Kangaroos Hop Into The Eight
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday July 19, 2008
North Melb 17.12 (114)
Collingwood 14.12 (96) NORTH MELBOURNE ran all over Collingwood in the second half to win by 18 points last night and keep alive their finals chances.Thirteen points down at half-time, the Kangaroos kicked seven goals to three in the third term then had more run at every critical stage of the last to thwart any chance of a Magpie revival.It was still a possibility when John Anthony got his fourth and Collingwood's 14th goal with just under three minutes' playing time left in the last quarter. The gap was then 12 points. A 50-metre penalty against Shane O'Bree when the Magpie midfielder was penalised for shovelling the ball to a teammate and argued about being called for throwing led to an easy goal for Brent Harvey and that was that.Drew Petrie was outstanding for the winners, as were Harvey and Daniel Wells. Through Scott Pendlebury, Scott Burns, Alan Didak and Dane Swan, Collingwood were competitive around the ball, but they were badly beaten in the ruck and with Travis Cloke well held by Michael Firrito, lacked a winning tall anywhere on the ground.North Melbourne's little men backed themselves to run with the ball, too, taking the defence on and creating problems further up the ground. Matt Campbell was particularly effective. His three-bounce run and handball to Shannon Grant for a goal mid-way through the final term gave the Kangaroos a four-goal break and pretty much sealed the win.The Magpies had looked on the verge of breaking the game open as they led 7.7 (49) to 5.6 (36) at half-time. The result pushed North into the eight while the Magpies will rue their missed opportunity to move into the top four.Grant was returning from a team-imposed suspension for his behaviour during a club golf day. Collingwood utility Leon Davis was a late withdrawal from the side and Sharrod Wellingham took his place.
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald
