The North Melbourne Kangaroos have overcome a stunned Geelong Cats 14.14.98 – 13.14.92 in a grandstand finish at the MCG on Friday night. In a battle-of-the-brothers, Brad Scott emerged the victor over Chris in a captivating final.
Veteran Brent Harvey used all of his experience to lead the Kangaroos, kicking a solid goal and unnerving key midfielder Joel Selwood. Nick Dal Santo was devastatingly efficient for the Roos, with a man of the match effort consisting of 22 kicks and 35 disposals.
North Melbourne came out firing, kicking six goals early for a 30-point lead in the first quarter. The Cats showed some early nerves, making several mistakes and failing to reign in the Kangaroos crisp and energetic forward penetration. Three late goals to Geelong dragged the lead back to 12 points (5.1.31 – 7.1.43) by the break.
“The clearances were good early, but they got ascendency in that quarter,” Kangaroos Coach Brad Scott commented at quarter-time.
In a good response to a resurgent Cats attack, North Melbourne rallied to control the footy and make the most of their possession in the second. They kicked the only two goals in what was a stalemate quarter in comparison to the 12-goal opening term.
Kangaroos Drew Petrie and Lindsay Thomas both kicked three goals in the first half, while Tom Hawkins was the target up front for Geelong. He kicked two goals in the half, but was well contained as the North Melbourne Kangaroos held onto their lead (5.6.36 – 9.6.60).
Geelong struggled to find fluency with the ball and were being dominated by North Melbourne, who led in disposals by 60. The Cats began to vent their frustration on the umpires, losing focus and allowing the Kangaroos to push the lead back out to five goals.
In a dramatic final 12 minutes, beginning with three goals to Tom Hawkins, Geelong set up a classic finish to the game. Seizing the momentum, the Cats came within six points with four minutes to play. In a nervous and scrappy contest, the Kangaroos showed good resolve to hold onto their lead and claim a well-earned victory.
“It was a bit disappointing to let them get back into the game, but good to get the result,” reflected young star Jack Ziebell after the match.
North Melbourne Kangaroos go on to play the Sydney Swans next week in a battle for a spot in the 2014 AFL Grand Final.
