North Melbourne match-winner Cam Zurhaar could've been excused for producing a poor performance on Sunday against Richmond as news of his interrupted week came to light.
Zurhaar battled a bout of illness in the days leading up to the contest that hindered his preparation, while a burst artery in his foot still wasn't enough to pull him from the game.
Instead, a four-goal outing in a tight affair, which helped the Kangaroos record their first victory at the MCG since 2017, is something coach Alastair Clarkson will lean on when his troops need it.
"His mental strength โฆ he had an interrupted preparation with a bit of a virus and a sore foot that just grumbled along, but he was really important for us, particularly early," Clarkson said in his post-match address.
"In a low-scoring game, to kick four goals, you're pretty influential to the final outcome.
"Really pleased with his contribution, but it's a really good example for all our players โ sometimes you've got to play under a little bit of duress, and he just managed his mind really, really strongly today and made a contribution to the team that was pretty important for us."
As the 26-year-old had many moments in the front half, it was an unheralded key defender who also heaped praise from the North Melbourne faithful.
Toby Pink came up clutch when his side needed it. Firstly, curbing the influence of veteran forward Tom Lynch, limiting him to two goals and six marks.
"Players learn & this is what the AFL is asking players to do."
Toby Pink gets some well-earned praise from Bartel & Hirdy - who also believes he might've shown the rest of the league how to execute the rundown tackle the AFL wants. #9FootyFurnace | Watch on Nine & 9Now ๐ฅ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/lQ18SBRn9Y
โ Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 18, 2025
Pink had three moments of his own in the final term, perfectly executing a run-down tackle early in the quarter, and taking two intercept marks, one of which was with 49 seconds to go deep inside the defensive 50.
The South Australian led North Melbourne with seven intercepts and a game-high six marks from 12 disposals.
The Kangaroos will now turn their attention to Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
In last year's corresponding contest, Clarkson's men led by a staggering 54 points before giving up the lead to lose in a thriller under the roof.
