Starting well hasn’t been a problem for North Melbourne this year and the situation was similar in Hobart on Saturday, the Roos kicking the first two goals of the match before the Swans could respond through Jude Bolton after 15 minutes. Bolton booted four goals for the day and was one of eight Swans to kick majors in a dominant third term. But as has been the case in their two previous matches this season, the Kangaroos just couldn’t stick with their more-fancied opponents throughout another frustrating afternoon for coach Brad Scott.
2. Wells by a whisker
Daniel Wells conjured a remarkable snap from the right forward pocket to put the Roos back in front late in the first quarter, but it wasn’t exactly a clear-cut goal. Swans defenders looked to challenge the goal umpire’s decision, which in itself was somewhat controversial, possibly believing the ball had grazed the post on its way through. The decision was duly reviewed and upheld, allowing the Kangas to take a four point lead into the first break.
3. North too slick
Lindsay Thomas kicked his first goal to put the Roos 13 points clear midway through the second term, but it was the lead-up play that was really telling. Andrew Swallow burned off Ryan O’Keefe on the wing and delivered neatly to Drew Petrie inside 50m. The big Roo couldn’t mark, but forced a contest that was roved by the impressive Daniel Wells who handballed blind to find Thomas in space, the goal sneak motoring in to an open goal and offering a glimpse of what the Kangaroos are capable of in full flight.
4. Bad bump
The Kangaroos pride themselves on being hard at the contest, but Michael Firrito may rue his decision to bump Josh Kennedy in a marking contest early in the third term. Kennedy had secured a mark on half-back as the Roos tried to clear the defence, Firrito opting to make his presence felt with a pseudo-shirtfront that cost his side 50m and a goal. Kennedy’s precision kick split the middle to close the gap to two points as the Swans started a charge that would see them kick another nine majors for the term and take a 47-point lead into the final change.
5. No contest
As the Swans piled on major after major during an 11-goal third-quarter avalanche, the tight tussle that had characterised the first half seemed a distant memory. Suddenly the premiers were running in numbers and maintaining possession expertly. The Roos, however, were harried at every turn and their precision kicking from earlier in the match had been replaced by chains of rushed handball, regular turnovers and, ultimately, a 0-3 record for the season.
