Looking Back: North Steal A Huge Road Win

North Melbourne pulled off a huge upset on Saturday night at the SCG, grinding out an important two-point win against the Sydney Swans. Mason Wood's career best four goals were pivotal, as the Roos dug deep late on to steal the four points.

Wood would kick the first and last goals in a seesawing contest, and the Swans struggled to score without talismanic forward Buddy Franklin.

North established a slim early lead and managed to maintain it for the first three quarters until Sydney took the lead in the fourth quarter. The Roos managed to wrestle it back and Wood kicked a brilliant solo goal to steal the lead late and eventually the win.

Tom Papley had a set shot afterwards but it went wide, and Dane Rampe failed to score with his chance when there was just over 30 seconds left. The Roos then held on to a slender lead to take a vital win and insert themselves into the top eight on the ladder.

SI's modelling trusted Sydney to be victorious in 72 percent of simulations, and liked the Roos more than the bookies did at 28 percent (they were $5 outsiders most of the week).

Early in the third quarter North had drawn the Win Probability Index at 50 percent each, and again towards three quarter time.

Sydney's fourth quarter surge saw them reinstate their favouritism and were 75 percent favourites with less than half the final quarter remaining, but North dug deep and got the win in a thrilling clash.