1. North banner misses the mark
This was a must-win match for North and the Kangaroos' cheer squad made absolutely certain they reminded the players while also firing a pre-game shot at the Brisbane Lions. In a nod to two recent events – Tom Hafey's passing and the Queensland club wearing the Brisbane Bears' guernsey last weekend - the Roos' banner read "RIP Tom Hafey" followed by "One week Lions, nek minnit Bears, as long as North wins, no one really cares". It was an interesting marriage of the two events, one that drew an overwhelmingly negative response on social media (see below).
2. Lions cubs avoid unwanted records
It was a terrible, insipid performance from the Lions and the 6.2 (38) final score was only narrowly better than the club's lowest-ever score since the Brisbane Bears and Fitzroy merger in 1996. The previous lowest of 5.3 (33) came in round five, 2009 against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. For North, the dominant 87-point win fell just short of their biggest victory over either the Bears or Lions, not quite eclipsing their round nine, 1989 94-point triumph at the MCG.
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3. Bastinac challenged to bounce back
North coach Brad Scott publicly backed struggling midfielder Ryan Bastinac to break out of his malaise during the week, but then handed the 22-year-old the green substitute vest on Saturday. The 87-gamer undoubtedly has his coach's support – Scott claimed Bastinac was on the verge of breaking through as an A-grade midfielder last season – however it was a not-so-subtle message that ultimately it's up to Bastinac to turn things around. Coming on for the final quarter, the sting was well and truly out of the game but Bastinac only gathered two touches.
4. Can one Swallow make the season?
North skipper Andrew Swallow spoke of the mental scars that plagued him ahead of his return AFL match, his first since rupturing his Achilles tendon in round 18 last year. Understandably concerned about getting through unscathed, Swallow expected "a couple of sleepless nights", but thankfully he need not have worried. His first touch was the stuff of dreams, finding himself in space from a contest inside 50m Swallow snatched at the kick and pulled it right for a behind. He grew in confidence and was cheered with every one of his 18 possessions before he was substituted at three-quarter time.
Saturday showreel: Swallow's return
5. Solid Beams back for Lions
Luckless Claye Beams must feel like he's jinxed. Having not played a senior game since round two last season after a knee reconstruction and broken foot in pre-season, the 22-year-old's comeback match was an 87-point smashing. Now he's back, the Lions will be hoping the promising brother of Collingwood's Dayne can get a decent crack after playing just 16 games since his debut in 2011. Beams fought hard for 12 touches and booted a long goal in the third term.
WHAT FANS ON SOCIAL MEDIA THOUGHT OF NORTH'S BANNER
The offending item. "@vernievalentos: NEK MINNIT pic.twitter.com/Mlbe7afP7T"
— Ben Cuzzupe (@BenCuzzupe) May 17, 2014
Nek Minnit cheer squad relieved of banner duties #AFLNorthLions pic.twitter.com/D8aQTZnwfF
— Non Sensible Kate (@nonsensiblekate) May 17, 2014
that North Melbourne banner was atrocious, 'nek minnit' shouldn't even be used on the internet, let alone on a banner..
— Hannah (@hannahalyce_) May 17, 2014
Hard to tell what is more disrespectful? Richmond's performance or North Melbourne's banner. #AFLRoosLions
— Rohan CT (@RohanCT) May 17, 2014
As much as I love @NorthKangaroos, to see "Tommy Hafey" and "Nek Minnut" on the same side of the banner saddens me... #AFLRoosLions
— Jacob Storer (@jacobstorer1) May 17, 2014