North Melbourne coach Brad Scott praised his side’s growing consistency after a commanding 54-point AFL victory over Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The 19.13 (127) to 11.7 (73) victory was the Kangaroos’ sixth win from their past seven games and continues North’s recent dominance of Melbourne in which they have claimed the honours in the past ten clashes.
Scott said the Kangaroos, who consolidated eighth spot on the AFL ladder, must maintain their momentum if they hope to make their first finals appearance since 2008.
“We are in the eight and as long as we keep winning we will stay there. Destiny is in our hands, that is a great thing,” Scott said.
“It is an exciting time but the players cannot get ahead of themselves because we know how quickly it can all change.
“The ladder is that tight that one slip up can cost you.”
The Kangaroos kicked the opening five goals as ruckman Todd Goldstein teamed well with his captain Andrew Swallow to control the centre square and regularly give North’s midfielders first use of the ball.
“Some periods of play – at the start of the game and the start of the third (quarter) – were quite outstanding,” said Scott.
Despite their often congested forward line, the Roos had too many options for the Demon defenders with Drew Petrie quieter than the last two weeks but still managing to kick four goals, as did his fellow tall forward Tarrant.
The Roos just about put the result beyond doubt in the first five minutes of the third term, with goals from Leigh Adams, Lindsay Thomas, Robbie Tarrant, Leigh Adams stunning the hopeful Demons fans in the crowd of 20,816.
Midfielder Adams, who had his right shoulder pinned by Carlton star Chris Judd in a controversial “chicken wing” tackle two weeks ago, left the field late in the third quarter after dislocating his left shoulder.
“He can’t take a trick Leigh Adams,” said Scott, “the way he plays his footy, he is really important to us.
“Let’s hope it’s not too serious because it would be devastating for us.”
“The doctors were not sure of the severity, but it was bad enough to not even think about putting him back on. (He) will get scans.”
In his 250th game for the Demons, former captain Brad Green was one of his side’s best in booting three goals.
Nathan Jones battled hard against the speed and ruggedness of North’s in-form midfield of Swallow, Brent Harvey, Daniel Wells, Ryan Bastinac and Sam Gibson.
Melbourne coach Mark Neeld labelled his side’s third quarter effort as “below AFL standard”.
“We need to eradicate that as a footy club,” said Neeld.
“We have got a pretty young group but as long as the core of the group remain together, they need to understand that 75 per cent won’t get the job done.”
North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas could come under scrutiny for his bump on Melbourne’s Daniel Nicholson late in the third quarter.
