It was North’s mature bodies, experienced players and composure in the fourth quarter that eventually saw them run out comfortable 34-point winners.
Hamish McIntosh dominated the game after half time. Daniel Wells was lively all day but it was his work up forward in the last quarter that impressed the most.
Aside from McIntosh and Wells it was North’s periphery players who influenced the game. Andrew Swallow, Gavin Urquhart, Leigh Harding and Scott McMahon all played well. Brent Harvey was contained by Clint Bartram, who kept the Kangaroo skipper to 16 possessions and a goal.
For the beaten Demons there were plenty of positives. Melbourne chased, tackled and pressured the opposition with absolute commitment, especially in the first three quarters.
Jake Spencer, Kyle Cheney and Neville Jetta made solid debuts. Spencer needs time but showed enough while Cheney (22 possessions) and Jetta (16 touches and a goal) looked right at home on the MCG.
Ricky Petterd was a standout up forward, kicking two goals from 16 disposals, and Brad Green kicked two along with 18 possessions.
FOUR QUARTERS
Q1: Melbourne 3.3 (21) v North Melbourne 3.3 (21)
The Dees struggled to break North’s rolling zone. Campbell and Thomas kicked the opening two goals before the Demons lifted their intensity and replied with consecutive goals to Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey and Brent Moloney. Cheney had the job on Wells while Rawlings ran with Davey. Harvey kicked his first late in the quarter.
Q2: Melbourne 6.5 (41) v North Melbourne 7.6 (48)
Can’t remember the last time Melbourne chased, tackled, harassed and pressured a side like they did in the second quarter. They might have lost the quarter but this was a different Demon outfit from last year and it was the kids leading the way with Petterd, Cheney and Jetta being well supported by Moloney and McDonald. Harding was terrific off half-back for the Roos – kicking a goal late – and McIntosh was beginning to stamp his imprimatur on the game. By the half-time siren there had been six lead changes.
Q3: Melbourne 9.6 (60) v North Melbourne 11.8 (74)
Melbourne’s inexperienced team started to tire and mistakes crept in that weren’t there in the first half. McIntosh was dominating at both ends, Wells creative. It became obvious that the more experienced, match-hardened, mature bodies of the Kangaroos were starting to wear the Demons down.
Q4: Melbourne 10.7 (67) v North Melbourne 15.11 (101)
North finally broke the Demons. McIntosh was at the heart of things again, kicking three, while Wells was instrumental inside forward 50.
GAME TURNERS
Hamish McIntosh got better as the game went on. He finished with 21 disposals to go with 21 hit-outs and three goals. The big man covered the ground well at both ends and if he can recapture his 2007 form the Roos could be in for a good year.
Daniel Wells continued on from his best pre-season with a terrific performance. His class, speed, decision-making and skill execution were telling in the fourth quarter. I suspect we will see a lot more of Wells playing forward when not on the ball, similar to Gary Ablett Jr.
They may not have been match-winners but Demon supporters can pencil these names in as long term players. Cheney, Jetta, Spencer and Petterd all showed they are more than capable at the elite level. It might not happen overnight but these kids will take the club forward. They just need time.
He may not have got the votes but ...
... Clint Bartram kept the dangerous Brent Harvey to 16 touches and a goal. His performance was first class and I’m sure Dean Bailey would have acknowledged his efforts in the rooms.
The points were safe when ...
... McIntosh kicked his third goal to extend the margin out to 21 points early in the fourth quarter.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
