North Melbourne 8.4 12.9 19.16 25.20 (170) Fitzroy 3.5 4.8 7.10 9.11 (65)
Goals
North Melbourne Carey 6, Daniltchenko 3, Crocker 3, Simpson 3, Rock 2, Laidley, Scott, Stevens, Blakey, Capuano,
Freeborn, Roberts, Sholl
Fitzroy Bamford 2, Mellington, Paxman, Primus, Cassidy, Carter, Morton, Rombotis
North Melbourne disposed of Fitzroy by 105 points, eclipsing their best ever winning margin against the hapless Lions.
North's previous best against Fitzroy was 103 points in Round 22, 1995. North has defeated Fitzroy by a combined 208
points in their last 2 encounters! The North Melbourne Banner had a tribute to Mark Roberts (150 games) and David King
(50 games). The other side also stated that North was looking for a percentage booster - which they got.
North led the game from the opening bounce, kicking the first 3 goals of the game. After that it was a simple progression,
North winning every quarter, leading by 29 points at quarter time, 49 at half time, 78 at three quarter time, and 105 at the
final siren.
A poor crowd of only 19,964 showed up for an encounter between teams at the opposite ends of the AFL ladder. Fitzroy
made life difficult for itself - four times in the first quarter did North receive a free kick from the opening bounce. (Three for
too many players in the centre square.)
First Quarter
North shot to an early lead, kicking the first three goals. Crocker was dynamic in the forward line, continuing his good form
from last week. Although Fitzroy seemed to have just as many possesions, North lead by almost 5 goals at the first break. To
Fitzroy's credit, they had 8 scoring shots to 12. The difference between the two teams was North's better use of the football.
Fitzroy often overused the football, handballing excessively until a turnover occurred.
Goal Sequence: N, N, N, F, F, N, F, N, N, N, N
Second Quarter
Fitzroy dominated the first 10 minutes of this quarter. They showed considerable fight and endeavour, kicking just one goal
in the first ten minutes, but more importantly keeping North goalless. North then kicked four goals in the last 15 minutes of
the quarter. North had by this stage kicked 8 of the last 9 goals of the match.
Goal Sequence: F, N, N, N, N
Third Quarter
Fitzroy came out firing after half time. Matthew Primus had a hand in setting up Fitzroy's two early goals of the quarter.
Their supporters sensed a comeback. However Carey cut loose, taking a great mark, and having a hand in 4 goals. North
kicked 5 goals in a row, before Fitzroy kicked another goal. At this stage the statistics showed that Fitzroy had 106
handballs to North's 83, 129 kicks to 133, 67 marks to 61. This highlighted the fact that Fitzroy had more marks and
handballs, and more disposals in total - yet trailed by 78 points.
Goal Sequence: F, F, N, N, N, N, N, F, N, N
Fourth Quarter
North, 78 points up had their eyes set on the 103 point record. To the players credit they did not ease up, and powered
away. Winning all four quarters will surely bring a smile to coach Pagan's face. North kicked the first 5 goals of the quarter.
By this stage North had kicked 7 goals in a row (the last two of the third quarter), and 12 of the last 13 goals. Fitzroy should
be commended for not giving up, kicking 2 of the last 3 goals. Although Fitzroy was soundly beaten, they never gave up, and
showed promising signs. Several of their players had plenty of the football. However the difference in the two teams was
the use of the football. North was more direct, and had teammates running past in support, creating the loose man. Fitzroy
often handballed in circles, not gaining any ground.
Goal Sequence: N, N, N, N, N, F, N, F
Best players for North included Carey, McKernan (dislocated a finger in the last quarter), Daniltchenko (his last 2 games have been the best that I've seen him play), Archer, Rock, Stevens, Scott, Roberts, Martyn. Several other players deserve mention, but the fact that the opposition was sub-standard should be evident. North had 13 players kicking goals.
North should regain Schwass for the game against Footscray in a fortnight. Brad Plain played in the reserves. North is recovering from injury and apart from Longmire and Groom, should hopefully have no injured players for the next game. It has been an impressive opening to the season for North, as several players have stepped up to senior level. Adam Simpson has improved in confidence, and is kicking goals. McKernan has emerged as the next superstar in football, and along with perhaps James Hird (Essendon) and Stuart Loewe (St Kilda) would be the best player in the competition at the moment. Glenn Archer has been superb in defense this year, running the ball out, outmarking his opponents or attacking the ball with almost suicidal courage. Peter Bell has been a useful addition to the team's small man department. Wayne Carey seems to be hitting his form now, and Craig Sholl having a much better season than last year. North cannot afford to slip though - they must finish in the top two (or three at worst) to have a genuine chance for the premiership.
This is the first match report in this new format. I am trying to report on something that you will not read in the newspapers, eg the banner, a quarter by quarter description, goal sequences, and a biased view on the play! Seriously, please leave a comment if you are reading this, I'd like to know if your comments on my match reports. Make any compliment, suggestion or constructive criticism you like. Send comments to Peter.