In a thrilling clash at Ninja Stadium, North Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions played to a dramatic draw, finishing at 71 points each on Sunday, May 11, 2025. This unexpected result marked the first draw of the 2025 AFL season and showcased the Kangaroos' resilience against the reigning premiers, who had been heavily favored going into the match.
The Kangaroos, who have struggled throughout the season, were desperate for a win to lift them from the bottom of the ladder. After a rough start to the season, where they lost six consecutive games following their initial victory in Round 2, North Melbourne’s performance against Brisbane provided a glimmer of hope. The Lions, on the other hand, entered the match with a strong record, sitting at the top of the ladder after a series of impressive victories.
North Melbourne welcomed back George Wardlaw, who had missed the previous match due to a corked thigh. His inclusion proved vital as he contributed significantly to the team's efforts, finishing the game with 19 disposals, five clearances, and over 450 meters gained. His performance was highlighted by his defensive efforts against the Lions' star midfielder, Lachie Neale, who was held to just four disposals in the first quarter.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams had their chances to secure a victory. The Lions initially took control, leading for most of the match, but a determined North Melbourne side fought back, showcasing their grit. Jack Darling, a key recruit for the Kangaroos, scored two crucial goals in the final term, helping to close the gap as the Kangaroos rallied from a nine-point deficit at the last change.
With just 80 seconds left on the clock, Cam Zurhaar managed to score a behind, leveling the scores at 71 points. Despite multiple entries into the forward line in the dying moments, North Melbourne couldn't find the winning score, and the match ended in a stalemate.
Brisbane's Cameron Rayner also had a standout performance, contributing three goals to his team's total. However, it was Eric Hipwood's missed opportunity late in the game that could have sealed the win for the Lions, as he failed to convert from a promising position in the right forward pocket.
The match also saw an unfortunate incident early on, as Jarrod Berry was ruled out due to concussion after a heavy collision with North Melbourne's Luke McDonald. The incident is expected to be reviewed by the Match Review Officer, raising questions about McDonald's actions during the play.
Throughout the match, North Melbourne's defense showed improvement compared to their previous outings, as they managed to keep Brisbane to just two goals and 15 points in the first quarter. This marked the first time this season that the Kangaroos did not concede four or more goals in the opening term, a significant improvement for a side that has struggled defensively.
As the final whistle blew, both teams were left to ponder what could have been. Brisbane's Lachie Neale expressed disappointment in the team's performance, stating, "We’ll probably take the two points ... We couldn’t have played too much worse." Meanwhile, Fox Footy commentators noted that the Lions were fortunate to escape with a draw, with Brad Johnson stating, "They got out of jail the Brisbane Lions for two points. They had their opportunities, the Kangaroos. That was the big win that was just sitting there on the platter."
The match was not only a thrilling contest but also highlighted the growing rivalry between the two teams. North Melbourne's ability to compete with the best, even in a season marked by struggles, is a positive sign for their fans. The Kangaroos will look to build on this performance as they aim to turn their season around, while Brisbane will need to regroup and address the issues that led to their near loss.
Looking ahead, the Kangaroos will hope to carry this momentum into their next fixture, while the Lions will need to reassess their strategy to ensure they can continue their push for the top of the ladder. As the AFL season progresses, every match becomes crucial, and both teams will be eager to capitalize on their opportunities moving forward.
