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.