Roosters speedster Matt Campbell punishes hapless Bloods at Prospect

NORTH Adelaide announced itself as a genuine finals contender with an 87-point annihilation of West Adelaide at Prospect on Sunday.

NORTH Adelaide announced itself as a genuine finals contender with an 87-point annihilation of West Adelaide at Prospect on Sunday.

It was the Roosters circa the 1980s and ’90s when the likes of Tony Antrobus, Andrew and Darren Jarman reigned at Prospect under Mick Nunan with an enterprising and attacking game style.

Fast forward two decades and coach Ken McGregor has the Roosters firing with a brand of football flair and substance that overwhelms opposition when on-song.

North’s resounding win was enough to displace Norwood from fifth spot on percentage. The Roosters carry a tremendous platform into next week’s clash with the Crows.

“It was a great win, I was really happy with the guys but now we focus on the Crows who will better this time around,” said McGregor.

By contrast, West counterpart Mark Mickan was left to ponder a comprehensive lack of application for the majority of a one-sided contest.

The Bloods remain with just three wins and facing serious reflection entering the next round against Port Adelaide.

Gun Roosters Matt Campbell (five goals), Nick Amato (30 touches), Marlon Motlop (30) and clearance king Jay Shannon are blessed with sublime skills while the likes of Cohen Thiele (10 inside 50s) picked up touches at will.

Richard Newell slotted the first goal of the game but it was all North from that point on scoring 18 of the next 20 goals.

Goals from Aaron Fielke (two) and Michael Still (two) briefly finally stemmed North’s dominance in the third term but it had been carnage up to that juncture from an disappointing West unit.

The Roosters are dangerous when their running fluency hits overdrive - illustrated by a six-goal first term against a bewildered West.

The Bloods’ coaching staff hadn’t settled in their seats as North took just nine seconds for the opening goal of the second term. It would take another 13 minutes for North’s eighth, triggering a belated Bloods’ response from Jono Beech.

The Roosters then launched a six-goal blitz with three from Campbell.

North had sealed the game with a 77-point lead at the main break - enjoying 68 more possessions, leading inside 50s 32-15 and scoring shots 20-3.