Kangaroos down Tigers in scrap to enhance wildcard finals claims
AAP
Cooper Trembath’s four goals underlined North Melbourne’s 25-point victory over Richmond in an ugly, scrappy match at the MCG.
Sunday’s 10.13 (73) to 6.12 (48) result gives the Kangaroos a back-to-back win as they try to return to the finals for the first time in a decade and move on from their 124-point thrashing against Fremantle.
After North scored its first goal of the final period and set a game-high 34 points, Noah Balta scored two consecutive goals to keep the contest tight. However, Richmond could only score one more goal and North held on for the victory.
Harry Sheezel had 31 possessions to lead the Kangaroos midfield and James Trezise was a solid player for the Tigers.
Despite the sunny weather and light breeze, the start of the match looked inspired by the football World Cup.
There was no score until about 10 minutes later when the Tigers pounced on a defensive turnover and Sam Banks scored on a run.
All was well at the first break after George Wardlaw responded.
Two goals in a matter of minutes gave North the jump at the start of the second quarter, and Jasper Alger responded with a spectacular goal from deep.
Trembath’s one-handed goal and goal gave the Kangaroos an eight-point break at half-time.
He scored two more goals in the third round as Richmond remained goalless.
The Kangaroos built a 26-point lead and while the Tigers hesitated with their ball movement, North was rewarded for being ready to use the lane.
Richmond captain Toby Nankervis, playing his first match since the second round, came face to face with Trembath on through balls.
Trembath would immediately go forward and either Tristan Xerri or Taylor Goad would do the ground back work.
