1. If anyone was to get hold of the match ball post game, it probably looked like a stress ball with a permanent impression of Tom Barrass’ fist in its belly. Barrass was part of an outstanding West Coast defensive effort and consistently denied the North forwards by planting an authoritative fist and belting the ball clear of the pack. With Will Schofield also doing a brilliant shut-down on Ben Brown, North struggled to find a consistent avenue to goal.

2. There are few things more pleasant on the eye than seeing Lewis Jetta glide out of the back half and using his silky right boot to hit up a teammate further afield. Jetta was among the best afield with 21 possessions, rebounding the ball out of the Eagles’ defensive 50 zone seven times, but also sending it inside the forward 50 three times. He gained an amazing 715 metres with ball in hand and was an architect of the important victory.

3. On the subject of football majesty, another player who fills the ground with expectation when he has the ball in his hands is Willie Rioli. Something good usually happens when he has possession of the footy and a few times a game it’s simply mesmerising. The first of his two goals, coming in the opening term, was pure genius. Twice he feigned and forced North defenders to commit to smother before neatly slotting it through from the pocket.

4. While it was, without question, Josh Kennedy’s day, the forward structure of the Eagles bothered the Kangaroos' defence all game. JK led the way, but any attacking unit that takes 21 marks inside 50 is going to wreak havoc. Kennedy took six marks inside the arc, but was ably supported by Jack Darling (four), Oscar Allen (three) and Jake Waterman (three).

5. The work rate of Andrew Gaff and Dom Sheed was something to behold. In conjunction with Elliot Yeo, Luke Shuey and Jack Redden, the engine room was humming. Gaff and Sheed cranked it up early and continued throughout – Gaff had 33 touches, 12 of them contested, won six clearances and gained 518 metres for his team while Sheed accumulated 31 possessions, sent the ball inside 50 five times and gained 417 metres with ball in hand.