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The North Melbourne Kangaroos ran away strongly in the second half to defeat the Greater Western Sydney Giants by 75 points at StarTrack Oval in Canberra.
The win stopped a two game losing streak for North Melbourne and solidifies their position within the eight as the finals draw closer.
North started the game strongly controlling the center corridor and led at the first change by 15 points.
The Giants responded by kicking five of the last six goals in the second quarter to peg the lead back to 4 points by half time.
Jonathan Patton used his considerable size to unsettle the Kangaroos’ defense kicking two goals for the term including a beauty from 60m out.
Toby Greene was prominent early in his 50th game collecting 26 disposals by the main break and finished with 35 for the game.
In the second half it was all North Melbourne who completely dominated play and romped to victory. In the half North Melbourne score 12 goals, 9 behinds to the Giants 1 goal, 4 behinds.
Ben Cunnington was everywhere for the Kangaroos winning clearances at will and kicking 3 goals in a best on field performance.
Drew Petrie had his way with the Giants defense taking 9 marks and kicking 5 goals 3 behinds, although he missed two simple shots to end the game which would have given him his sixth.
Debutant Kayne Turner was lively and kicked an early goal with his second kick in AFL football and will be the envy of his schoolmates on Monday morning.
Next round has North Melbourne facing the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, while GWS will play Melbourne at the MCG.
The Greater Western Sydney Giants and North Melbourne Kangaroos will battle for the Prime Minister’s Cup at Canberra’s StarTrack Oval on Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
It’s the first time these teams will face each other this year, with the Kangaroos winning their encounter last season 130 to 44 in a match at Etihad Stadium.
North held onto 6th position on the ladder after their loss to Geelong last week while GWS are on a five game losing streak after losing to Richmond.
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North will look to the continued good form of unheralded midfielders Levi Greenwood and Sam Gibson to lighten the load on veterans Harvey and Dal Santo.
Todd Goldstein was fantastic against the Cats last week and will have a crucial matchup against the Giants Shane Mumford in the ruck.
Daniel Wells appears set to return to the field for the first time since Round 5. The selectors will have to decide whether Wells plays in the AFL or the VFL although the outside run he provides is sorely missed by North and they will be tempted to rush him back into the senior side.
The Giants will be led out by 50 gamer Toby Greene who hasn’t missed a beat since his return from suspension. Along with Cam Ward and Adam Treloar they make for a fantastic clearance winning midfield, providing valuable grunt in the middle.
Jonathon Patton is threatening to break out and win a game off his own boot at any moment and teamed with Tom Boyd in the forward line they represent the team moniker well.
Vice-captain Tom Scully was added to the Giants growing season long injury list before last weekend’s game. Josh Hunt will miss with a hip injury with Curtly Hampton or Matthew Buntine his likely replacements in defence.
Will Lindsay Thomas dare to take a dive after the attention he received this week?
Prediction:
While the last two matches have been encouraging for GWS, they struggle to maintain their form for four quarters. North still have much to play for this season and should come out firing after their loss to the Cats.
North by 40 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
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