1. Costly loss leaves Roos unlikely to make finals

This was one North couldn't afford to drop, and with the position it found itself in at half-time, it shouldn't have been a loss. Up by 28 points, the Roos looked the better side with Ben Brown breaking out of his mini form slump. They coughed it up though and making finals is a much harder task now, trailing Port Adelaide in eighth spot by a win and percentage. Beating Adelaide (Adelaide Oval) and St Kilda (Etihad Stadium) in the run home will be essential if Brad Scott's side has any chance of featuring in September.

DOGS BITE ROOS Full match coverage and stats

2. Yet another tight finish

These sides have a recent penchant for putting on a thriller, with the past three matches decided by a combined six points. At the main break, it seemed that run was set to end as the Roos held a comfortable 28-point lead, but as the Dogs did last week against St Kilda, they put in a phenomenal third term to come roaring back into the contest. Marcus Bontempelli led the way in the midfield, while Jason Johannisen and Ed Richards showed their speed off half-back. A seesawing final term saw both teams waste chances at times, but the Dogs finished ahead by seven points.

3. Could that have been Jarrad Waite's last game?

Out of contract at season's end, the North Melbourne forward could be rubbed out for a late bump that hit Jackson Trengove in the head. The Bulldog appeared fine and played out the game, but Waite will probably be suspended. Form would dictate the 35-year-old earns a new deal, but his history of soft tissue issues must be considered, with a calf limiting him to 11 matches this season. He makes the Roos a better and more dangerous outfit, but it's no certainty he will be allowed to continue his career at North.

GAME BREAKER Bont sparks the fightback

4. Brown not giving up the Coleman without a fight

After some quiet recent form and a 10-goal haul from Richmond star Jack Riewoldt that rocketed him into the lead of the Coleman Medal, Ben Brown needed to respond if he was to take home a maiden goalkicking title. He did so, booting four while mainly lined up on first-year Bulldog Aaron Naughton. Three came in the second term, including a neat kick off the ground. However, he wasn't able to add to his tally in the second half and shares the lead with Riewoldt on 58.

5. Luke McDonald facing the axe

It's been a quiet patch of form from McDonald. The Roo backman notched up just seven disposals in last week's win over Brisbane and was barely sighted again on Sunday, collecting just 10 touches. He is yet to sign a new deal and it seems there is little doubt he will stay at the club, but the left-footer isn't doing his value any favours at the moment. At 23, McDonald should be entering his prime but instead could find himself dropped, with Billy Hartung looming as a contender to replace him.