v's
Sunday, May 25 (MCG)
v's
North Melbourne 4.1 7.3 7.5 10.11 (71) Western B'dogs 3.1 10.2 14.4 16.7 (103)
Goals
Nth Melb: Mellington 3, McKernan 2, Rock , Scott, Sholl, Bell, Longmire
Western Bulldogs: Hudson 4, Minton-Connell 3, Liberatore 3, Grant 2, Dimattina 2, Smith, Croft
North Melbourne was soundly defeated by the Western Bulldogs in a one sided game. The Bulldogs broke the game open with a 7 goal second quarter, and then kept North goalless in the third quarter. It was a disappointing game for North - field kicking was extrememely poor all game.
North had too many good players down on the day. Acting captain Schwass had probably his worst game ever. Archer had a poor game, as did Allison, Sholl and Anderson. And making matters worse were the concussion Chandler sustained, and the later video report of Anthony Stevens. Stevens was reported for striking former teammate Jose Romero.
The Bulldogs moved the ball with great pace, running the ball out wide. They ran hard and in numbers, often in twos or threes. They also had an effective forward structure - which was something the Roos lacked all day. The Bulldogs kept the forward line fairly empty, and allowed Minton-Connell and Hudson to run into space. They also managed to sneak players in to the forward 50m arc, often having run from 30 metres behind the passer. In contrast North chose to kick long to the pack situation, rather than to leading players. This tactic was never going to work on a day where the on ballers struggled to win the loose ball.
It was an extrememly disappointing performance, and Pagan uncharacteristically lashed out at the senior players. He critised the team, stating some players had become lazy and complacent. North will need to show more committment and skill to beat West Coast next week.