1. North Melbourne, chasing their first win of the season, simply outhunted the Eagles, an assessment supported by the numbers. The Kangaroos won the contested possession count 152-137, led clearances 48-30, centre clearances 11-7 and stoppage clearances 37-23. They also out-tackled the hosts 84-62 and the pressure factor read 206-182. On a day when conditions were a little slippery the advantage they enjoyed in those aspects of the contest were decisive.
2. Winning the ball at the source obviously had the other consequence of the Eagles often being under pressure. While West Coast led the inside 50 count 58-43, North had superior efficiency in front of goal (43.1% to 51.2% resulting in 8.17 against 11.8). The Eagles had more marks inside 50 (11-8) but it boiled down to conversion and too many opportunities were missed.
3. As we have come to expect this season pugnacious on-baller Elliot Yeo set the standard with his work around contest. Yeo, who always competes with a hard edge, had 23 possessions (17 contested), eight clearances and 13 tackles as he did everything to lift his team over the line. The Eagles powerhouse was lively all day, but found a little extra to lift his team within a whisker of victory.
4. Veteran forward Jamie Cripps, another who plays with his heart on his sleeve, also worked hard throughout. He provided great energy and drive as he worked his up and down the ground and had 21 possessions, eight marks and a goal. He also had 14 forward half pressure acts, indicative of his penchant for the contest and kicked his 300th career goal.
5. Fearless captain Liam Duggan paid a heavy price for his commitment, suffering concussion from a heavy collision in the frenetic last quarter. He was running with the flight of the ball when he cannoned into new teammate Jack Hutchinson and was assisted from the ground. Duggan had been a solid contributor to that point with 18 possessions, four marks and 520 metres gained for his team.
