1. Roos' fast start just enough to get them over the line
North Melbourne shocked the football world when it booted 10.4 in the opening quarter of the round seven game against Adelaide, a game it would go on to win by 59 points. The Roos made a similar start on Sunday against the Blues, as an avalanche of inside 50s (14-6) led to the team's second-best start to a game – 7.4 in the first term – this season. The Roos did their damage from clearance situations, with Brad Scott's team generating six scores and 31 points from 12 clearances. It was the Kangaroos' largest quarter-time lead (32 points) over Carlton since 1990 and had Roos fans in full voice early in the match.

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2. Holding strong after some worrying moments
As good as North's Melbourne's fast start was, Carlton's ability to work its way back into the game was just as impressive. After trailing by a game-high 45 points at the 11-minute mark of the second term, the Blues reeled off nine of the next 11 goals of the match to cut the margin to just two points at three-quarter time. The Roos had given up significant leads in three previous games this season – 32 points to Geelong in round two, 29 points to the Western Bulldogs in round four and 29 points to Fremantle in round five. Carlton had all the momentum and led by four points when Sam Docherty goaled early in the fourth term. But, maybe with those past experiences at the forefront of their minds, North was able to steady and kicked five goals to Carlton's two after Docherty's major to hold on to a 17-point victory. 

3. Kreuzer and Gibbs stand tall
When staring down the barrel of such a significant deficit, you need your leaders to stand up. Carlton got that from star players Bryce Gibbs and Matthew Kreuzer. Gibbs was best afield with 38 disposals, six tackles and three goals, as the classy midfielder's work-rate and finishing ability stood out. Equally influential was Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer who comprehensively outpointed North counterpart Todd Goldstein. Kreuzer compiled 18 disposals, 46 hit-outs, five clearances and nine tackles in an inspirational effort. The Blues ruckman's endeavour – his smothering and ability to pressure the opposition – epitomised his side's big comeback. 

4. "The best leg break of all time"
Carlton needed something to go its way after a poor start and it took a unique goal from Gibbs to spark the team into action. The Carlton midfielder's flying shot at goal out of a stoppage in the second term fell well short of the goals. However, after the ball landed to the right of the goal square, it took a miraculous sharp bounce to the left – evaded a pair of hands – and bounced through the centre of the goals. Channel Seven commentator Hamish McLachlan remarked that spin king and former Australian cricketer Shane Warne would have been proud to produce a 'leg break' that turned as much as Gibbs' kick did. 

5. Roos with an eye to the future
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott had a tough call to make at selection – stick with the tried and true, and keep former captain Andrew Swallow in the side, or back developing inside midfielder Trent Dumont to come in and continue the rejuventation of the Roos' midfield. Scott chose the latter and his decision reaped instant rewards. Dumont was tasked with a defensive role on Carlton skipper Marc Murphy. The midfielder had 16 disposals to half-time and kicked a brilliant banana in goal in the second term – curling the ball home from the boundary line. Dumont was one of his side's best players with 26 disposals and seven tackles, before ending the game on the bench after taking the concussion test.