1. It was a dirty night with wild weather through the course of the day making it a game where metreage was so important; a case of getting the ball forward at all costs and then using the footy efficiently when afforded time and space. After half-time, in particular, North Melbourne were better in that respect, were more efficient with their ball use and better in the clutch moments as they set up a 10-point victory.
2. For most of this season the Eagles efficiency in the forward half has been pivotal in their victories. A capacity to kick winning scores from limited supply. But domination in the first half was not reflected on the scoreboard. The Eagles had 34 forward 50 entries to 12, but held just an eight point advantage – 3.10 (28) to 3.2 (20) to show for that control. North pulled back the inside 50 ascendancy in the second half, the count finishing at 53-45 the Eagles way.
3. The easiest task for the umpires post game would have been casting the top votes in the Brownlow Medal. Collingwood recruit Jaidyn Stephenson was clearly best afield, leading North to victory. He was particularly damaging in the third quarter and finished with 38 disposals, 12 of which were contested and kicked a telling long range last quarter goal.
4. The focus for the Eagles during the week was to lift the effort levels and while that was achieved, taking a step forward, execution remained a problem. Senior players including ruckman Nic Naitanui,vice-captain Josh Kennedy and former skipper Shannon Hurn set the bar with their attack on the contest, leading by example. Unfortunately, it did not translate to four premiership points.
5. Latent water on the surface of Optus Stadium, a ground that drains so well, early in the game was indicative of the heavy rain fall during the day. It also indicated that contested possessions would be a key aspect in the outcome. North Melbourne were plus-12 for contested possessions and plus-19 in ground balls which were two of the critical outcomes in the result. The Eagles, thanks largely to the exploits of Nic Naitanui were plus-nine in clearances.
