1. Cloke's Coleman watch
Magpie spearhead Travis Cloke started the day eight goals adrift of Coleman Medal leader Jarryd Roughead. Despite a few early misses, Cloke was in ominous form. He had four majors to half-time, moving to within three goals of Roughead and was aided by the Kangaroos' lack of pressure around the ball, which allowed him a pile of space in which to operate in. However, the supply dried up in the second half. He added one late in the game to take his tally to five, but still fell two short of Roughead in the race for the Coleman.
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2. Dids does his thing
Much-loved Collingwood veteran Alan Didak has left his run late to feature in coach Nathan Buckley's finals team, but a run he has certainly made. Didak played only two senior games this year before being brought back as a substitute against West Coast last week. He made the most of a full game against the Roos on Sunday at the MCG, amassing 14 first-half possessions. His link-up run was immediately apparent, as were his quick hands in traffic. The crowd leapt to their feet when Didak wound back the clock to deliver a wonderful third-quarter goal, as he danced around a couple of North opponents before finishing truly. He finished with 24 touches and, perhaps, a locked away finals spot.
3. Heavy consequences
The potential of losing Nathan Brown (knee) and Quinten Lynch (ankle) to injury could have far reaching ramifications for Collingwood's finals hopes. The two bookends are extremely important to the Magpies' structure and not having them there could create some problems. Brown was substituted out of the game in the second quarter and was seen icing his knee on the bench, while Lynch landed awkwardly on his left ankle in a marking contest. Thankfully, Lynch returned in the final term and looked to have shaken off any ill effects. The Pies will be sweating on the availability of Brown, as his ability to hold down a key post in defence allows Ben Reid to push forward.
4. North's future looks bright
North's disappointing season came to an end at the MCG on Sunday evening, but Roos supporters could leave knowing their future looks bright. Jack Ziebell was the star of the show for North on Sunday, collecting 27 possessions and four goals. Ryan Bastinac had a first-half 21-touch picnic and Taylor Garner – the Roos' first pick in last year's draft – showed some good signs in his first full game after being named as a sub earlier in the year. Based on Sunday's performance, the Roos certainly have the ability to give next year's finals a shake. It will all come down to their mental attitude and the progression of their young stars.
5. Up and down atmosphere
Carlton's win over Port Adelaide on Saturday meant North Melbourne's hopes of sneaking into the finals – in the default eighth position – were dashed. The crowd were almost not sure of what to make of the scenario. Even the players seemed a little flat. The lack of tackles and pressure in the first half was noticeable, while the amused reactions of Brad Scott in the coaching box told the tale. The game heated up in the final term, though, as the Roos sensed victory and made a convincing dash for the finish line. Scott's reactions certainly changed in the final term and the North players celebrated with their fans at the final siren.
