At long last, Melbourne beats North Melbourne!
TODAY’S LINE-UP: Leigh Matthews, Matthew Lloyd, Caroline Wilson, Tim Lane, Tony Leonard, and Tiff Cherry
Photo: Julian Smith / AAP
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FULL TIME
North’s remarkable winning streak over the Demons has come to an end at 17.
Max Gawn dominated in the ruck and Tomas Bugg booted four goals as the Dees ran out 37-point winners.
17 games.
4,248 days.
8 coaches.The streak is over!#AFLDeesNorth pic.twitter.com/AzDjCJgiJl
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 7, 2018
Bugg told 3AW Football the players were looking to put the stigma of the losing streak to bed.
“We’re a very young club and we’re building our own history,” he said.
Bugg also opened up on his indiscretion last year that saw him suspended for six weeks.
“I haven’t played on the MCG since that incident,” he said.
“I haven’t really had an opportunity to repay the football club for the support they’ve had for me.
“I’m grateful to be back playing on the MCG in front of the Melbourne faithful.”
Click PLAY for the full interview
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HALF TIME
North Melbourne made a fast start, but the Demons lead by nine points at the main break.
Max Gawn is dominating the stoppages for the Dees, while Tomas Bugg has three goals.
Matthew Lloyd says Melbourne’s midfield is wearing North’s down.
“They just bat a bit deeper,” Lloydy said.
Both Lloydy and Leigh Matthews said Max Gawn has been the best on ground so far.
Click PLAY for the half-time wrap
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North ruckman Todd Goldstein spoke to 3AW before the game.
He said he’s happy and loving his football.
“This is the best place I’ve been in for a fairly long while,” the 2015 All-Australian said.
“If I keep playing consistent footy, I can get back to where I was.”
Click PLAY for the interview
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LATE CHANGE
North Melbourne has made a late change.
Majak Daw replaces Robbie Tarrant (hamstring) in the Kangaroos’ backline.
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THE BUILD-UP
Melbourne is looking to snap its highly-publicised 17-game losing streak against the Kangaroos.
But as North showed last week, they aren’t accepting their role as the league’s pushovers in 2018.
Can the Dees finally get one over their rivals? Or will North make it 18 on the trot?
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