1. Mitchell shines yet again under the Friday night lights
A week after producing an outstanding shutdown role on Hawthorn ball magnet Sam Mitchell, Swan Tom Mitchell shone yet again on the big Friday night stage. Mitchell found plenty of the ball with a game-high 41 possessions, especially in the crucial third quarter, to help the Swans counter a big push from the Kangaroos. Mitchell has transformed his defensive work around the ground to force his way into the ultra-competitive Swans midfield. Dan Hannebery was also superb, as was Josh Kennedy.
2. Kangaroos cop reality check after nine straight
This was always going to be North Melbourne's biggest test this season. The Kangaroos were totally outclassed in the opening term in all facets of the game to fall behind by five goals, but they rallied to trail by just nine points at half-time. The Swans’ superior skills came to the fore in the third quarter before they piled on the misery in the final term. The Kangaroos take on Richmond next week before a couple of massive games against Geelong and Hawthorn to test their premiership credentials.
3. The Swans defence rises to the occasion
With Ted Richards sitting in the grandstand with concussion, there were question marks about whether the Swans had enough height in their back six to combat the Kangaroos' forward line. Heath Grundy and Jeremy Laidler did everything asked of them to keep their opponents quiet. For the Kangaroos, Drew Petrie was kept goalless, while Lindsay Thomas kicked three goals early but was hardly sighted after that. With doubts remaining about Richards' long-term future, the Swans will be pleased to know they have plenty of options in reserve.
Heath Grundy was superb once again.
4. Goldy cops knock, but continues to shine
North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein battled on gamely despite struggling with injury for most of the night. Goldstein had strapping around his left knee, and was icing his right knee on the bench in the last quarter. He had one disposal in the opening term and spent time off the ground after copping a poke to the eye, but still finished with a massive 43 hit-outs. He snapped a sharp goal in the second quarter as he got more involved in the game. The Kangaroos will be hoping Goldstein can back up for next week's clash with the Tigers.
5. Buddy makes early impact to start Indigenous celebrations
What better way to kick off the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round than with a Lance Franklin master-class. Buddy was involved in everything early - a terrific chase and tackle on the wing was followed by two goals within a minute, the second of which was a booming strike from outside 50m. He was quiet after that. Lindsay Thomas also made an impact in the first half, kicking North's opening three goals of the game. Before the start of play, Franklin exchanged gifts with Kangaroos midfielder Daniel Wells in the middle of the ground to round out a pre-game display including Indigenous dancers and a Didgeridoo performance.
Lance Franklin celebrates one of his three goals.
