Roos crush Dons early and keep clean sheet intact

Callum Twomey May 14, 2016 4:15 PM

THE FINAL scoreline in North Melbourne's win over Essendon said many things about Saturday's scrappy and uneventful game, but probably one thing above all: that this was a contest everyone – including perhaps North Melbourne itself – expected the Roos would win.

The Roos continued their unbeaten start to 2016 by beating the Bombers by 14 points at Etihad Stadium, controlling the contest and claiming the 10.14 (74) to 8.12 (60) win,

despite an impressive second-half fightback from Essendon. In doing so, the Roos equalled their club record for the most consecutive wins to start a season, matching the mark set in 1978 when North made the Grand Final.

Reaching the premiership decider is clearly the aim for the Roos this year, and their position perched on top of the ladder shows them to be well on track. But, to be truthful, their win over Essendon provided few lessons or clues as to how close to premiership glory they really are, for the gap between the sides was as expected.

And they never really got out of second gear. Older hands Brent Harvey (on his 38th birthday), Andrew Swallow (27 disposals), Sam Gibson (36 and 15 marks) and Nick Dal Santo (28 disposals) were strong contributors, but it was perhaps the performances of lesser lights Majak Daw (two goals) and Brad McKenzie (19) that would have been most pleasing for coach Brad Scott.

Weiterlesen ...

Quelle: Essendon Vs North Melbourne - Match Centre - AFL.com.au