1. Boomer celebrates No.400 in style
It wasn't his most spectacular game, but in true Brent Harvey style he had a major impact in helping his team to victory in his milestone 400th. The Kangaroos champion won the game's first clearance and, while there wasn't the explosive run-and-carry that has made him one of the competition's most exciting ball-carriers, there was a work-rate that will please coach, player and team. Harvey finished with 27 disposals and two goals to be among his team's best. It was a shame he joined the exclusive club of Michael Tuck, Kevin Bartlett and Dustin Fletcher in front of just 15,563 Gabba fans, but it didn't diminish from Boomer's performance on his special night.
2. Wooden spoon battle heating up
It's not quite the premiership race, but the battle for the wooden spoon is heating up. The Lions' ninth straight loss leaves them stranded in last place, but only percentage behind Gold Coast – who could have lost skipper Gary Ablett (knee) for the season. Throw in 16th-placed Carlton, just one win ahead and fresh from a 138-point mauling from Hawthorn, and the bottom three really are duking it out. The Lions battled badly again, kicking just five goals – one more than last week against Melbourne. All could be decided in back-to-back weeks at the Gabba in rounds 19 and 20 when the Lions host the Suns and Blues. Who wants to avoid the wooden spoon the most?

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3. Kangaroos win their first at the Gabba in 10 years
It wasn't pretty, but the victory was North Melbourne's third in succession and moves them level on nine wins with Greater Western Sydney. Just as importantly it was its first win at the Gabba since 2005 – a run of losses that numbered six. The Kangaroos' pummeled the Lions for inside 50s (61-33) and really could have won by more if they took their chances. But they were just pleased to walk away with four premiership points. The pressure was excellent – forcing the Lions into numerous turnovers – and the midfield solid. With games against Carlton, Melbourne and St Kilda in the next three weeks, North Melbourne's finals destiny really is in its own hands.


4. Petrie and Brown have big nights – but not so for Waite
North Melbourne's tall forward line created headaches for the Lions for much of the night, with Drew Petrie kicking four goals and Ben Brown three. They were two of the Kangas' best. However, it wasn't such a fun night for ex-Carlton recruit Jarrad Waite, who went goalless and was subbed out during the third quarter. Waite kicked seven goals when the teams met in round two and has 22 goals from his 15 games this season. But coach Brad Scott wasn't concerned. "Waite didn't have a great offensive game, but his defensive game was outstanding," Scott said. "We just thought it was dewy and hard to mark for any key forward."

5. Should the Lions put Beams on ice?
Dayne Beams has been carrying a shoulder injury for weeks and it might have caught up with him. He was a late scratching from the game – along with Pearce Hanley (hamstring) – and serious questions have to be raised over whether he'll play out the year. Beams has had a brilliant first season at the Gabba but will almost certainly need shoulder surgery at season's end. With the risk of doing further damage just too great for their prized recruit, don't be surprised if the Lions opt to get the procedure done well before round 23.

Lions need 'sore' Beams