North Melbourne Kangaroos have produced a professional display to get their faltering season back on track with a 35-point win over the inconsistent Richmond Tigers ,with the game ending Kangaroos 16.13.109 to Tigers 10.14.74.
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Lindsay Thomas spearheaded the Kangaroos juggernaut, booting five goals in a fine display from the small forward. His fellow forward and teammate Drew Petrie stood tall for the victors, collecting 21 disposals, taking 10 marks and making a positive contribution to the majority of North Melbourne goals.
For the Tigers, youngster Anthony Miles led the way with 30 disposals and two goals, while midfield enforcer Dustin Martin also stood out for the losers with 30 touches anda major to his name.
The first quarter was a tepid affair, but this moment of class on the run from Martin kept the Tigers in the contest.
North Melbourne wasted plenty opportunities to extend their lead, but this Ben Brown grab and goal at the end of the term gave them a seven point buffer at quarter time.
In the second quarter the match become a tug-of-war, with Richmond constantly answering North Melbourne’s attempts to break away. This great grab and goal from Steven Morris kept the margin to under a goal.
Lindsay Thomas then gave away a free kick for fighting that Ivan Maric duly converted to level the scores close to half-time.
However, North Melbourne were not to be denied and Brent Harvey’s goal on the half-time siren (see below) saw them take a goal advantage heading into the main break.
The Kangaroos began the third term in frenetic fashion and were helped by ill-discipline from their opponents. This crude hit on Shaun Higgins resulted in a goal as North Melbourne began to pull away.
Throughout the third quarter Richmond were woeful with their disposal, in particular Maric’s shocking kick (see below) summed up Richmond’s day.
Another shocking turnover from the goal square saw Thomas score his fourth goal of the match and put the result beyond all doubt moments before three quarter time.
With a 41-point lead to try and chase in the last quarter Richmond got off to the best possible start booting two quick-fire goals. This stunning effort from Jack Riewoldt moved his side to within 29 points and gave the Tigers a glimmer of hope.
That was as close as Richmond would get. Kangaroos’ star man Thomas put the final nail in the coffin when he executed this snap to perfection to snuff out any lingering hope for the Tigers.
However, there was one highlight that Tigers fans could take from the clash when Troy Chaplin rose high to take a contender for mark of the round (see below) on an otherwise dark day for the club.
Next week a rejuvenated North Melbourne meet Essendon Bombers in a Friday night blockbuster, while for a hugely disappointing Richmond Tigers they will be hoping to breathe life into their season when they play traditional rivals Collingwood Magpies on Sunday afternoon.
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