Heartbreak.
It's a theme that has run deep through the North Melbourne camp over the past five years.
Supporters have watched their side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory time and time again.
Supporters have watched their side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory time and time again.
In a season that has been all about exceeding expectations, is this the next piece in the North Melbourne puzzle?
North Melbourne in games decided by 5 points or less (2013-Round 14, 2018)
2013: 0 Wins, 5 Losses (Geelong, Hawks, Eagles, Crows, Carlton)
2014: 0 Wins, 1 Loss (Brisbane)
2015: ----
2016: 1 Win (Dees), 0 Losses
2017: 1 Win (Dees), 5 Losses (Geelong, Freo x 2, Bulldogs x2)
2018 (so far): 2 Wins (Swans, Bulldogs), 0 Losses
The Roos' inability to get across the line in close contests has been a widely talked about topic over the last few seasons. What could've been top four (2013) and top eight (2017) finishes instead left the club out of finals contention and left to wonder "what if".
While we are yet to learn if North is really on the road to overcoming these mental roadblocks for good, 2018 has been a great starting point... none better than Saturday night's thrilling victory over the Western Bulldogs.
With the previous two encounters between the clubs coming within three points (Good Friday) and one point (Round 14), 2018's clash reached the heights set last season.
The Dogs opened the game brilliantly, playing sensational football in the first half and challenged North to rise to the occasion. The Bulldog's found endless space and took the ball down the field under minimal pressure. They lead at every change, including a three goal lead going into the main break.
The Dog's challenged and the Roos responded, led sensationally by its biggest names.Shaun Higgins was damaging against his former side, amassing a game high 32 touches (22 in the second half) and kicking two third quarter goals to ignite the Roos. Ben Cunnington was vital in the contest, Ben Brown was back to his best booting five goals and captain Jack Ziebell's three goals, including the match winner, inspired his teammates to victory. Todd Goldstein's 42 hit outs were complimented by 20 disposals, seven marks, three tackles and three inside 50's - one of his best and more complete performances of the season to date.
The leaders stood up and many others played their part. The Roos' unlikely hero came in the form of Majak Daw. While Daw has been playing some good footy since his move down back this season, his game reached a new level against the Dogs - his final quarter arguably the best performance of his career. With three enormous marks, he stood up when the game demanded it of him. He was spoiling, he was tackling and he physically imposed himself on the game, too.
The Roos claimed victory with 20 seconds left on the clock, thanks to a manic passage of play which saw Ben Brown toe poke the ball to Ziebell, who picked it up off the deck and snapped truly to pull his side over the line.
It was Brown's decision making in that moment which won North Melbourne the game. Opposed to Mitch Wallis 45 seconds earlier which could've locked the game away for the Dogs.
From heartbreak in the same fixture last season, to euphoria 12 months later it's a result North fans once only dreamed of seeing. The Roos have now won its last three games that have been decided by less than a goal and is slowly piecing together another piece of its puzzle. It might just be the start, but they're finding ways to win.
For a supporter base that really has seen it all, for once the roller coaster of emotions is travelling at a consistent high.
The roar that erupted at Etihad Stadium in the dying seconds of Saturday night's victory symbolised the heart of the North Melbourne faithful - the belief that the Shinboner Spirit would prevail strongest of them all.
