Who impressed ...

Cam McCarthy

Stats: 20 disposals, five goals, five marks, four inside-50s

A week ago he was at long odds to play. Now he’s going to be hard to displace, even when Jesse Hogan returns. Led full-chested at the ball and to dangerous areas, chased and tackled relentlessly, used the footy well and had confidence in his goal-kicking - particularly from long range. More impressively, only Ben Brown (15.3km) and his opponent Alex Pearce (14.7km) covered more ground than McCarthy (14.6km), who cut a significantly slimmer figure after an enormous body of running over summer. New haircut, new beard and renewed form - a massive fillip for Ross Lyon and Freo’s selection panel.

Play Video Cam McCarthy boots his fifth goal against North Melbourne in his best showing for the Dockers. The West Australian Video Cam McCarthy boots his fifth goal against North Melbourne in his best showing for the Dockers.

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Darcy Tucker

Stats: 23 disposals, seven tackles, seven inside-50s, four marks, two goals

Was tipped to become Fremantle’s tagger during the JLT Community Series, but enjoyed free-reign on the vast expanses of Optus Stadium. Known for his running and delivered on that front, covering 14.6km playing exclusively through the midfield. Used the ball exceptionally well (78.3 percent efficiency), worked hard defensively (seven tackles) and slotted two goals for his efforts. Also nullified influential on-baller Shaun Higgins during the first half. Break-out season could be on the cards.

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Lachie Schultz

Stats: 17 disposals, six marks, two goals

Another player who didn’t feature during the JLT Community Series, but flourished when given the opportunity - by virtue of a one-week suspension to Brandon Matera. Consistently ran to dangerous pockets of space and wasn’t afraid to throw himself in-and-under. Didn’t necessarily show off the tricks he showcased during Freo’s intra-club hit-out, but was mighty effective nonetheless. Should play next week due to Hayden Ballantyne’s hamstring injury, though his form warranted selection anyway.

Play Video Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz was swamped by his teammates after slotting his first major in AFL football. The West Australian Video Fremantle small forward Lachie Schultz was swamped by his teammates after slotting his first major in AFL football.

Bailey Scott

Stats: 21 disposals, eight marks, three inside-50s, two goals

Another debutant who showed he belongs at the level. The father-son product was arguably among North Melbourne’s best, particularly during a prolific first half. Was clean below his knees and clever with his running patterns in a link-up role through the midfield. Also kicked two classy goals and used the ball remarkably well (90.5 percent efficiency).

Nat Fyfe

Stats: 32 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 10 clearances, eight inside-50s, one goal

Back to his slicing and dicing best, despite a slightly interrupted pre-season. Had 20 disposals and 16 contested possessions to half-time and carried a fair chunk of the load left by the departed Lachie Neale. Fyfe’s clearance work in combination with Sean Darcy was clinical, while his disposal efficiency (78.1 percent) was pleasingly high. Enjoyed a few well-earned rests during the second half, when the result was well beyond doubt.

Brad Hill

Stats: 28 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven tackles, four inside-50s

Rest assured, there’s nothing wrong with Hill’s calf. Wasn’t the speedster’s cleanest game, but it was certainly still effective. Broke the lines a few times with incisive sprints through the middle and was threatening when Fremantle rebounded the ball from defence. Also gathered 12 contested possessions - the third-most of any Docker behind Fyfe (23) and Michael Walters (13).

Camera Icon Fremantle’s first-game players enjoy a gatorade shower following the club’s win over North Melbourne. Credit: Getty Images, Paul Kane

Ed Langdon

Stats: 25 disposals, nine inside-50s, eight marks, six rebound-50s

Was extremely damaging in space - much like Hill - and gained a team-high 542 metres. Featured at both ends of Fremantle’s transitional play with nine inside 50s and six rebound 50s, and used the ball efficiently 80 percent of the time he had it. Also seems to have developed excellent synergy with the Dockers’ other midfielders and looks to be making similar strides with Freo’s forwards. Re-sign him, quick smart.

Alex Pearce

Stats: 10 disposals, eight rebound-50s, five tackles, three one-percenters

Any player who nullifies Ben Brown is worth a mention, even if he shared the task with Joel Hamling and Luke Ryan. Now that he’s got his defensive capabilities down pat, Pearce has learned to use his blistering pace on the rebound - which he showcased several times throughout the afternoon. Has excellent closing speed, a long reach and football smarts. Will he be in the conversation for an All-Australian jumper at season’s end?

Jamie Macmillan

Stats: 37 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 rebound-50s, four marks

By far North Melbourne’s most dominant player. Is developing a reputation for his ball-winning capabilities, which were on show in all their glory on Sunday afternoon. Worked relentlessly but ultimately needed more help from those around him. Could be one of the competition’s most underrated players.

Camera Icon Jamie Macmillan - pictured tackling Michael Walters - tried hard for North Melbourne all afternoon. Credit: AFL Media, Daniel Carson

And who didn’t ...

Hayden Ballantyne

Stats: Six disposals, one mark, one inside-50, one goal

Applied lots of pressure without the ball and kicked a goal, but that’s largely where his contribution ended. Two of his six touches were ineffective, he failed to lay a tackle from 67 percent game time and lost his feet at crucial moments. Few players show as much passion or appear to try as hard as Ballantyne, but he needs to do more to hold off those coming up from beneath. A hamstring injury won’t help his cause.

Mason Wood

Stats: Eight disposals, three marks, one tackle, one inside-50

Rarely sighted all afternoon and was comfortably beaten by Joel Hamling and Luke Ryan. Didn’t impact the scoreboard, nor did the tall forward threaten to.

Jack Ziebell

Stats: 12 disposals, four marks, four inside-50s, one goal, one goal assist

Little-to-no impact from the captain who inexplicably played a vast majority of the game inside North’s attacking arc, despite his obvious talent as an inside midfielder. Yes, he played at full forward for large portions of 2018, but North Melbourne were pummelled out of the centre and needed his grit at stoppages, where he made a name for himself. Perhaps a slight on Brad Scott’s tactical approach, rather than Ziebell’s ability.