Tempers flare as former Swans teammates Tom Papley and Jacob Konstanty in heated clash
On a day the club celebrated the 30th anniversary of its 1996 grand final triumph over the Swans, the Kangaroos couldn't channel the energy into a victory over the ladder-leaders.
But it was far from a shellacking - in fact, North Melbourne led for much of the first half before the Swans found their groove in the second to run home 16.9 (105) to 14.13 (97)
North Melbourne led by as much as three goals late in the first quarter, and still had their noses in front at the main break.
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It was a spirited clash at Marvel Stadium. Early in the third quarter, former teammates Tom Papley and Jacob Konstanty got into a melee in the centre square.
Former Swans teammate Jacob Konstanty and Tom Papley were involved in a scuffle in the third quarter. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Konstanty landed a heavy hit on Papley, who was awarded a free kick. But before the ball got back to him, Papley sprung to his feet and chased after his former teammate.
"He's really not happy," commentator Mark Howard said on Fox Footy.
They ended up sprawled across the turf, before the umpire blew play on.
Unfortunately for the Kangaroos, it was Papley who had the last laugh when he booted his second of the afternoon to level the scores.
It would be the last time the Kangaroos would lead all afternoon.
Papley and the Swans had the last laugh. Getty
Papley's was the first of three goals in four minutes for the Swans, and the Roos were never again within a goal.
Isaac Heeney was the star of the show for the Swans, collecting 24 disposals, 15 contested possessions, three goals and eight score involvements.
The win ensures the Swans remained on top of the ladder, having briefly dropped behind the Dockers after their win over the Hawks on Thursday night.
