1998 - Round 3 - Port Adelaide v North Melbourne
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Be sure to check out the "Head to Head" statistics link above. It contains the scores, and match details of all recent games between the clubs.
North Melbourne
In:
Out:
Port Adelaide
In:
Out:
North Melbourne 7.1 11.3 13.7 15.8 (93)
Port Adelaide 1.1 2.5 5.8 10.9 (69)
Goals
Nth Melb: Harvey 5, Abraham 4, Blakey, Sholl 2, Grant, Bell
Port Adelaide: Tredrea 3; Eagleton 2; Kingsley, Cummings, Wanganeen, Primus, Wilson
North was heartened by the return of Capuano and McKernan - greatly boosting the team's balance. Longmire was not passed fit, and with the prediction of rain, Harvey was a late inclusion.
This decision was immediately rewarded. Port Adelaide kicked the first goal, but then Harvey led North to the next 9 goals of the match. Harvey kicked 3 goals in the opening quarter, including one great snap after side-stepping his opponent on the boundary line.
North's attack on the ball was ferocious, and the wet weather suited the team's long kicking style. Early injuries to King and Archer depleted the defence somewhat, but North remained dominant.
Carey played most of the match at centre half back, and had plenty of the ball. This tactic, though criticised by the TV commentators as being too defensive, was a good move. It was not a night for marking forwards, and North had a more balanced attack with Harvey and Abraham. In contrast Port was too tall in attack, and eveuntally conceded this by removing Cummings from full forward.
North had an 11 goal to 2 lead at halftime, and the rest of the match was a formality. Port scored some consolation goals, but were never a serious threat. McKernan emerged in the third quarter, taking a few marks, and getting a feel for the pace of the game.
It was a devastating first half performance for North, especially after the loss to Melbourne.