North Melbourne have held on in a nailbiting opening spherical encounter towards the West Coast Eagles.
After wanting like they have been going to run away with the straightforward win through the third quarter, having led by 34, the Eagles fought again however couldn’t overcome the margin because the Roos held on to file the 12.15 (87) to 12.10 (82) victory.
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The win for North was highlighted by midfield star Luke Davies-Uniacke with 32 disposals and ahead Nick Larkey, who kicked six objectives.
Each nonetheless have been surpassed by debutant Harry Sheezel who blitzed the sector beneath the roof at Marvel in his first ever contest.
Thrown into a task throughout half again, Sheezel seemingly introduced his personal footy to the sport as he racked up 34 disposals and gained a monstrous 625 metres, second solely to teammate Jack Ziebell.
The immensely spectacular debut sees him grow to be the primary debutant to file 30 or extra disposals since Michael Barlow recorded 33 in 2010.
It’s essentially the most disposals by a debutant since Greg Williams’ 38 again in 1984 and locations him third all-time on essentially the most disposals recorded by a first-game participant.
“Thrown into the backline this week, new activity haven’t performed there earlier than. The boys acquired round me, advised me the place to face and I felt so comfy on the market and we acquired the job accomplished,” Sheezel stated post-game.
Jason Dunstall was left surprised about Sheezel’s revelation that he had no concept what he was doing within the backline.
“I’ve heard all of it now Joey, they advised me the place to face I’ve by no means actually performed there earlier than however I had 34 touches,” Dunstall stated on Fox Footy.
“Wait till he learns how you can play the place,” Leigh Montagna stated laughing in disbelief.
The Eagles got here residence with a moist sail and seemed like they have been going to steal the win from North Melbourne.
Nevertheless it was too little too late because the Kangaroos held on within the dying phases.
Eagles tall Oscar Allen received’t be hoping to take a seat in on any evaluations of the match after delivering an early contender for the miss of the season.
Within the opening 10 minutes of the sport, Allen acquired out the again of a contest simply exterior the objective sq. however fumbled his try at an open objective in a kick that missed huge left and went by for a behind.
If Allen had of transformed the scores on the ultimate siren would have been tied and will have delivered back-to-back attracts within the opening spherical.
The Eagles copped hits from all corners for his or her ugly show through the opening two and a half quarters.
“You couldn’t be extra scathing of West Coast proper now,” Gerard Whateley stated on SEN.
Dunstall took purpose on the defensive arrange after two Eagles defenders allowed Larkey to mark within the goalsquare after a teammates missed shot on objective.
“That’s horrendous defending,” Dunstall stated.
ABC sports activities producer Akash Fotedar was scathing in his assessment of how the Eagles had performed and tried to maneuver the ball.
“All effectively and good making an attempt to maneuver the ball sooner, however it is advisable win the ball first. West Coast -30 in contested possession. That’s horrendous,” he added.
“To not point out being down on tackles too, regardless of having much less possessions and clearances. Issues for Simpson which are past ball motion.”
Initially printed as Harry Sheezel blows AFL world away as North maintain on in nailbiter
