Clarkson’s horror 38-match streak ends as ‘maniac’ leads North to shock win
North Melbourne have ended a horror seven-year losing streak with a 15.10 (100) - 11.11 (77) win against the eighth-placed Western Bulldogs to keep themselves in the hunt for the AFL finals.
Alastair Clarkson’s men came out of the blocks hot at Marvel Stadium leading 5.0 (30) - 1.1 (7) at one stage of the first quarter.
Finn O’Sullivan and Zac Banch of the Kangaroos celebrate. Getty
By the end of the quarter that margin had shortened to 21 points. When both sides went to the main break, the lead was 10.2 (62) - 5.6 (36).
North Melbourne’s lead continued to shrink as the match went on, leaving fans in the stands more anxious.
At the final break, the Kangaroos were only leading by 10 as the Bulldogs started to believe.
The final quarter started horribly for North Melbourne when Sam Davidson scored a goal, with the camera panning to a furious Clarkson in the box.
However, the Kangaroos rallied to secure their first win since 2019 against the Bulldogs. It was also the club’s first win against a top-eight side under Clarkson’s reign, who previously had one draw and 37 losses.
The match finished with Luke Parker kicking a snap and saluting the crowd as the 13th-placed Kangaroos keep pressure on clubs in the wildcard spots.
“It’s a huge win for Alastair Clarkson, under pressure, he’s had the toughest job in football the last three or four years and this is credit for all his hard work,” David King said on Fox Footy.
George Wardlaw, who hadn’t played since round 17, was the star with King full of praise.
“I tell you what, the North Melbourne Football Club is a different team with George Wardlaw, they play with anger that seemed to disappear when he’s not in this team,” he said.
“It needs to be studied, it needs to be looked at ... he drags this midfield to another level.
Wardlaw collected 19 touches, one goal, three tackles and six clearances from 57 per cent of time on ground.
George Wardlaw of the Kangaroos is challenged by Marcus Bontempelli. Getty
The midfielder put the team’s incredible display down to “shinboner acts”.
Paul Curtis kicked four goals for the Kangaroos while Caleb Daniel had 33 disposals.
Curtis also described Wardlaw as a “maniac”.
“He brings so much grit into our midfield ... I’m happy he’s back,” he said.
