Dare to dream.

NM 14.14 (98) def GEELONG 13.14 (92)

North Melbourne recorded a heart stopping six point victory over Geelong, to advance to the Preliminary Finals.

North Melbourne jumped straight out of the blocks with 7 first quarter goals, and ultimately set up the eventual victory. North held Geelong goalless in the second quarter, while adding two of their own before the Cats came out after half time to match it with the Roos. An even third quarter lead to a trilling final term, as Jack Ziebell kicked a couple of goals early to give North a handy lead, before Geelong slammed on four goals to have them within a kick in the dying minutes. A sensational mark to ruckman Todd Goldstein in the final seconds of the game dubbed "the match winner", with North claiming victory soon after.

The Finals Specialist
He has peaked at the time we all knew he would. Nick Dal Santo came to North Melbourne in search of success, and his last two weeks it's been proven that he could be the man to lead North to where we want to be. 35 possessions for the game (an equal game high), a goal, 4 clearances, 4 tackles... is it now that we can push a statement that North may have not made it this far without him? He was an important factor in last week's comeback against Essendon, however his performance was pushed to another level on Friday night, and he was almost certainly North's most important player on the night. The finals experience, the class, the silky skills... he has it all, and helped guide our young side through it's second victory of the 2014 final series.

The Start
From the word go, North was alive and hungry. Had a 7 goal quarter, to record their best start to a game for the season, and arguably their best performance since defeating Hawthorn in round 16. When bringing the ball in fast out of the centre, North demolished the Geelong back line - who simply had no support from the midfield because the ball was just brought in way too quickly. And credit to the forwards who were (at least in the first quarter) on target, with 7 goals/1 behind, making the most of their opportunities. We all knew it, that if we had any chance of defeating Geelong, we'd need to step up and get going from the opening bounce, and sure enough it was the difference in the end.

Sam Gibson
Sam Wright in week one, Sam Gibson in week two... played his best game of football on Friday Night. An equal game high 35 possessions, he was everywhere... especially in the opening half. He came alive and showed spectators what a great player he is becoming, and how important he is in our North Melbourne side. On Friday night, he passed his 600th possession for the season. He may have not impacted the score bored like Thomas or Petrie, may not have taken a Goldstein "match winning mark", but he was everywhere on Friday night, and he produced an exceptional 120 minutes of footy, and certainly has not gone unnoticed.

Todd Goldstein
Best on ground along side NDS. Made the most of Hamish McIntosh sidelined and had a day out. He was doing everything. Dominating the ruck with 54 hitouts, in one of his best solo performances in his career. Kicked a great goal in the first quarter after Geelong missed the target from the kick in - he was running away from the ball too, and quickly turned back around to pick it off the ground and goal. And what about that mark, Leo Barry style in the dying seconds of the game... ultimately the match winner, there is no doubt about it. Goldstein spoke to the Herald Sun about the mark, explaining he would never have forgiven himself had he not taken it. It was a leaders mark, stood up and grabbed it - with help from team mate protecting the solid grip he had on the ball. It'll be talked about as one of the great moments of our final series, and even more so a hot topic of the game.

The Crowd
I thought the MCG was shaking at the end of the NM/Essendon game in week one. North supporters cheered loud, but they cheered louder. On Friday night it was a different story. You could hear from the crowd's roar that there were more North supporters, and they had flocked to the MCG at a chance to witness our beloved Roos make history. North cracked the magical 40,000 members this season for the first time in its history, and those who came loved every minute of it. But this raises a question over the home and away season? Where is all the support during the year? Why are we fighting to break even at Etihad Stadium when clearly the support is there... and there's no point using the 'it's a final' excuse, you only get that emotional, vocal and into the game if it's your own team involved. Nevertheless, it was incredible to see (and hear) the support on Friday night, and no doubt would've had a big influence on the playing group.

The score review
Worked in our favour twice... and probably for the first time this season. First, Kayne Tuner's goal in the opening term declared not touched, and then in the final quarter went against Geelong, as a goal in the late minutes of the game was later proved touched. Nice work, score review.

The old North v the new North
I was discussing the game with my dad on Saturday (as per usual) and we were talking about the North Melbourne of 2013. North gave up a four goal 3 quarter time, but lead to win by six points. Many have accused North of nearly choking, but the 'nearly' is the key word. For non-North supporters, it's easy to sit and criticise, and claim it ridiculous that we almost let Geelong in, but for those who had to sit through 2013 and endure sheer heartache at the end of many games... it was remarkable that we could pull through and win (especially in the circumstances, and against such an opposition)

Revisit 2013 for a moment - North lost four matches after leading at three quarter time, and one  against Adelaide where the match was lost in the final ten minutes. The new look North Melbourne? this may have been one of the first times this season when the first half was stronger than the second half, but Geelong wasn't strong enough to outplay North. I know myself, and any other North supporter would rather a heart stopping victory, than a heart stopping defeat... wouldn't you?

The future
There were great signs for the future at the end of the home and away season, however the finals have told a an incredible tale. Daniel Wells was best on ground against Essendon, while Nick Dal Santo has starred in both games, but it's been the ability of the younger players in the team, and rising to the occasion which has been the most exciting part of all. Ziebell in 4th quarter probably locked the game away. We have seen a few times this season Jack thrown forward and done plenty of damage, and Scott's decision to get him into the forward line in the final quarter proved a difference. Playing as a forward throughout his entire time as a junior has added an extra dimension to his game. At 6ft 2, Ziebell can be matched with height, but his athleticism will worry most defenders.
His 4 goals in week one kept North in the game against Essendon, but it was Ben Brown's unselfishness and good decision making that saw him make a difference on Friday Night. He took a few good grabs, particularly up the ground, and set up goals by making smart decisions by simply passing the ball off, or knocking it forward to the right place.
Brad Scott talked about Kayne Turner after the Essendon game, how he wasn't phased by a huge crowd and the presence of great footballers such as Paul Chapman, and he stood up again on Friday night. He had a game high 9 tackles... add a goal to that, and his 110% effort, you can't go wrong with that.
Ben Cunnington's season is just getting better and better, especially surrounding the contested ball. He had 14 contested possessions and 5 clearances, and there wasn't a contest he wasn't apart of. His tough approach on the ball outstanding.

Victories
At the end of the home and away season, North had defeated 5/7 top eight sides, leaving Essendon and Geelong. Essendon defeated North in round one, while Geelong won twice in rounds 10 and 19. Week one of the finals saw us defeat Essendon, and Friday night knock out Geelong. Which leaves the five sides we defeated during the season. Richmond were knocked out by Port Adelaide in week one, Fremantle gone in week two. North have gone undefeated against the remaining three sides (Hawthorn, Sydney and Port Adelaide) in 2014. No remaining side can boast that. In this strange season, it's a stat which North can hang proud.

Finals History
North Melbourne are the first side since 2007 to make the Prelim finals thanks to two victories. Port Adelaide followed on the following day, recording one of the best final weekends in history. Brad Scott has now won two finals as a coach for North, the first time done since the days of Dennis Pagan. A remarkable effort and North are in the thick of it.

Bruce.
Watching those final moments of the game was spectacular. Being at the G', right in the action, jumping out of the seats as Todd Goldstein took that incredible mark and not sitting back down until we jumped on the train to go home... it was remarkable. But for North fans at home, I wouldn't have been too impressed. Watching the replay for the first time the following day, I couldn't help but noticed Channel 7 commentator Bruce Mcavaney. He was calling the final minutes of the game as if Geelong had won. Is he serious? I understand the result was totally uncertain until the final siren, but it was almost as if he was supporting Geelong and that made me so mad. Just call the action and leave your opinion out of it. Thanks.

Preliminary Finals.
We defeated them in a scrappy encounter in round four, who says we can't do it again? North will take on Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Friday night, with a victory the chance to send them into their first grand final since 1999. It's a long shot, but you have to be in it to win it right? All eyes will be on Scott Thompson and Buddy Franklin, with Thompson the only man to have kept the Swan goalless this season. It looks to be one hell of a game, and we can only hope North stand up and deliver.

It's set to be a big week... get out there and enjoy it!
Go Roos - Marnie x

Go Hard, or GO HOME.

North move on to the second week of the finals, after a thrilling 12 point victory over Essendon.

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.

The Old and The New.

In an attempt to ease the pain of a horror Round One loss to Essendon, I took myself back to Round 21 of last season, the last victory we had over the Bombers. What's not to like about Nathan Grima's first goal ever in AFL, or a 38 disposal game by Levi Greenwood? But my mind, for possibly the first time of watching this match (I think this was my 6th viewing) was distracted elsewhere, to the conversations between the expert commentators in the background. The Bombers, at times in the second and third quarters looked a threat, despite their inability to seriously hurt us on the scoreboard. However during these specific period of play, Eddie McGuire said just about the most relevant thing in relation to North Melbourne and season 2013...

"And you know if you get within 5 kicks of them (North Melbourne), you could probably crack them a bit."

Well didn't that just about sum up our season. Games against Adelaide, Geelong, West Coast and Brisbane saw us give up a 3 quarter time lead, and snatch defeat from the hands of victory. And then all those narrow defeats, which the entire football world will not let us forget for the next century and five centuries to follow.

But now in 2014, one five minute spell in a fourth quarter against the Bulldogs made me realise we were no longer in 2013, and that maybe the best was still to come. Our first victory of the season, a sloppy encounter with the Western Bulldogs, saw us four goals clear of the opposition, with roughly five minutes still to play on the clock. And I was immediately thrown back  to round nine of last season, in what I think was our worst loss of the season against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium. In control of the game all day, the margin at times stretching beyond eight goals, and a 30 point lead halfway through the last term evaporate into a one point loss. And now back to the future: it's 2014... was this North Melbourne side going to take home the victory? or would they simply fall at the last moment, and leave fans numb and wondering where do we go from here? But there was no panic, no cracking under pressure and no giving up. The play was slowed down, allowing for clean possession of the ball and smart decision making. Staying controlled and composed, our first victory of 2014 came, and a comfortable margin of 29 points.

Although this victory of the four could be seen as the "least impressive" so far this season, to me it almost seems like the most important one. Following an embarrassing Round One we struggled to believe this side has seriously improved since 2013. After a struggle in the first half against the Bulldogs, North broke free in the third quarter, finding avenues to goal, and found themselves in a winnable position. The 'old' North Melbourne could've let the lead go in the final term and just fall over the line, or even more familiar, see the opposition steal the victory. But no, we owned the game, and won the game.

And it only seems that we're only taking bigger scalps from week to week. In round three, we met Port Adelaide  at Etihad Stadium. The Power took control of the game early, and fought off a North Melbourne fight back which saw just a couple points in the game at half time. A big final quarter comeback from the Roos saw them take the win, a game which they had spent most of the time playing catch up with Port. For the second season in a row, North had ended Port's undefeated start to the season, and at the end of round 5, North are still the only side to have defeated Port in 2014.

In rounds 4 and 6 North took their winning formula interstate. On past form the trips to Sydney and Perth would have been beyond North, however, much to (almost) everyones surprise, it were the home sides who ended up disappointed. Round 4 against the Swans, it was North Melbourne from start to finish, and locked away their first win over Sydney since 2007 and first win at the SCG in a decade. In Perth under Friday Night Lights, North looked anything but victorious, as Fremantle kicked the first four goals of the round six clash. But the Roos worked their way back into the game, and by late in the third quarter, looked to be in total control. Once hitting the lead in the final term, they looked unstoppable, and celebrated their first win in Perth since 2007.

But it's not just the four points from these victories, but also the little wins in between. Luke McDonald was nominated NAB Rising Star nominee in Round 4, the number 8 pick honoured in just his fourth game of senior football. Scott Thompson has only improved on his All Australian honours in 2013. In Round four he held star forward Lance Franklin goalless for the second time in his career, something achieved by very few defenders in the game. His improvements are evident from week to week. Brad Scott recorded his first victory over Ross Lyon since taking over in 2010, following the win in the West. Nick Dal Santo is settling in nicely, his class by hand an foot adding another level to the midfield. In the early season absence of Andrew Swallow and Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington stood up, and is having the best season of his career, while superstar Brent Harvey is in spectacular form, showing no signs of slowing down. The list just keeps going on and on. Finally, to top it all off, at the end of Round 4, North moved to sixth on the ladder, their first time in the eight since 2012.

Despite all the goods and all the excitement, there are still two very big clouds which could see the season take a turn for the worse. Round One and Round Five losses against Essendon and Collingwood saw a completely different North Melbourne side, and one which is hard to forget. It was almost as if there was a different side out on the field, as North fell into the game plan of the opposition and crumbled right in front of our eyes. You don't win points for competitive losses, but you do spark questions and concerns about the quality of their and legitimacy of the side. The difference between our best and worst football still seems worlds apart, and although each victory bridges the gap between the two, there's still a lot more work to be done.

One thing which has been vastly improved upon is work rate and fitness. If anyone can sit there and say there isn't a real improvement in this North Melbourne side from last year, you must be kidding yourself. The drastic improvement in fitness and ability to last a full 120 minutes of game time has been a major key to the victories of 2014, most obvious in the wins against Port Adelaide and Fremantle, where we genuinely outran and outplayed them in the fourth quarter. North haven't lost a final quarter since Round One, even in the loss to Collingwood, we outscored them 3.3 - 2.6 and we have gone on to win two from four games after being behind at three quarter time... now think about that, in comparison to how many games we let go of in the final quarter after being in a winning position.

I do enjoy a good post-game press conference from Brad Scott. The man really knows how to handle himself in an appropriate manner, and seems to have a legitimate response to everything thrown at him. Following the Round Six victory in Perth, his words rang loud and rang true;

"Winning close games and winning interstate hasn't been our focus. Our focus has been becoming a good side, and good sides win interstate and win close games"

 

And Brad Scott has held himself, players and the side accountable for where mistakes have been made, but the belief and the positive energy surrounding the club at the moment is absolutely incredible. In 2010 and 2011, North couldn't get within 10 goals of a top four side. An impressive second half of 2012 saw North play its first finals series under Brad Scott, only to be smashed to pieces. And in 2013 North came so close so often, that the top eight grew too far. In 2014 the season started worse than a horror film, but now we can sit at the end of round six and genuinely see that the club is making the right steps forward and right improvements to becoming a good side.

Let's hope that the past stays in the past. Out with old and in with 2014, and to becoming a "good" side.