Magpies v Kangaroos - snippets
Jonathan Healy at the MCG
TURNING POINT: Alan Didak could have put the Pies in front with less than two minutes to go in the match, but the usually reliable forward sprayed his shot wide under little or no pressure. If he had kicked truly the Pies would have taken the lead and would have been in the box seat to hold on for the win. However, the Roos took the ball down the other end and Matt Campbell snapped a beauty to ice the game.
CLASSIC GRAB: It was shades of the great Wayne Carey during the early stages of the third term when North Melbourne spearhead Nathan Thompson ran back with the flight into a pack and brought down a courageous mark. It may not win 'mark of the year', but it was a classy grab that could easily make any highlight reel.
STAR MAN: Brent Harvey could well be on his way to another high finish in this year's Brownlow medal. The man called 'Boomer' was at his electrifying best, shaking the tag of Rhys Shaw early to end up with a game-high 34 disposals in a best on ground performance.
ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: With North Melbourne missing key defender Josh Gibson, Anthony Rocca might have thought he was in for an easy night. But Drew Petrie - arguably North Melbourne's best forward in 2007 - kept Rocca to nine possessions, three marks and just the one goal.
WHAT A GOAL! After Alan Didak missed a simple opportunity at the other end, Matt Campbell made him pay with a superb snap to seal the game for North Melbourne in the dying seconds. Campbell - who booted two important goals in the final term - picked up the ball about 15 metres out from goal and snapped truly, much to the delight of the North fans.
UNSUNG HERO: Leigh Harding might have received his fair share of jeers from North Melbourne supporters in the past, but the former forward, turned defender, is relishing his new role in Dean Laidley's side. Playing across half-back, Harding picked up a career high 26 disposals, seven more than his previous best of 19, and set-up many of North Melbourne's forward forays.