North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.
Kangaroos ruckman Majak Daw soars high above Melbourne big man Mark Jamar. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun
A GOAL in the last minute against Richmond handed North Melbourne a double dose of that winning feeling last night to start its season.
Aaron Black, who played only four games last year, maintained his composure to steer through a set shot from 40m with 40 seconds left of a thrilling shootout at Etihad Stadium.
It was the first time the Kangaroos had been in front since veteran Brent Harvey booted a goal in the opening minutes of the third game of the triangular NAB Cup opening round.
North Melbourne benefited from the rest after holding on to edge Melbourne by two points in the first match.
Richmond, which beat the Demons by 15 points in game two, came oh so close to going home with the 2-0 record after a quick kick from Shane Edwards was offline for a behind with eight seconds left.
Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun
The Roos' tall targets looked ominous. Significantly, Drew Petrie, Robbie Tarrant and Lachie Hansen managed goals against the Demons to underline the danger.
And the trio were given plenty of room to run on to a pass or work one-out with opponents, with a crumbing forward, such as Harvey or Lindsay Thomas, the only other teammate inside the forward 50 for most of the night.
Tiger fans had plenty to cheer - such as an early break from the centre when Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin shared the ball to find Jack Riewoldt on the lead for the opening goal of their first game against the Dees.
There was an urgency and hardness from the Tigers at the ball and the ball-carrier, from players such as Shane Tuck and Steven Morris.
Richmond should have put Melbourne to the sword by far more than 15 points.
The eager Tigers dominated possession, but were wasteful as much as the Demons defence stood firm, particularly in the second half.
They finished with a lopsided 26-12 inside-50 advantage, but the winning margin was inflated by Bashar Houli's first-half nine-pointer.
Melbourne seemed poised to pinch the opening game against the Roos after rebounding around the city wing in the final seconds.
Jeremy Howe marked just outside 50 and a super-goal would have done the trick. But he chipped a pass to new boy Dean Kent, who didn't get the chance to give off the ball to someone outside 50 as the final siren sounded.
At least the recruit from country Western Australia went back and slotted the goal from 45m to cut the margin to two points.
The Demons' new key forward Chris Dawes didn't get many opportunities and was generally double-teamed every time he ventured to a contest. But he worked hard and was rewarded in the second half against the Roos when he helped set up a Howe goal.
Demons coach Mark Neeld said later they had to find a way to give the former Magpie quicker delivery.
Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun
NORTH MELBOURNE with Gilbert Gardiner
NEW TRICKS
THE Kangaroos kamikaze style was again on display last night with Shaun Atley and Ben Jacobs pivotal in its execution. Not only was Jacobs used as the go-to man coming out of defence, he drifted forward, setting up goals while kicking a super goal of his own.
YOUNG BLOOD
MAJAK Daw provided the first highlight of the night taking a classic pack mark early against Melbourne. The Sudanese-born developing ruckman also set up a Kangaroos super goal with a deft tap to skipper Andrew Swallow charging out of a stoppage. Daniel Currie showed plenty against Richmond dominating the hit outs 12-7.
SUPERCOACH
DEFENDER Sam Wright ($395,700) got plenty of the football against Melbourne last night. He picked up 12 touches at 91 per cent efficiency. Jacobs ($309,200) showed promise while Swallow ($585,100) dominated in the clinches.
Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun
MELBOURNE
NEW TRICKS
MELBOURNE took a liking to bombing the ball inside 50 towards marking targets Jeremy Howe, Chris Dawes and young gun Jesse Hogan. Shannon Byrnes and Aaron Davey looked dangerous swooping on the spillages off half forward.
YOUNG BLOOD
JACK Viney lived up to the hype charging into packs and winning his own ball last night. Key forward Jesse Hogan, 18, not eligible to play senior footy until 2014, stamped his authority with strong marks and a classic goal.
SUPERCOACH
HIGH-flying Demon Jeremy Howe ($423,400) provided a strong marking target inside the arc while WAFL product Dean Kent ($109,500) was solid in the midfield. Viney ($109,500) is an obvious investment at rock bottom price.
Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
RICHMOND
NEW TRICKS
NOT a lot different about how the Tigers went about their business last night with Trent Cotchin and Co in the midfield seeking out spearhead Jack Riewoldt. Bachar Houli provided heaps dash off half back.
YOUNG BLOOD
ONBALLER Nick Vlastuin was the pick of the Tiger cubs holding his own against Melbourne. Defender Steven Morris picked up where he left off last year using his speed to break the lines. Dustin Martin provided plenty of spark out of the midfield setting up many of the Tigers' attacking bursts.
SUPERCOACH
VLASTUIN ($159,500) is a steal as a dual position (midfield/defender) player. The young gun attacked the contest hard winning his share of clearances. Tigers star Brett Deledio ($624,100) had the ball on a string while Ivan Maric ($606,900) dominated the stoppages last night.
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