North puts paid to tank talk with gutsy win over Melbourne
TODAY’S LINE-UP: Leigh Matthews, Jimmy Bartel, Tim Lane, Tony Leonard, Caroline Wilson, and Doc Larkins.
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FULL TIME
North Melbourne has clung on for a gutsy four-point win.
Melbourne hit the front at the 14-minute mark of the final term and were running home with a strong wind, but North ground it out for the win.
It makes seventeen wins in a row for North over the Demons, and should put paid to any accusation of tanking.
Several players – including key forwards Jesse Hogan and Jarrad Waite – sustained injuries of varying degrees during the match.
Doc Larkins said Hogan’s season is likely to be over.
“He looks like he has a deformed collarbone,” Doc said.
Click play for the full-time wrap – with Doc’s injury report
Click play for match highlights
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HALF TIME
Melbourne leads by 13 points at the main break.
The Demons kicked six goals to two in the second quarter with the aid of a big breeze.
Dom Tyson (19 disposals) has been prolific in midfield for the Dees, while Ben Brown has three goals for the Roos.
Raise the bat!
That’s 50 goals for the season for Ben Brown. #AFLNorthDees pic.twitter.com/rjDW3BgPZY
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) July 29, 2017
Jimmy Bartel said Michael Hibberd has been a smart pick-up for the Demons.
“It’s not just his experience – he’s filled a need,” Jimmy said.
Click play for the half-time wrap
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THE BUILD-UP
North’s winning streak over Melbourne stands at an incredible 16 matches.
The Dees’ last win over the Roos was in Round 20, 2006, when David Neitz kicked eight and Nathan Jones was in just his fourth game.
But the Kangaroos’ season is in a tailspin, and Melbourne can take a giant step towards a long-awaited return to the finals with a win in Hobart.
Can North snap its seven-game losing streak?
Or will the Demons jump – momentarily at least – into the Top 4?
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