Match report: Roos bounce back to win over fiery Pies

Nathan Schmook July 22, 2016 11:58 PM

NORTH Melbourne has snapped a five-game losing streak and stabilised its sinking season, kicking away in a dramatic 'mini-final' on Friday night to beat Collingwood by 40 points at Etihad Stadium.

In what was billed as a do-or-die clash for the Kangaroos, they built a 46-point lead in the third quarter but were made to fight to the end after a spirited Magpies' fightback.

The margin was cut to just 17 points early in the fourth quarter after five straight Collingwood goals, but after a 20-minute deadlock that produced seven behinds, young Roo Trent Dumont roved cleanly and snapped the sealer.

Five talking points: Collingwood v North Melbourne

The final score was 18.16 (124) to 12.12 (84), with the Roos kicking the final four goals of the game to build a flattering margin.

The win effectively eliminated the Magpies as a finals contender and ensured North would keep at least two games between it and challengers Port Adelaide and St Kilda for another week.

It was a fitting result for Kangaroos champion Brent Harvey, who kicked a late goal in his record-equalling 426th game and finished with 25 possessions and eight inside 50s.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said in the build-up that his team was willing to put its reputation on the line on Friday night and would bring finals-like intensity, setting the stage for what turned into a feisty clash, full of spot-fires.

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