Few coaches in the AFL exhibit the fiery passion of Adam Kingsley. The Giants shared footage of his explosive reaction during the halftime break of last year’s Sydney derby, a match where they had struggled significantly in the first half. However, the initial half against Brisbane on Sunday was far from deserving of such an outburst; the Giants had been performing commendably against the reigning champions, a team that typically brings out their best. But what transpired during the halftime break remains a mystery, as they unleashed a torrent of scoring that is rarely seen in contemporary football, especially against the back-to-back premiership winners.
Their semi-final encounter in 2024 is already regarded as one of the most extraordinary matches in recent history. Unlike that game, which featured wild momentum shifts, this contest was marked by a relentless 30 minutes of one-sided, aggressive play. It resembled a local footy match where former AFL players dominate a team of weekend warriors. With minimal resistance, the Giants scored within the first 20 seconds and then unleashed a brand of football reminiscent of their glory years in 2016 and 2017, launching long, sweeping attacks from the back. It was akin to a seamless training drill.
The Giants’ 14-goal barrage constituted the highest third-quarter score ever recorded in VFL/AFL history and marked the most goals scored against a reigning premier in a single quarter. The final score was 26.10 (166) to 13.10 (88) at Engie Stadium.
It’s worth noting that this Giants squad has struggled to find their rhythm this season. Following injuries to Tom Green, who severely damaged his knee, and Sam Taylor, who suffered a hamstring injury during the AFL Origin match just a day later, they have been navigating a challenging landscape. Their recent performance saw them narrowly defeat Essendon and succumb to the Eagles the week prior. Amidst these challenges, Kingsley’s communication strategy has leaned toward projecting an amiable demeanor. “Oh yeah, we’re just a bit off, we’ll be fine,” he states in a tone that lacks conviction. However, it’s likely that his tone shifts when the cameras are off.
This isn’t the first occasion Brisbane has found themselves in a slump, prompting discussions in the football community about their potential decline. Remarkably, the Lions have a reputation for bouncing back from such situations. An early Sunday afternoon at the Sydney Showground hasn’t historically favored them, and despite the 14-goal third quarter, there are indications that not everything is right within the team. In previous seasons, even during rough patches, they would maintain a strong defensive stance against top teams. The absence of key defenders Brandon Starcevich and Callum Ah Chee has been notable. Additionally, Dayne Zorko’s absence over the last two weeks has been impactful; he plays a crucial role in energizing the team and providing structure. Yesterday, the Lions appeared emotionally and structurally lost without him.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of recent years, Alastair Clarkson has consistently radiated optimism. “The game’s on a knife’s edge,” the North Melbourne coach reassures every week, regardless of the outcome, whether it be a heavy defeat or a close loss. At halftime of the recent match, despite trailing Gold Coast by 38 points, he reiterated this sentiment. “The game’s on a knife’s edge,” he told Fox Footy’s Ben Dixon.
Clarkson’s optimism is not unfounded. North Melbourne has shown they can test the limits of their resilience. They have their share of weaknesses, lapses in concentration, and stretches of play that leave spectators bewildered. A few weeks ago, Geelong managed to score 14 goals against them in just over half an hour. Their second quarter against Adelaide last week was particularly uninspired and disorganized, showcasing a level of play that seems out of sync with the league’s standards.
However, North Melbourne is bolstered by a core of players, especially their younger talents, capable of remarkable performances when fully engaged. George Wardlaw stands out as a powerhouse, a player around whom Clarkson can envision a promising future, intimidating opponents and teammates alike. Harry Sheezel has already made a significant impact by the age of 21, winning two best and fairest awards, captaining the team, and achieving the equal most possessions in a game, all while generating considerable media attention. Finn O’Sullivan also contributes with his exceptional ability to navigate out of tight situations.
All three were instrumental in North’s comeback this past weekend. Wardlaw, in particular, made a significant impact by collecting 13 of his 19 disposals in the final quarter. Clarkson’s strategic adjustments, including shifting Colby McKercher into an attacking half-back role and abandoning the Cam Zurhaar-to-defense experiment, paid off. Zurhaar returned to his familiar position, relishing the opportunity to make a decisive play against the Suns late in the game. There was a moment of panic when two players attempted to take an advantage after Zurhaar was knocked down, which could have resulted in a devastating loss for North Melbourne. Fortunately, the umpire was lenient, allowing the Roos to secure a narrow victory with a final score of 17.9 (111) to 16.9 (105).
The Suns displayed notable skill during the match; however, their sluggish approach as they headed into the final quarter was concerning. Their defenders appeared fatigued, and they were running low on allowable rotations. In tense moments of previous games, coach Damien Hardwick would shout, “raise the fight” to his runners. In the closing minutes of this match, he was vocal, but his players seemed to have exhausted their capacity for resilience.
