North Melbourne ruckman/forward David Hale enjoyed a happy homecoming last night, playing a key role in the Kangaroos’ six-point win over the West Coast Eagles.

Hale posted season-high statistics of 16 possessions, 10 marks and three goals to go with 12 ruck hit-outs as the Roos hung on for a 13-11-89 to 12-11-83 win.

The winning goal came via crumbing forward Matt Campbell 19 minutes into the final term, but Roos fans had to endure a further eight minutes of action before posting their fourth win of the season to consolidate sixth spot on the AFL ladder.

Hale’s third goal was his 50th in 86 AFL games and completed an outstanding night in which he teamed with ruck cohort Hamish McIntosh to quell the influence of West Coast’s three-time All-Australian Dean Cox.

“It’s probably one of my better games and it was good to be able to do it coming up against one of the best in Coxy,” Hale told afl.com.au.

”Hamish and I had a big job to do, and luckily we were able to do it pretty well on the night.

”Being a Gold Coast boy it’s great to have a win up here, kick a few goals, get on the scoreboard and have an impact on the game. We’re pretty happy to get the four points because it was a bit scrappy.”

The Eagles, trying to avoid a seventh consecutive loss, led by as many as 21 points early in the third quarter before the Roos rallied.

”We were pretty ordinary in the first half and Dean (Laidley) gave us a bit of a bake at half-time,” Hale said.

”Fortunately the boys responded and we had a much better second half. Our attack on the footy improved and winning the inside ball definitely helped.

”When there was a five-point gap and a one-goal gap in the last quarter it was pretty nerve-wracking – the ball was in their forward 50m for a good part of the last few minutes.

”But our defenders stood up, and even though we didn’t play our best footy it was pleasing to get the win.”