SKILL errors and turnovers were a constant thorn in Melbourne’s side as a more efficient North Melbourne held off the Demons to win by 28 points at the MCG on Sunday.

Despite a spirited Melbourne push in the final quarter – in which the Demons closed to within 19 points – the Kangaroos always had too much of a buffer and went on to win 14.14 (98) to 10.10 (70).

Melbourne ruined its chances of an upset victory with a number of mis-directed kicks and ill-advised options.

In fact it was somewhat fitting that, at the 19-minute mark of the last term, the Demons’ run at victory came to an end when Simon Buckley – who unfortunately had been one of his side’s best – tried to evade an opponent and paid the ultimate price.

North Melbourne’s forwards pounced on Melbourne’s mistake, with Lindsay Thomas booting his third of the final quarter, and fifth of the match, to seal his team’s win.

Perhaps what was more disappointing for Dean Bailey’s side was the fact that throughout the day it was his more seasoned campaigners who coughed the ball up at crucial times.

As a result the cleaner, more disciplined Kangaroos took advantage of Melbourne’s sloppiness.

Brad Miller (three goals) was a target all day for the Demons, Buckley tried hard for Melbourne while Shane Valenti continues to impress in his first season.

For North Melbourne, Brent Harvey did his Brownlow Medal chances no harm, David Hale was solid throughout while Corey Jones (four goals) impressed up forward.

The writing was on the wall from the opening minutes as North Melbourne made their intentions clear with a seven-goal opening term.

While Kangaroo forward Jones was making an impression with three goals at one end, the Melbourne forward line was getting cold at the other.

Buckley was doing a decent job in his run-with role on Daniel Wells but apart from that there wasn’t a lot to write home about for Bailey’s men.

Harvey kick-started things for the Roos inside the opening minute although Miller did answer just two minutes later when he slipped Michael Firrito.

From then on the quarter belonged to North Melbourne, however, as Jones, Harvey and Brady Rawlings continually pumped the Kangaroos forward.

Melbourne did steady in the second term, with Miller starting to look ominous.

He booted another two in that quarter to have all his side’s majors for the half although the question seemed did the red and blues have anyone else up forward to take a mark and kick truly?

Nathan Jones, James McDonald and Buckley continued to get their hands to it but missed targets were being snaffled by the Kangaroos, who led by 38 points at the main break.

Lynden Dunn had his number taken twice shortly after the break – both times for striking Kangaroos playmaker Brent Harvey as the match went up a notch.

Mid-way through the term Michael Newton, who had been quiet up until that point, inspired the Demons with a miraculous snap from near the boundary that bounced its way through.

When he kicked another goal with a minute remaining in the term it was back to 31 points at the final change.

The Demons would come hard early in the final quarter but they left their charge too late and, ultimately, turnovers would kill their chances.

Next week the Demons meet an in-form Essendon side at the MCG on Saturday.

GOALS
Melbourne: Miller 3, Newton 2, Davey, Valenti, P. Johnson, Sylvia, Morton,
North Melbourne: Thomas 5, Jones 4, Harvey 2, Petrie, Hale, Campbell,

BEST
Melbourne: Buckley, Jones, Valenti, Davey, McDonald, P. Johnson
North Melbourne: Harvey, Hale, Jones, Thomas, Gibson, Simpson, Rawlings

INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

Reports: Dunn (Melbourne) for striking Harvey (North Melbourne) in the third quarter by umpire McLaren, Dunn (Melbourne) for striking Harvey (North Melbourne) in the third quarter by umpire McLaren

Umpires: McLaren, Fila, Hendrie

Official crowd: 21,330 at the MCG

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the club.