A fifth successive loss against Port Adelaide had its origins very early in the first quarter.
Port’s first goal of the match became one of the talking points of the weekend.
The Age
“Things started in ominous fashion for the Roos as Chad Wingard banged Port forward, where Michael Firrito handballed the ball over the goal line while being tackled by Jay Schulz. But in a decision that infuriated the Roos' faithful, Firrito was pinged, and Schulz goaled from the square.” – Daniel Cherny
Port’s dominance out of the middle was key to what would become a game-breaking quarter.
Herald Sun
“Trengove had a blinding first term, with four clearances and nine possessions in the first 30 minutes.” – Jay Clark
However North was not without its chances, and really should have been a lot closer on the scoreboard at the first break.
The Age
“North had plenty of the play in the first half, but the scoreboard afforded them little reward. Port had just one more inside 50 than the Roos in the opening quarter, but where North kicked 0.5, the Power slammed on 6.3.” – Daniel Cherny
The game was essentially even on the scoreboard after quarter time, but only due to North missing multiple gettable shots on goal.
Herald Sun
“The Roos tried to stabilise after quarter time, but blew their chance at mounting a meaningful comeback in front of goal, booting a horrible 2.9 to Port’s three-straight goals in the third quarter.” – Jay Clark
AFL.com.au
“The third term was the best example. Coming out after half-time with a noticeable lift in intensity, the Roos controlled general play but opened the quarter with five straight behinds before Ben Brown finally kicked truly at the 13-minute mark. In that time, Port kicked 2.0 to extend their half-time lead by one point to 40 points.” – Nick Bowen
From there, it was a bridge too far for the Roos. While the accuracy wasn’t an issue in the last term – five goals straight – they still fell by 28 points, a fifth loss in a row.
Herald Sun
"Harvey, Ben Brown, who presented hard on the lead, and never-give-in veteran backman Michael Firrito were North’s best." – Jay Clark
Next up is a prime-time encounter against Collingwood.
Herald Sun
“There’s no hiding this week. It’s Collingwood on Friday, and the nation will be watching.” – Mark Robinson
Triple M
“It’s time the coaches stood up, the leaders stood up and they’ll now be tested.” – Wayne Carey
