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 centre corridor and led at the first change by 15 points.
The Giants responded by kicking 5 of the last 6 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’ defence, kicking two goals for the term including a beauty from 60 metres 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 North Melbourne completely dominated play and romped to victory, scoring twelve goals, nine behinds to the Giants’ one goal, four behinds.
Ben Cunnington was everywhere for the Kangaroos, winning clearances at will and kicking three goals in a best on-field performance.
Drew Petrie had his way with the Giants’ defence, taking 9 marks and kicking five goals and three 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.
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