Rhyce Shaw continues to build his case for the permanent job at North Melbourne after the Kangaroos racked up their fourth AFL win under the caretaker coach.
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Sunday's 17.10 (112) to 11.7 (73) win over St Kilda in Hobart made it four wins from five matches since Shaw took over from Brad Scott ahead of round 11.
Shaw has the youngsters like Cameron Zurhaar and Nick Larkey, who booted five goals apiece against the Saints, and Jy Simpkin, who had 36 possessions, playing well.
He's also getting the most out of his experienced players, with the whole team playing with more freedom and dare.
Shaw would make it very difficult for club powerbrokers to look elsewhere if he guides his team to the finals, which is not out of the question as they sit in 10th spot with a 7-8 record.
"I've said it a lot, but I've loved the opportunity to coach this footy club," Shaw said in his post-match press conference.
"They've been fantastic to me. I'm just really enjoying the day-to-day of being a senior coach and learning every day.
"Again, I haven't really thought about it (permanently). I've only thought week-to-week and that's all I can do. I've told all players and staff that.
"We've just got to take care of what's in front of us right now."
Another caretaker in Carlton's David Teague just missed out on adding another win to his resume.
The Blues finished all over Melbourne to lead by a point late in Sunday's clash, but Jayden Hunt booted a goal with 90 seconds left to salvage a nailbiting 15.15 (105) to 15.10 (100) victory at the MCG.
Brisbane upset GWS in the last game of round 16, the Lions scoring a 14.10 (94) to 11.8 (74) win at Giants Stadium.
In the surprise result of the round, the Western Bulldogs stunned ladder leaders Geelong at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Young gun Aaron Naughton booted two clutch majors in the final quarter, as the Bulldogs stormed from behind to prevail 10.11 (71) to 7.13 (55) and keep their finals hopes alive.
West Coast edged closer to the Cats with a 91-point belting of local rivals Fremantle.
The Eagles booted 12-consecutive goals after quarter-time on Saturday night to set up the 19.8 (122) to 2.19 (31) win at Optus Stadium.
Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray masterminded a 57-point belting of arch-rivals Adelaide, claiming a record fifth Showdown Medal with 35 possessions in a comprehensive 15.11 (101) to 5.14 (44) win at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
Richmond romped to a 23.12 (150) to 9.4 (58) belting of Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium, the Tigers setting up the trouncing with a remarkable 16.7 (103) to 3.1 (19) first half.
Essendon are right back in the finals mix after they overcame the late withdrawal of star skipper Dyson Heppell and a stern challenge by Sydney to score a gritty 11.10 (76) to 9.12 (66) win at the MCG on Saturday.
Hawthorn kicked off the round on Friday night with an upset 9.13 (67) to 9.9 (63) win over Collingwood.
Australian Associated Press
