v's
Friday, July 11 (MCG, Night)
v's
North Melbourne 5.2 9.5 12.6 14.8 (92) Geelong 2.3 6.5 12.8 15.12 (102)
Goals
Nth Melb: Carey 3, Roberts 3, Bell 2, Rock, Sholl, Crocker, Allison, Simpson, Scott
Geelong: Lynch 2, Hall 2, Burns 2, Stoneham 2, Sholl, Riccardi, Steinfort, McKinnon, Hocking, Corrigan, Tanner
North slipped to eleventh on the ladder, after losing 3 straight games. Geelong fought back magnificently, being 6 goals down in the second quarter, to eventuall win by 10 points. The win moved Geelong to top position on the ladder.
North started the match well, kicking 3 goals before Geelong had scored. North was dominating all the midfield play, and Geelong was struggling to move the ball in to their forward 50 metre zone. Hocking, Riccardi and Burns had hardly even sighted the football at that stage. McKernan was taking marks all over the ground, and Roberts was playing well in the transition from half back to half forward. North continued to have the momentum, breaking away to a 6 goal lead halfway through the second quarter. But somehow Geelong finally increased the intensity of the game, and finished the term only 3 goals down.
After the half Geelong controlled the midfield and the game. Players that had not touched the ball in the first half suddenly woke up - Burns electrified the crowd with his magical touch. Hocking insipired much of the comeback, and North never could regain the momentum of the match. Geelong simply dominated just about all aspects of the game from halftime.
It was a disappointing loss - the third on the trot - as North had earmarked the game as a "must-win". The loss means that North is is serious danger of missing out on the finals. North had a chance to pinch back the lead in the last quarter - McKernan, concussed minutes earlier, had a shot on goal but missed everything. A mark by Carey in front of goal was disallowed due to an infringement by McKernan. To be fair on Corey, he was extremely groggy at the time, and it is doubtful he even knew where he was at the time. Two more chances were brilliantly spoiled by Geelong - a kick off the ground in the goalsquare was smothered, and Darren Crocker, running towards goal was superbly tackled. The ball was turned over and Geelong goaled to seal the game.
North lost the game in the second quarter. By allowing Geelong to kick four late goals gave the Cats a chance to get back in the game. However North's performance was much improved in comparison to the week before. It was a great match of football - especially for Geelong supporters and other "neutral" supporters. But for North the loss makes next week's match against the improved Demons even more important.
North's better players were Schwass, King and Stevens. Stevens wore a helmet during the match. Roberts and Sholl were the best forwards for North. Carey showed that he still cannot lift his left arm above shoulder height. He struggled to mark the ball overhead. On occassions Carey did not even compete for the mark, especially when the ball was kicked high. It will probably be at least 3-4 weeks before Carey can compete at a level that is expected of him. North probably needs 5 more wins to ensure a spot in the finals. Percentage means even more, as the ladder is so even this season. North must win against Melbourne next week.