North Melbourne has made a promising start to 2026, winning five of their first 11 games, their best start under Alistair Clarkson so far.
The Kangaroos completed their second-largest comeback in the club's history, coming back from 43-points down to steal the win after the siren with a goal from Cameron Zurhaar.
After the Kangaroos bye, they will head to Bunbury to play the ladder leaders, Fremantle, which is one of the two home games North Melbourne has sold to Western Australia.
Speaking on the Six Points AFL Podcast, Mark Stevens is disappointed in the Kangaroos decision to sell games as they make a push for a wildcard spot.
"They could have beaten Fremantle if the game had been at Marvel, where it should be. Selling games is really on the nose. It's maybe a necessary evil, but it's still evil," Stevens said.
"If you're a North Melbourne supporter, you are a chance of finally playing finals, oh hang on, look at the fixture, oh no we'll just sell a game to Bunbury, we'll go all the way over to Perth, and we'll play Fremantle in a game over there.
"So we'll give Fremantle a free kick, the top side, just what they need at the moment, we'll have another game in WA, it ruins the integrity of the fixture, sure you get your money, but seriously North Melbourne, if you want to take the next step, progress and become a competitor again, don't sell games to Bunbury.
"It's complete nonsense, and it ruins it for everyone else, because it gives Fremantle a free kick as well, you have a chance to beat Fremantle at Marvel."
Daniel Harford believes the next five weeks could be crucial for North Melbourne's wildcard push.
"Is there a wildcard in their future, Stevo? They've put themselves in a position now, their two wins clear of 14th," Harford said.
"The Kangas, all of a sudden, after that amazing comeback against the Gold Coast Suns, are in the running.
"They've got a big five weeks coming up, they've got the bye, then they go to Bunbury, one of those sold games to Fremantle, and then they've got a run of four games which they can win, West Coast at home, Richmond at the MCG, Essendon at Marvel and Port Adelaide in Adelaide."
