North Melbourne 5.3 8.8 12.12 15.14 (104) Geelong 5.1 8.8 11.11 13.15 (93)
Goals
North Melbourne McKernan 3, Archer 2, Roberts 2, Sholl 2, Martyn, A Stevens, Armstrong, Carey, Bell, Simpson
Geelong Hall 3, Barnes, 2, Riccardi 2, Breuer 2, Colbert, Burns, Tanner, Brownless
North Melbourne moved to first position on the AFL Ladder after defeating Geelong by 11 points in a close fought match.
The greatest break that any team could manage was 13 points (by Geelong in the third quarter). The lead changed several
times, and the scores were level at least 15 times during the game. Inspired by a Wayne Carey screamer in the third quarter,
North managed to reel back the 13 point deficit, just when Geelong threatened to take control of the game. North took a
slight lead into the last quarter, and a Corey McKernan volley goal gave North the advantage to win the game.
Coming into the game North was forced to make 4 changed due to injury. Blakey, Scott, Allison and Plain were all
casualties from last week's victory. Allison (with posterior crutiate damage) was the most serious of the four. He is
expected to miss 6 matches. Blakey and Scott, two of North's taggers left North with a few defensive headaches. However
the veteran Ross Smith returned, as did Mark Roberts (a late withdrawal from last week). McFarlane was selected to make
his debut, and Trent Nichols won selection for the first time this year. Geelong lost Stoneham, and Ben Graham (a late
change).
So the North was decimated with injury. Already missing dual best and fairest winner, and vice-captain Wayne Schwass,
and Coleman Medallist (and also a best and fairest winner) John Longmire, North was missing regular senior players in
Blakey, Scott, Allison, Crocker, plus Groom, Plain and Lissendon. Nine players out injured! With a senior list of just 33 fit
players North's depth was to be tested.
The game began with Carey playing in defence. The first quarter was a fairly even affair (as was the entire game), and no
team really dominated play. North had the first goal of the match, and was looking just as good as they did against Adelaide.
No team managed to get more than a goal ahead, and it remained that way right up to half time. The scores were level at half
time 8 goals 8 behinds each. Perhaps Geelong may have been a bit disappointed in not being further ahead, as they had more
disposals in the first half. Geelong didn't really have a forward though, and became remarkably predictable in looking to
channel their attacks via Ronnie Burns at half forward.
The second half began with the crowd expecting one team to break. There were over 50,000 supporters, in front of which
Geelong raced to a 13 point lead. With 15 minutes remaining in the third quarter danger signs began flashing. If Geelong
were to goal again the game could well be over. However North managed a snap goal via Roberts, and then Carey took a
spectacular mark in front of goal. Carey was at the back of the pack, and lept up to mark the ball almost horizontal, in front
of the North Melbourne cheer squad. The entire crowd rose to their feet at the mark, electrified by the dizzying mark. Carey
kicked the goal, and North was back in the match. Later a goal by Simpson from the boundary line put North in front.
Simpson was awarded a free on an impossible angle, but somehow Simpson managed to kick a "banana" through. North
outscored Geelong by a goal in the third quarter.
The final term began with North keen to maintain the lead. Barnes kicked the first goal of the term, and the scores were level
again. Bell then goaled from a wobbly Carey kick, to put North up by a goal. McKernan's remarkable volley goal in the goal
square, after the ball had spilled from McFarlane's shot sealed the result. Geelong kicked a late goal, to move to within a
goal, and a draw seemed possible. North steadied and managed a final goal to end up victors by 11 points, in perhaps their
most satisfying win of the season. North had not defeated Geelong in the past 5 matches, 2 of these matches had been
decided by less than a kick. The entire game was very close, and North outscored Geelong by a goal in the third and fourth
quarters, for their 2 goal margin.
The victory was soured by the report of McKernan for dropping his knees into John Barnes. I personally didn't feel that the
incident was that severe, but the tribunal has been harsh this season. Hopefully McKernan's unjustified one match
suspension for a trip 2 seasons ago will arouse some sympathy for him. Glenn Archer was also reported for wrestling. It will
be an anxious few days at Arden Street this week. North cannot afford to have any more key players out - via injury or
suspension.
North didn't really have any stand-out players. It was an even team performance. Steven's final quarter was sensational. He
managed several possessions and really counted when it was needed. Carey was steady, without being brilliant. Other good
contributors included Roberts, Armstrong, Laidley, McKernan. Anderson had a good battle with Burns, and his willingness
to play-on from kick-outs was an encouraging sign.
The evenness of the team's performance was an encouraging sign. North really needs all players to lift to cover for the injury
losses. Hopefully Crocker will push for selection (indeed his presence in the forward line will be welcomed). North's
forward stocks are looking a bit thin, and at one stage Reynolds, Archer and Roberts were the forward line. I don't know the
seriousness of Blakey or Scott's injuries. Allison will not be back for about 5 weeks, Schwass a similar time period.