The new-look Kangaroos finally tasted victory, moving to 1-5 with a competitive performance that saw them win 107-94 over the Gold Coast Suns. The Kangaroos have played well enough to perhaps be 4-2 at this point, and this was not their best performance of the year, but a win is a win.
Despite a free flowing first half it was marred by constant turnovers and interceptions by both teams made it an even contest, lead changing eight times. North taking a narrow lead into the main break after key forward Benny Brown bent a banana kick from the boundary line to make it his third of the night just before half time.
It wasn’t until seven minutes into the third quarter when a chain of plays extended from a midfield burst by Shaun Higgins who bent the ball back into the wide open rookie, Jy Simpkin who scored stepped up and slotted from 25 meters followed soon after by the highlight of the game as an inspirational swooping chase down and tackle in the defensive goal square of the Gold Coast by the ex-magpie player, Marley Williams, who caught the elusive champion, Gary Ablett, who was accumulating a busload of possessions all night long, started to indicate that North were on the verge of victory. However, the crafty Alex Sexton snapped a stunning goal from 45 meters for the Suns to keep them in touch at the last change as North led by just seven points at the last change.
North have been outscored by 15 goals in last quarters this season so the test and pressure was certain on the Shinboners to overcome their demons of fade outs. In Ben Cunnington’s 150th game milestone, it wasn’t to be so memorable for him with a quiet contribution but many of his teammates stepped up including Nathan Hrovat (2 goals), Taylor Garner (11 marks) and big Ben Brown who booted a career best six majors with three coming in the final quarter as North skipped out to a four goal lead before the Suns got two late consolation goals to flatter them on the final scoreboard.
Gary Ablett had a case of leather poisoning with 45 possessions and late game goal to be amongst the few quality players on the night for Suns including running defender Jarrod Harbrow and Alex Sexton.
Next week, North will host the undefeated juggernaut of the league, the Adelaide Crows in Hobart. The Crows obliterated the Kangas in the first round of the finals last season so it’ll be a stern test. The Crows crushed the Richmond Tigers (5-1) by 76 points this week. The Gold Coast Suns (3-3) host the Geelong Cats (5-1) on a the rebound after the Cats were given a reality check by the ailing Collingwood Magpies (2-4) by 29 points.
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