North Melbourne came into Saturday's game in a logjam of teams ranked between sixth and 11th on the ladder, all separated by just one victory. A two-match losing run heading into round 20 ended the Kangaroos' top-four hopes and instead made them vulnerable in the top eight. But a comfortable 75-point victory over GWS, set-up by an eight-goal third term means they now look bound for September. North holds an 11-8 record ahead of next Sunday's match-up with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
Click here for full match coverage
2. Bugg by name, bug by nature
GWS youngster Tom Bugg has developed a reputation as an agitator, regularly getting under the skin of some opposition players. But he also has plenty of ability, putting in an excellent shift in a negating role in the first half against North champion Brent Harvey. The 36-year-old Harvey, who is averaging 26 possessions per game in 2014, had just four touches to quarter-time and 10 at the main break. He broke free in the second half and still finished the game with 28 disposals, but it had been an encouraging performance from the young Giant.
3. The youngest joey makes his Roo debut
Kayne Turner, the AFL's youngest player at just 18, made his AFL debut for North in Canberra. Pick No.25 in the 2013 rookie draft, Turner has added eight kilos to a frame that was just 67kg in December, and had shown impressive form in the VFL. That led to his senior call-up against the Giants, and he responded with 12 touches at better than 91 per cent efficiency and five marks. A neat ball user, he also kicked his first goal, leading to a customary mobbing from his teammates. Nathan Grima was also a late call-up as he returned from a long-term foot problem, while Daniel Wells will return from his own foot ailment in the VFL on Sunday.
4. Greene machine
Toby Greene has had a somewhat rocky journey in the early part of his AFL career. Runner-up in the best and fairest in 2012, he then struggled for form in 2013 before being arrested earlier this year and hit with a number of assault charges, which he will answer next month. But one area he has never had any trouble is finding the football, and that skill was well and truly on show on Saturday afternoon. In his 50th game, Greene had 15 touches at quarter-time and 26 by half-time in an impressive display. He would end the day with 35 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency, nine marks and four clearances.
5. Singing from the wrong hymn sheet
There was a little confusion before the game when an old version of North's song was played as the team ran out onto the ground. Early in the last decade, the word 'Kangaroos' replaced 'North Melbourne' in the team song, before reverting to type a few years later. The problem, apparently a common one when the Roos travel interstate, was rectified by the final siren.
It was Thomas Bugg's turn to make life hard for Brent Harvey on Saturday. Picture: AFL Media
