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Before we get too far into the game analysis, great live stream. Good picture quality, glitchless internet streaming and good commentary. Many thanks to those involved.

Well that turned out to be a pleasant afternoon. Found a spot on the gasometer wing next to the Bradke clan. Whereas Maxy has recently shed 10kg Austin has gone the other way and put on 10 kegs. Now in the low 90’s. He loves being at the club and supported us growing up. Just like his dad. Five clubs were into him apparently but only had eyes for the red and blue.

I was impressed with him too George. For mine I thought Spargo isn't getting the love he should, he was very good today and smart. I have commented on Bedford in my track reports and it was great to see him put it into play today, he too was very good. I thought Baker, who hasn't had much of a preseason, showed some good toe today and Lockhart is AFL standard. Sparrow and Jordan worked hard, Rivers was very impressive and Fritsch and Gus worked into the game well. Brown spoilt his game with some terrible set shot kicking and the Wagners were solid. But the takeout for me the last two games is how well we've run out games, it really has been impressive. Last year we looked slow and tired all season but today we bounced. Great to see. With Gawn, May, Hannan and hopefully Smith not far away we look in pretty good shape.

Saw Harley Bennell at the ground. Biggest takeaway, he looks happy. massive smile on his face

From AFL.com At one stage, after a late Tarrant spoil on Bayley Fritsch – another standout in his first pre-season hitout – Pickett physically remonstrated with the North Melbourne backman. Love it!

North - in for a year if pain. The fact they couldnt beat a side with 8 VFL players is worrying. As i mentioned during the game, bottom 4 side. Reminds of Melbourne of 2012 when Neeld came on board. Brayshaw- played the 2nd half and played really well after started a bit rusty. Play next week and get him cherry ripe for round 1. Baker- Good in patches I thought. Showed some real run and carry and used the ball well. Will play senior footy this year. Bradke- actually thought he battled well even though he was rag-doll. Something to work with there. His timing around the center was off times. The other kid who wore number 35 had a much better keep on him and was jumping all over Xerri.. Courtney?? Melksham- Was BOG in the first half. Bedford- liked his game, his run down tackle on Daw and his goal was a highlight. Should have easily kicked 3. Works very hard. Hunt- Will be lucky to play 10 games this year. Confidence looks shot and he'll either be traded or delisted. Pickett- Lock him in for round 1. Should have easily kicked 3. Brown- Lock him in for round 1. Should have easily kicked 4. Rivers- Besides his blunder he was the highlight for me. Has a huge booming kick and hit his targets well. Now I know why we didn't take Hayden Young because this kid will be just as good.

Brown has to play Round 1. I'm a big wrap for Jackson's future, but Brown does so much more at the moment (as he should) and will bring more to the table right now. Weid as the back up ruck for Gawny with T Mac and Brown as the stay at home forwards. As others have said, lots to like about today. Our depth is looking better and some of the kids are showing that they can hold their own. I thought Spargo gave us something good around the ground today, while I like the look of Rivers. I think he is one for the future. May not get a huge amount of games this year but definitely has a bright future. Kozzie has to play Round 1. His forward pressure is immense and he'll kick a few bags this season as he finds his feet. Overall, great hitout and our solid form and build up to Round 1 continues. That's a big win in my book.

Lot to like about today... Several picking themselves for round 1. Kozzie a certainty Brown a certainty Lockhard very close to certainty Bedford could play early Rivers looks very good Brayshaw.. no concerns, rust is quickly disappearing Bradke gone up another gear

I watched it live mate and he definitely wasn’t “unsighted”. I thought his pressure was pretty good and he was one of the main antagonists with breaking down the Roos short game with his speed most of the day. he clearly could’ve been better but tbh he wasn’t too bad imo.

Yes, considering we only played 6 AFL listed players, some for a half only, and our real team played the following day. The fact they didn't blow us away when they fielded 19 AFL listed players was embarrassing for them.

Just pleased to get the four points.

Bedford, Lockhart and Rivers all are AFL level.

Small group of about 15 doing repeat 100’s. May seemingly running freely as is Max and Vanders. Bradtke here as well so might not be In the scratchy.

What are our odds for the flag? #lidisoff #getaroundus #postingwhiledrinking #hic*

Exactly what Tomlinson was saying to Lockhart after Lockhart went inboard and turned the ball over leading to North’s first goal. Interesting listening as the North player was lining up. Tomlinson basically told him there was no need to go toward the centre at all. He praised him for the nifty footwork but Tomlinson had led to the boundary and that’s where the ball should have gone.

Asked Max and May how they were tracking. “we’re back” ”we’re both back”

I love Kane Cornes.

Some great tackling today by Gus, Wagner (I dunno which one) and Lockhart. Good to see them stick.

He gone done holding the ball, playing like he would in an AFL game. He got it wrong footed then turned to give the handball back to the guy who should have been running past, but there was no one there. Being fairly harsh with the comparison to Tyson there wwsw

Absolutely. Learned quite a bit about some of our kids today. Bedford was very good. Has some skills. Sparrow will be a senior player sooner rather than later. Jordon went in hard. Didnt see heaps of him but liked what i did see. Oscar Baker did enough to suggest he has a future. Rivers.... what a leg he has. VERY excited about this lad. Second half from Brayshaw was excellent after a slow start. Bradke wasnt the baby giraffe i expected to see. Brown will get lots of games this season. A win always makes me happy, and probably a bit hyperbolic, but today was a very good day considering how many VFL players we used V's Norf. They never looked a chance of beating us despite having every right to think they should. I would light a cigarette right now if i smoked..

Welcome to D'Land. Nice contribution. Positive posts most welcome, however you will find in the minority.

Gee Lockhart looks composed with the ball down back.

Gus is back!

Might only be a scratch match but there are players here clearly trying their hardest to make an impression and impressing they are. Some of the ball movement out of defence has been first class and intensity is through the roof.

Lockhart would be in serious contention for a game round 1. Another good game as a small defender.

Loving Trent Rivers. Very happy to take them on and can then hit a target 40-50 metres away.

Spargo has started really well. Watching him close up and he’s made some smart decisions in traffic.

Rivers with 60 metre kick outs down the middle, yes please.

Can't see Sydney making it. Also could see Geelong drop out this year, ageing stars at the end & the loss of Kelly... ...and unconvinced by Port.

On a non-MFC note, great to see Majak back playing footy!

Never in doubt.

Jetta - 7 Disposals at 100% efficiency , 4 intercept possessions and 2 score involvements. BOG!

Good on Demons major sponsor Zurich for donating $10 for every person attending tonight. If 50,000 attend that's half a million dollars.

Great spirit out there today. North wanted to intimidate and were left in the dust Tarrant and Daw both tried to intimidate Fritsch and hurt him but he just worked back into it and was courageous and skilful.....a really great clubman

It is one win from one match. Last week we fielded our seconds side against Essendon so it definitely doesn't count/ Then today we had, depending on who you rate, between 15-18 of our best 22 out and we played a North side that had about 8-10 players rested including their five best - Higgins, Ziebell, Cunnington, Goldy and Brown. It was however a good sign as it was a game that the Roos would have been expected to win and it was at their training ground - usually a big advantage.

He played and was solid. Kicked one and missed a couple that he would normally kick. Dropped a couple of speccies. Happy with his game.

I just like winning, any game where we win is great, Last pre season i think we lost nearly everything. We look like a club that has had a plan all pre season, players fir, depth showing. Im so excited about what we can do this year, we look like a team that enjoyable to watch again. I know its a practice match, and people tend to tell us to relax, but id mych rather be excited about winning a praccy match that a bit worried because we have list games in the pre season. Club feels good at the moment.

We showed our depth and it looks as if there will be some hard choices picking a 1st 22 come the Eagles game.

It might only be a Scratch Match but Game Day is here and there will be plenty of Demonlanders in attendance to give you updates. If you don't trust those in attendance then you can watch the game yourself via the clubs website or their app. Match details North Melbourne v Melbourne - free entry Friday 28 February, 1.10pm (AEDT) Arden Street Oval (204-206 Arden St, North Melbourne) Live stream to commence at 1.00pm (AEDT) on melbournefc.com.au and the club app Melbourne 9. C.Spargo 10. A.Brayshaw 12. T.Bedford 16. T.McCaffrey (Casey VFL) 17. J.Munro (Casey VFL) 18. J.Melksham 20. A.Tomlinson 23. J.Jordon 24. T.Rivers 27. R.Sparkes (Casey VFL) 28. O.McDonald 29. J.Hunt 30. A.Vella (Casey VFL) 31. B.Fritsch 32. T.Sparrow 33. O.Baker 34. M.Hore 35. A.Courtney (Casey VFL) 36. K.Pickett 37. M.Lewis (Casey VFL) 38. M.Brown 40. C.Wagner 41. J.Lockhart 42. J.Wagner 44. C.Ellison (Casey VFL) 46. A.Bradtke 48. J.Briggs (Casey VFL) Eight Casey VFL players are in the Melbourne squad North Melbourne 1. M.Daw 2. M.Williams 3. J.Anderson 6. T.Garner 8. B.Scott 14. T.Dumont 15. P.Ahern 16. A.Bonar 17. J.Pittard 18. S.Atley 19. J.Walker 21. D.Tyson 23. B.McKay 24. S.Durdin 25. R.Tarrant 28 A. Tipungwuti (North Melbourne VFL) 30. C.Comben 31. C.Taylor 32. M.Wood 34. J.MacMillan 36. J.Crocker 38. T.Xerri 40. T.Murphy 41. M.McGuinness 42. T.Campbell 43. A.Hall 44. C.Zurhaar 46. L.Hosie Adam Tipungwuti is the only VFL-listed player in the North Melbourne squad.

Think we could see a Pickett/Bedford Combo in the future.

Very impressed with Rivers, apart from the one bad turnover early his kicking has been elite and he is very composed with the ball in hand he doesn’t just panic and bomb It to no one

16. T.McCaffrey (VFL) 17. J.Munro (VFL) 18. J.Melksham 20. A.Tomlinson 23. J.Jordon 24. T.Rivers 27. R.Sparkes (VFL) 28. O.McDonald 29. J.Hunt 30. A.Vella (VFL) 31. B.Fritsch 32. T.Sparrow 33. O.Baker 34. M.Hore 35. A.Courtney (VFL) 36. K.Pickett 37. M.Lewis (VFL) 38. M.Brown 40. C.Wagner 41. J.Lockhart 42. J.Wagner 44. C.Ellison (VFL) 46. A.Bradtke 48. J.Briggs (VFL)

Yes. Their pressure in forward 50 is stopping any free flow from Roos defence. We have missed this for a while.

OMac is a pretty good kick, doesnt miss many. Thats not an issue.

Hannan looks close. Might be a sneaky chance for some time against the Hawks. Weird running style that makes you think he’s still got something uncomfortable going on. I had a chat to him. He’s aiming to play a half of VFL in a fortnight.

Kelly out is a huge loss for Geelong. With Selwood declining, I have them dropping out. Sydney will finish bottom 8.

My hatred of this arrogant club and their supporters cannot be understated.

I'm going along and being a local resident here's a few tips for food and bevvies. A new Woolies supermarket opened recently three minutes walk away under the new high rise units (which you can't miss) which has a cafe, sushi station, hot pre-prepared food down the back section, a bakery with all the usual stuff you'd find at Bakers Delight and a bottle shop. If that's not enough there's a dog park opposite the supermarket which has a cafe across the road. Further down Macaulay Rd, one minute further, past the Boundary Rd intersection, there's a caf that does burgers, chips, salads etc. You won't go hungry or dry depending on your need. As far as access is concerned, I've always just walked into Arden St.

Half the media are Bomber fans.

Certainly not something to be sneezed at.