IT WAS two wins in two games for North Melbourne including a come from behind victory over Richmond in the final game of the night.
Sure it is only the pre-season and, in one sense, the games lack the meaning of the premiership season, but winning is still winning and for the Roos victories by two points over the Demons and by four points over the Tigers are encouraging. In learning how to win there really is no substitute for close victories.
Also on Football Nation: NAB Cup Scores (North Melbourne v Richmond v Melbourne)
“The more opportunities you get to play in close games and win the better” said North Melbourne coach Brad Scott after the game.
And he’s right.
On the field there was a lot to like and in terms of visually spectacular plays there was no-one better than Majak Daw who took a great pack mark in the first game and then backed it up with a highlight reel one on one contest against Richmond’s Steven Morris that showcased his field awareness, agility and raw strength (we’ve added the video to the end of this post in case you missed it).
Daw wasn’t the only big man to play well for the Roos either and the club would have to be pleased with the production of former AFL Swan and SANFL Rooster Daniel Currie. The veteran ruck managed a dozen hitouts and was more effective in the game against Richmond than Todd Goldstein was in the early game against Melbourne. The Currie/Goldstein competition will be one that Roos fans will watch closely over the balance of the NAB Cup.
Another new addition to the club, first round draft pick Ben Jacobs, was productive for the Roos in his only game, scoring one supergoal, although he did miss another goal opportunity later.
Also on Football Nation: The full 2013 NAB Cup Fixture
The core group of veterans on the club did what they always seem to do. Drew Petrie remains one of the most important and dependable players for this team, Lindsay Thomas scored and made plays up forward, and newly re-signed players Jack Ziebell and Shaun Atley contributed as well.
The Roos struggled at times in defense but it may be a bit premature to worry about it now but overall a good night out for North Melbourne.
Here’s the Majak Daw “Don’t Argue” play:
And here are the highlight packages for both of North Melbourne’s games:
