — 39 in the first half alone after an average of 53 so far this year — were only part of the story.
“Richmond was battered so badly around the contest that few defences would be able to hold up.”
Michael Ramsey - AAP
“North laid 72 tackles compared to Richmond’s 55, led by Zurhaar who had 11, Trent Dumont with 8 and Mason Wood, (Jack) Ziebell and (Jed) Anderson who all had 5 or more.”
Marc McGowan - AFL.com.au
“Kayne Turner set the tone with a pair of early tackles, including chasing down Bachar Houli as he tried to clear the ball from defence.
“The torch was quickly passed onto the one-man wrecking ball that is Cameron Zurhaar, who laid five crunching tackles to the first break and 11 in total.
“Jed Anderson, as he does, crashed into anyone in sight, while fend-off king Ben Cunnington was simply magnificent in the contest.”
Ronny Lerner - The Age
“North looked like a different team from the one that could only manage three wins from the first 10 rounds.
“Nobody epitomised North Melbourne’s manic pressure more than Cameron Zurhaar.
“[Zurhaar] was understandably chuffed with arguably the best performance of his fledgling career.”
North’s young stars also stole headlines, with this game offering a glimpse into a bright future for the club.
Jon Ralph - Herald Sun
“They shone new light on just how much talent there is on this list as Jy Simpkin, Mason Wood, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tarryn Thomas had a ball rubbing Richmond’s nose in the dirt.
“North Melbourne’s Generation Next joined interim coach Shaw in making their case to be a big part of this club’s future.
“Simpkin got his hands dirty with 14 of his 20 possessions contested while Davies-Uniacke pirouetted out of packs like a ballet dancer.”
Craig Little - The Guardian
“The future may be bright with players such as the 19-year-old Luke Davies-Uniacke.”
And the more experienced heads were also key to the win, none more so than defender Robbie Tarrant.
Mark Robinson - The Herald Sun
“Always believed when the back-six “gang’’ is holding ground, the team breathes easier.
“Big boys are generally tough and loved at North Melbourne. In this side it’s Tarrant and Scott Thompson — and Tarrant is the leader of the Kangaroos' gang. He takes the best forward every week and, this season anyway, has worn the leader’s stripes with honour.
“Despite North conceding big scores, Tarrant has only conceded multiple goals twice — against Port Adelaide’s Patrick Ryder/Justin Westhoff in Round 6 and Geelong’s Tom Hawkins in Round 8.
“In the other rounds, it was: Round 1 Matt Taberner/Cam McCarthy zero goals; Round 2 Eric Hipwood zero goals; Round 3 Jack Gunston one goal; Round 4 Taylor Walker one goal; Round 5 Joe Daniher one goal; Round 7 Harry McKay zero goals; Round 9 Sam Reid one goal; Round 10 Aaron Naughton one goal; and on Friday night, Tom Lynch one goal. You’ve got to like him.”
Michael Ramsey - Fox Sports
“The Roos’ next generation spearheaded arguably the club’s best performance of the season.”
Rhyce Shaw also getting off to a strong start in his coaching career.
Michael Ramsey - Fox Sports
“So much had been said about the departure of Brad Scott and promotion of Rhyce Shaw to the portion of caretaker coach. After the team's performance any conjecture surrounding the decision is gone, with all reactions being overwhelmingly promising.”
Marc McGowan - AFL.com.au
“Shaw's elevation to caretaker coach has coincided with a wave of optimism.
“[Shaw’s] ability to galvanise through his messaging so far is striking.”
