North Melbourne have kept their AFL finals hopes alive with an upset 40-point win over West Coast in Hobart.
The dogged Kangaroos ran away with it in the second half in the 12.9.81 to 6.5.41 victory on Sunday afternoon against an Eagles side missing Josh Kennedy and Luke Shuey to injury.
North Melbourne doubled West Coast’s inside 50s – 38 to 16 during a scrappy first half but managed only a 34-31 lead at halftime.
They pulled away in the all-important third quarter, though, booting four-straight to lead 61-38 heading into the final term.
West Coast couldn’t respond, with their sole second-half goal coming from Elliot Yeo at the start of the third.
The Kangaroos’ Ben Cunnington was one of the best on ground with a game-high 39 touches and a crucial major midway through the third.
Jack Ziebell, Mason Wood and Shaun Higgins kicked doubles, as did the Eagles’ Willie Rioli – his highlight a low skidding goal in the opening quarter.
West Coast were looking for four straight wins and a top-two berth to secure a home qualifying final.
They return home to play Fremantle next round.
North Melbourne, whose remaining four games are against sides below them on the ladder, are a win outside the top eight.
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