To break down North's stunning revival, you need only look at the numbers. Staring down a 35-point half-time deficit, the Kangaroos rattled off eight straight goals in little more than 16 minutes of play in the third term as they took a nine-point lead into the final change. Jack Ziebell was a key factor, leading the charge with seven disposals and a goal. Drew Petrie also nailed three goals in the term after going goalless in the first half - and could have had four had he not missed a sitter. Brent Harvey also provided the Roos with plenty of spark as he helped himself to eight touches and a goal in the quarter. The comeback was all the more remarkable given North had kicked just one goal in the second term as the Tigers went on a seven-goal-to-one stretch of their own. 

Brad Scott has pledged to be patient with Majak Daw's development, but the North coach has clearly lost confidence in the athletic big man, substituting him off at half-time. Daw started the game well, linking up in a couple of handball chains but he lost his way a little in the second quarter, not competing as hard as he should have in some marking contests. Daw also chose to take on a Tiger opponent when he should have passed to a wide-open Aaron Black inside forward 50 in the second term. With Robbie Tarrant returning via the VFL on Sunday afternoon after overcoming a long-term leg injury, Daw could find himself on the way out of the side.

There would be few in the league who boast the same skillset as Richmond's Dustin Martin and it was a pleasure to watch him put it all on show in the first half against the Kangaroos. The 22-year-old kicked four goals to go along with 19 first-half possession as he almost singlehandedly propelled his side to a 35-point half-time lead. The star Tiger was quieted a little in the second half as the Roos took charge of the game, but he was still his side's best player as he finished with 28 disposals and four goals. In a disappointing year for Richmond, Martin's performances have been something for suffering Tigers fans to applaud. 

Scott Thompson has already missed a week through suspension this season but his crude spoiling attempt against the Tigers could spell more time on the sidelines for the Roos' star defender. Thompson found himself out of position and in his haste to make a contest against an unopposed Jack Riewoldt in the second quarter, the North backman collected the Tiger forward high. From the vision available, it is clear his fist connected with Riewoldt's face. It will be interesting to see how the Match Review Panel views the incident as Thompson seemed to be focused on punching the ball clear, rather than punching Riewoldt's head.

From the outset, it was clear there was feeling attached to this game. Michael Firrito overstepped the mark when he was reported for striking Ty Vickery in a first-quarter scuffle and the pair had to be separated after their wrestling match at centre half-forward. Regular cleanskin Andrew Swallow was also involved in a mini-melee in the first quarter after remonstrating with a Tiger opponent for a clumsy spoiling attempt on Swallow's teammate. While tempers frayed on the field, a brawl also broke out in the stands. A party of Medallion Club patrons had to be separated after coming to blows just prior to half time. There were reports one man was evicted and another left of his own accord.