Brown’s medal miss as Roos end on high

NORTH Melbourne has ended its season on a winning note, but star Tasmanian forward Ben Brown could not kick enough goals in his side’s 23-point victory over St Kilda to claim the Coleman Medal.

With both sides out of finals contention, Brown’s bid to overtake Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt in the race to claim the goalkicking award was the main point of interest at Etihad Stadium yesterday.

Needing seven goals to draw level, Brown kicked three in the first half and looked an outside chance.

But he couldn’t manage another in the 17.15 (117) to 14.10 (94) win to fall short of Riewoldt, who claimed his third Coleman Medal with 65.

North was 10th and the Saints 16th heading into the final round of the home-andaway season, with those ladder positions reflected in a poor crowd of 19,866 at the St Kilda home game.

The Roos improved to ninth with the result.

But Alan Richardson’s side remained in 16th spot and finishes a season where finals were hoped for — if not expected — with just four wins, a draw and 17 losses.

At least the Saints didn’t turn their toes up when North threatened to run away with the contest.

Brad Scott’s men appeared comfortable enough, up by 22 points at quarter-time then 35 at the main break.

St Kilda looked wobbly when the margin blew out to a game-high 42 points early in the third term.

But a four-goal rally made it a 23-point game at the last change.

Trent Dumont was outstanding for the Roos, with a career-high 38 possessions and a goal.

Ben Cunnington (29 disposals) and Shaun Higgins (29) were also influential.

Retiring forward Jarrad Waite signed off with three goals in his 244th and final match, and the former Blue was mobbed by his teammates after he hit the post with a set shot following the final siren.

If Roos veteran Scott Thompson is to continue his 222-game career, he may start the 2019 season late after he was reported for a crude hit on Jack Steele.

Jack Steven (34 possessions and two goals) and Steele (35 possessions and two goals) led the way for the Saints.