IN A GAME of few highlights, Nathan Grima's last-quarter goal – the first of his five-year career – was the outstanding moment. And his North Melbourne teammates are already preparing to hear all about it this week at the club.
Grima, who made his debut for the club in 2009, was shifted forward midway through the final term of North's 45-point win over Essendon.
It was a chance to finally get on the scoreboard, and he took it.
14 minutes into the last quarter, his teammate Ben Cunnington won a clearance at half-forward and slammed the ball on his boot. A marking contest ensued and behind the pack it bobbled into Grima's lap, when he put it on his left foot and kicked the goal.
He was immediately mobbed by his teammates, who all knew Grima had broken his duck.
"I watched it go in after I kicked it down," Cunnington told AFL.com.au.
"It was pretty exciting because we all knew it was his first goal. He mucks around at training and when he kicks a goal he acts like it's his first so it was a pretty big moment for him.
"The boys were rapt to see him get it.
"We've been well aware and when he got the goal it was a good moment. You have a little chuckle to yourself because he's usually a defender. Watching him up forward, he did well."
Coach Brad Scott saw the piece of play unfold and was pleased for the 28-year-old, who was in his 72nd game.
"He's been copping it for a long time from coaches through players through boot-studders … they've all been giving it to him about ending his career as the player who has played the most games without kicking a goal," Scott said.
"What better way to go forward and snap one on the left?"
Grima has endured his share of injuries at North, but if selected next week against Hawthorn will have played 18 for the season – the most of his five years at the level.
The injuries are part of his story, but so is his popularity at North - made clear after his goal.
"He's just the ultimate competitor," Cunnington said.
"He's resilient, and the amount of injuries he's had he just keeps fighting through them to get himself right to go out on the track.
"When he's out there, he's an absolute competitor and we love to play alongside him."
