What in particular impressed you (about the win)?

The start. The Kangas are a really good starting side, probably the best since (Rhyce) Shaw took over. We had a big focus on that and I thought we brought some good pressure. Albeit wasn’t a massive lead, it was enough to suggest we could help control the game. They’re coming off three out of four interstate games and they’re a younger side. We thought if we could start well we might be hard to chase down.

It was a big day for JK. A big return to form.

We know what he produces. He doesn’t have to kick goals like that to play well. It’s about the collective, it always has been with him. I’m not surprised he’s done what he’s done. It’s great for him, but I don’t think he would be thinking it’s any different than the last few weeks where he has contributed to our wins.

His marking power today, how pleased were you with that?

The supply was a bit different this week than previous weeks. It’s been a bit of a grind, the ball movement. He’s playing on really good defenders and he had it again today. They didn’t have (Scott) Thompson, so we thought we might be able to expose them through some good, deep entries and he delivered. Darling, Waterman and Oscar Allen, our other talls up front, always looked dangerous. And then they bring in the smaller players; they complement our bigs. But it all starts with our mids. Our mids have been pretty good all year and I thought today they put the foot down.

Adam, who’s your number one key forward?

Well we don’t really want to talk like that, I suppose. We’ve probably relied on JK for a long period of time, perhaps too much. We’d like to get the balance and sometimes we feel like Jack is getting a good look. We feel like Oscar is developing really well. It’s pretty much his first year and I don’t think he’s missed a game. He played back for a few weeks. Dual threats is what we are always looking for. If we’re too predictable and we kick it to one person all the time it just doesn’t work for us. We’re trying to get everyone involved.

Percentage is going to play a part in deciding who finishes in the top four. How important was it today that you were able to kick on?

You don’t really want to talk halfway through the last (quarter) about getting good percentage, but I did have the conversation. When you get to that stage you want to reduce the oppo scoring. I thought North never gave up all day. They always looked threatening. They looked tired at stages through circumstance, but I don’t think they gave up. We’ll take the win. We really rate what North have been doing in the last six or seven weeks. They are really well coached. I thought there was some real issues that you’ve got to deal with when you play the Kangas and I thought our experience probably helped out over the course of the day.

Adam, how did you see the ruck battle?

We’re really happy with Tom (Hickey). He’s really developing into a bona fide good ruck, so that’s great for him. We need him. We’re carrying Oscar Allen as a second ruck and I think he’s probably playing his part as well. We’ve probably got Kreuzer next week; it doesn’t get any easier. We’ve been pretty pleased with the way that Tome has been able to compete.

Who are you hoping to get back next week?

Jamie Cripps is a week or two away. Liam Duggan is a week or two away. Hutchings may be available next week. Hurn is probably available next week. Naitanui is not available for a while. I think Hurn would be the main one (vying for selection) and maybe Hutch.