North Melbourne defied external expectations in 2018, producing some scintillating performances and recording some impressive wins, with many of these on the back of brilliant individual efforts.

North Media has taken a look back at some of the Roos' most impressive performances from the past season.

Ben Brown v St Kilda, Round 2

After being held goalless in the first round of the season, Brown was a man on a mission in Round 2. 

The tall forward was at his damaging best in what was a scrappy Good Friday clash, kicking a season-high 6 goals.

This haul was the first of five games in a row with four or more goals for Brown, setting him up for another brilliant season. He eventually finished second in the Coleman Medal.


Ben Brown.

Ben Cunnington v Richmond, Round 8

Cunnington started the season in excellent fashion, but he took his game to another level against the reigning premiers.

Going head-to-head with one of the best midfields in the competition, Cunnington was absolutely brilliant, amassing 38 disposals and 7 tackles.

The tough midfielder also broke the record for the most contested possessions in a game, breaking the previous record of 29 with 32 of his own.


Ben Cunnington.

Shaun Higgins v Brisbane, Round 11

Higgins had begun the season in superb form, but his performance against the Lions really started to draw some external attention to him.

The number four produced a masterclass in the midfield, recording a career-high 38 disposals, 7 inside 50s, 4 tackles and a goal.

The dominant performance put Higgins well and truly into the limelight, with Paul Roos calling him a “top 10 player in the competition”. 

He kept up his excellent form throughout the season, and was rewarded with selection in the All-Australian team. 


Shaun Higgins.

Jack Ziebell v Sydney, Round 17

Ziebell moved into a forward role in 2018, and to devastating effect. 

The skipper put in some brilliant performances in the forward 50, but none more so than in the Round 17 clash with Sydney.

Ziebell was at his brilliant best, having 22 disposals, 9 marks and kicking an equal career-high 5 goals. 

Tim Watson was one of many admirers of his performance, suggesting it was “the best game I have ever seen him play.”


Jack Ziebell.

Paul Ahern v West Coast, Round 19

After missing out on two years of football with two ACL injuries, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see Ahern make a slow start to his AFL career, but this wasn’t the case.

Ahern impressed on debut with 29 disposals, but his performance against West Coast in just his eighth career game really made people take notice. 

The number 15 was sensational against the high-flying Eagles, collecting 37 disposals, 22 contested possessions, and 12 clearances, making him the least experienced player to achieve the feat.


Paul Ahern.

Trent Dumont v St Kilda, Round 23

Trent Dumont put together the most consistent season of his career so far, and finished the season in exceptional form. 

After a career-high 33 disposals in Round 22, Dumont smashed his own record with a best-on-ground effort in Round 23. 

North’s number 14 translated his potential into a brilliant performance, having 38 disposals, 7 inside 50s, and 5 tackles in the win over the Saints, and will be hoping to continue his late season form into 2019.


Trent Dumont.