v's
Sunday, August 31 (MCG)
v's
North Melbourne 6.2 9.8 13.14 15.21 (111) Collingwood 6.2 11.4 14.7 18.14 (122)
Goals
Nth Melb: Archer 3, Scott 2, Chandler 2, Blakey 2, Roberts 2, Allison 2, Carey, D Stevens
Collingwood: S Rocca 4, Williams 3, Mahoney 2, Liddell 2, Buckley, Patterson, Barnett, Schauble, A Rocca, Crosisca, Osborne
North Melbourne's 11 point loss to Collingwood has virtually ended any hope for the premiership. No team has ever won four consecutive finals to win the premiership, a task which North now faces. Inaccurate kicking at goal cost North victory in a close and hard fought battle against the Magpies.
Collingwood had nothing to play for, but came out determined to salvage some pride. The game was a high scoring and attacking match, in which both teams made use of the loose man. In the end Collingwood's performance and finishing was more polished, especially the exciting pace and skill of Paul Williams. It was Williams who sealed victory for Collingwood. With 24 seconds left in the match, and North just 5 points behind, Williams gathered the ball from the bounce, ran to 50 metres and kicked truly. It was the second 50 metre running goal Williams had kicked in the match.
Heartened by the return of McKernan, North was still reluctant to use McKernan in the first ruck. It was not until the final 2 minutes of the game that McKernan went on to the ball. However McKernan took several big marks, and showed that his fitness was at a level that would still benefit the team. Blakey tagged Buckley, Carey started in the backline and Archer was the spearhead up forward. The game remained close in its entirety, but Collingwood looked more threatening. North could not game any significant lead, and was playing catchup for most of the game.
In many ways the loss was similar to the North v Richmond game. North could not hang on to a slender lead, and was eventually overrun at the very end. It was difficult to fault North's performance - the team played well and was hard at the ball, but was beaten by a more polished competitor. North's atrocious kicking at goal probably cost victory. North would undoubtably be disappointed with the result, but several positives came out of the match. McKernan and Roberts returned and played fairly well. Corey showed that he is a definate starter for next week. Carey's performance was his best all season. His pack marking was back to the standard of last year, and he showed confidence in his reconstructed shoulder for the first time. Archer was dangerous up forward, and played his best match for weeks. He has been out of form, no doubt due to a groin strain, for almost two months. Bell, Pike, Scott and Blakey were all solid contributors.
For North the loss has ended any realistic hope for the premiership. A loss next week ends the season for the team. It has been a indifferent year, soured by injuries to key players, but has seen the emergence of players such as Chandler, Pike, Harvey and Mellington. North's season may end as soon as next week, which will give the team better draft selections than last season. It would be harsh to call the year disappointing - as back to back premierships are probably a thing of the past.