The Bombers started strongly with two goals to open the game, but North responded quickly with the next two. However Essendon settled and quickly took control of the game and dominated the second quarter, booting four goals to just one behind. Making the most of their opportunities and capitalising on North's errors, they looked hard to stop.
The first goal in the 3rd quarter saw Essendon's lead stretch to 33 points, and that's when it started to change. A seven goal haul from North Melbourne, including three from cult figure Ben Brown kept North alive in the game and every chance to take the victory in the final quarter.
North finally hit the front midway through the fourth, thanks to goals from Ben Cunnington and Lindsay Thomas but not before Paddy Ryder took the lead back for the Bombers. A couple of behinds either way saw the scores level as the end of the game drew closer. After trailing all evening, it was Drew Petrie in the dying minutes of the game who booted two goals, and won the game for North. The 12 point victory North's first finals win in seven years.
The Old and the New.
It was just Daniel Wells' third game since returning from injury, and he stood up big time, leading the midfield and ran circles around the Bombers. He was unstoppable, all class and each kick weighted with perfection. His 28 possessions and unselfishness set up multiple goals, and his dominance resulted in an outstanding performance.
Finals veteran Nick Dal Santo stepped up in the absence of Brent Harvey and made a huge difference when it mattered. His polish and decision making proving a difference in the midfield. His finals experience allowing him to remain composed, and steer the side in the right direction.
Half way through the season, many questioned Drew Petrie's career, and worried the end could be rapidly approaching. Despite his minimal impact for most of the game, his two match winning goals saw him rise to the occasion when the situation demanded it from him.
It has been talked about all day that Ben Brown's three goals in the 3rd quarter is what kept North alive and sparked the second half revival.. and indeed he did. Finishing the game with 4 goals, the excitement and passion showed from the first year player was infectious, and he got the crowd pumping, it was a fantastic display.
You can always expect 100% hard at the ball from Ben Cunnington, and last night was no exception. Highlighted by a great second half, Cunnington finished the game with 30 disposals (15 of them contested) and a goal, as his spectacular season keeps getting better.
Third Quarter Special
It has been a running theme for North Melbourne this season... come out and smash em' after half time. Games against the Bulldogs, Richmond, Melbourne and Adelaide just a few examples where North has shown up after a slow start to take away huge wins.
At half time, I have no doubt it was running through every supporters mind that maybe we weren't done with yet, and hoping for a cracking third quarter, which has been promised and delivered so many times this season. Saturday night was no exception. A 7 goal to 4 third quarter, followed by a 5 goals to 2 final term (12-6 after half time) - North stood up and delivered when we expected. In his post-game chat with Cameron Ling, match winner Drew Petrie said at the end of the home and away season, North were 2nd best in the league for scoring in the second half, while Essendon were 15th.. Totally aware of Essendon's fade outs, there was every belief we would catch them, and run over them. We did.
Coming of Age
It has been a career changing season for Levi Greenwood, and on Saturday night he once again proved just how important he has become in this North Melbourne side. A team high 32 possessions, along with 7 tackles and a goal, it's no doubt everyone has him head-to-head with Boomer for the Best & Fairest. As for Sam Wright, well he may have played the best game of his career, with many after the game claiming he had finally arrived to the big stage, and had come of age. For two players who had come to expect their positions in the senior side temporary, they could almost certainly lock themselves into the best 22 in the season ahead.
Clearances
Back in round one, in North's disastrous loss to Essendon, coach Brad Scott highlighted that North were killed in areas around the ground we had dominated in 2013. One of these, the clearances. North were down 2-12 clearances in the first quarter, and 12-24 in the second. We finished the game onto of Essendon, 37-36. Quick centre clearances into the forward line a leading factor which impacted the score board in the second half.
Speaking of Round One, in the lead up to Saturday Night's game, it was one of the only things people could talk about... that we'd probably just choke once again. But as Glenn Archer encouraged, forget the past and focus on the task ahead. All the issues we seemed to face in round one were gone, and a rejuvenated North came to win.
Scott Thompson
He just amazes me. I literally sat there in awe last night watching this man. His decisions making, fantastic. Ball use, very very good. A team player? absolutely. Scott Thompson stood up in the back line and lead the defence to success. He wound back to 2013, as the situation demanded for him to lift, he delivered. He finished with a game high 3 contested marks, and 24 possessions. It was one of the best games he's played this season, and took responsibility of his leadership role down back, and lead his troops to success.
Brad Scott
I have too much love for his raw emotion and passion from the game. The horror and stress in his face with 40 seconds left on the clock, that eventually turned into excitement and thrill which poured out of the coaches box as the final siren sounded - it was infectious. For Scott, it was his first finals victory as a coach, and when the pressure was on from fans and critics alike, he coached the side to victory. In his post-match press conference, Scott claimed the win the best of his coaching career, and finally gave the club their first finals victory for seven years. Oh that sweet emotion. No one does it better than Scotty.
No Boomer, No North? Bullshit.
Boomer, who has hit career best form this season and delivering big on the numbers, was sidelined after round 21 for 3 matches, meaning he would miss North's first game (and potentially only game) of the finals. Round 22 against Adelaide was a danger game for North. Many didn't think the side could pull through and win without Boomer, but it happened. In the absence of Boomer, captain Andrew Swallow stood up and played arguably the best 10 minutes of his career in the final quarter, to lead North to victory.
It was a similar story on Saturday night, with North certainly proving they're no one man band. Notably the performances of Wells and Dal Santo in the centre, covering the composure, skills and perfection of Harvey to lead the midfield. North may now successfully dismiss any statements in relation to the absence of Boomer = the downfall of North, however he will be more than a handy inclusion in next weeks side.
So who goes?
As we can welcome back Boomer, it would seem Ben Jacobs will be the one to make way, after a disappointing performance saw him subbed off midway through the 3rd quarter. But Jacobs runs off half back, while Boomer runs a muck in the midfield and half forward. Kayne Turner has been doing an outstanding job in the absence of Harvey, giving North fans excitement, and his hard contesting at the ball makes us excited about his future. Although he seems the logical one to make way for Boomer, has his form and promise been enough to allow him to keep his place? Only time will tell.
And as for the others? Brad Scott, along with various media outlets have announced the unlikely return of both Lachie Hansen and Patch Adams. According to Scott, Hansen would struggle to be fit for Friday night's clash with Geelong, while Channel 10 yesterday expected Patch Adams to miss another week. The side will be announced on Thursday Night.
Which leaves us to next week...
It'll be another huge game this weekend, as North will go head to head with Geelong on Friday Night at the MCG. Scott vs Scott, Boomer back and North on a high from Saturday Night's game, it must not be missed!!
Grab your tickets, see you on Friday!!!
Marnie.
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