The North Melbourne Kangaroos face a desperate Adelaide Crows at Blundstone Arena in Hobart on Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 1:45pm (AEST).
It’s sixth versus eighth on the ladder, and this game is a must-win for both sides.
The Roos have had a promising year, perhaps the highlight being a classy victory over Fremantle in Perth early in the season.
But as has been the case for the Kangaroos in recent years, all progress seems to be closely followed by a reason to be frustrated, earning North Melbourne the title of the most spasmodic club in the AFL.
The failings have been numerous; wilting against Geelong by more than five goals just a few weeks back, a heart-crushing defeat to a very disappointing Carlton outfit, and failing to fire against the Suns in Round 7.
To put it simply, the ‘Roos need to win for more than just the 4 points. They need to win to ensure the belief they have forged this season is present at the start of September.
But they will have to get the job done without two key players, as both Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells will sit out due to suspension.
For Adelaide, 10 wins and 10 losses is not what Brenton Sanderson would have hoped for with his seasoned list.
A midfield quartet of Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas and Sam Jacobs has been well beaten at times, and Taylor Walker is still finding his feet up forward after making his way back from an ACL injury.
North Melbourne’s defence while sound on paper, is vulnerable.
North will watch Walker closely, taking much of the attention off James Podsiadly.
Podisadly has only kicked 24 goals this season, but that counts for nothing if the likes of Dangerfield, Wright and Douglas can find him close to goal.
Prediction
Adelaide have won the last three encounters between the two sides.
If Dangerfield and Sloane can get on top through the middle of the ground, then North Melbourne will be in trouble.
Adelaide by 7 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:45pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Daws
Guest
James podsiadly you idiot, 32 years old and he acts like a 17year old hothead
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
FT" That's it! The 'Roos keep their home final chances alive! Adelaide were so close yet so far, Brenton Sanderson will be absolutely shattered with the end result, with Adelaide trapping the ball inside their half of the ground for the final 5 or 6 minutes but unable to capitalise on any opportunities. James Podsiadly was the chief offender in the final quarter. He missed two very gettable set shots on goal, and gave away a senseless free kick after marking strongly which eventuated in a 50 metre penalty and a North Melbourne goal. Dangerfield completely disappeared in the second half, gathering just four second half disposals and having no impact on the final result. Jarryd Lyons was lively up forward for the Crows and finished with 3 goals and 14 touches. Richard Douglas and Scott Thompson finished with 27 touches each. North Melbourne will be absolutely ecstatic to clinch the hard fought victory, which cements their finals position and gives them the faint hope of playing a home final in the first week of finals. Jack Ziebell was by far the most influential player on the ground, the hard nosed Midfielder finished with 25 disposals, clenched 4 contested marks and kicked 4.5. Dal Santo was solid with 28 disposals but gathered a lot of the football in the back half, Levi Greenwood continues to impress with 26 hard fought touches and 8 marks. Youngster Kayne Turner was also eye catching and provided a spark for the 'Roos when they needed it most, he snagged two goals of his own and provided relentless pressure all day.
milz
Guest
Thanks for the call
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 34″ Absolute madness here! Walker is down with an injury! Podsiadly takes a beastly grab but hits the post! He can't believe it! 1.14" left on the clock. It looks like North will hold on here now. What a game! North: 14.17 (101) Adelaide: 13.16 (94)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 28.04″ Rory Laird has been concussed following a head clash with Kayne Turner in a bone crunching tackle. Bit of an anti climax here as they call for the stretcher. 2.29" left on the clock. North: 14.17 (101) Adelaide: 13.15 (93)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 25.34″ BEHIND ADELAIDE. Podsiadly has had a dirty day at the office, he sprays miserably for goal. The Umpires ping Ziebell for an outrageous deliberate out of bounds and Adelaide are surging forward again! 3.10 left on the clock! North: 14.17 (101) Adelaide: 13.15 (93)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 24.04″ GOAL NORTH! GOAL ADELAIDE! It's almost impossible to keep up, the game has become frenetic. Bastinac converts from 35m but then Adelaide win the centre clearance and find Walker 50 out, who bombs a goal from downtown! Less than 6 minutes left now, can Adelaide secure their finals berth? North: 14.17 (101) Adelaide: 13.13 (91)
Nikki Merakis
Guest
Cmon Roos
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 3.12″ GOAL ADELAIDE. Just when you think the game is iced, Betts gets on the end of a Dangerfield handpass and Adelaide draw closer! North: 13.17 (95) Adelaide: 12.13 (85)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 15.30″ GOAL NORTH. Crucial mistake by Taylor Walker, who opted to switch play in the middle of the ground and turned it over. The 'Roos go forward and Ziebell is awarded the dubious free kick. He is away to the left, however it doesn't matter as Petrie kicks a goal moments later. Less than ten minutes left. North: 13.16 (94) Adelaide: 11.13 (79)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 12″ GOAL NORTH. BASTINAC! He exhibits his deft touch and dribbles through the left snap! 'Roos by nine points here! North: 12.15 (87) Adelaide: 11.13 (79)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 10.12″ BEHIND NORTH. Ziebell again! He crashes the pack and does a quick u turn and pings for goal but just misses. North peppering the goals with relentless intent. North: 11.15 (82) Adelaide: 11.12 (78)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 6.12″ GOAL NORTH. SCORES LEVEL YET AGAIN! Ziebell has kicked 4! This game has taken a huge swing in the fourth and it's anyones game. North: 11.12 (78) Adelaide: 11.12 (78)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q4 – 3.12″ GOAL NORTH. Crazy stuff! I can hardly keep up, Ziebell marks and goals, bringing North within 6 points. Just minutes before hand Couch for the Crows took the ball from the stoppage and snapped truly. This game has gone up a notch and the pressure is immense! North: 10.12 (72) Adelaide: 11.12 (78)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
3QT" Dangerfield disappeared entirely that quarter, but Adelaide found contributions through Wright, Henderson and Lyons to extend the Crows lead from Half Time. Ben Brown was very influential up forward for North and Ziebell caused damage when his hands touched the Sherrin. Whichever side claims the 4 points in this match deserves the win, supporters of Richmond and West Coast will be praying North Melbourne get over the line, otherwise it's goodbye finals.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q3 – 27″ GOAL ADELAIDE. An absolute crazy contest here in Hobart. Jenkins gathers the ball and snaps a very nice goal to put his side up yet again! It's a manic see sawing affair. North: 9.12 (66) Adelaide: 10.11 (71)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Has been extremely underwhelming this year yes.
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q3 – 25″ SCORES LEVEL AGAIN. The 'Roos go forward and Ziebell wins the one on one contest and snaps the goal around his body. North: 9.11 (65) Adelaide: 9.11 (65)
Justin Ware
Roar Guru
Q3 – 23.24″ GOAL NORTH. Against the run of play, Bastinac hacks a forward entry and Ben Brown shakes off his opponent and he kicks the major! North: 8.11 (59) Adelaide: 9.11 (65)
milz
Guest
Black is useless.