1. Fans have their say

A planned protest outside Etihad Stadium was abandoned, but North Melbourne fans still found a way to voice their displeasure at the decision not to offer champion Brent Harvey a new contract. The crowd of 22,295 could be interpreted in two ways – it was the Kangaroos' lowest at Etihad Stadium against an interstate team this season, but it was also the highest for a GWS game at the venue since 2013. Those who did attend cheered loudly for Harvey when he won his first possession on the half-forward flank, and they rose to their feet when he was rotated off the ground. Supporters gathered to cheer a pensive group of veterans off the ground, but the reception for coach Brad Scott – the public face but not the sole decision-maker when it comes to list management – was not as warm.

2. GIANTS might as well be on top

There could hardly have been more at stake for the Giants on Saturday night. Win and they were likely to face the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium in a qualifying final, bagging a double chance and a virtual 'home' final next door to their training base. Lose and they were staring at an away elimination final against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG, where they have a 1-9 record. The Giants' fourth-place finish relies on Hawthorn beating Collingwood on Sunday. If there is an upset, GWS will stay in third spot and face Geelong in Melbourne in their opening final.

3. North off the finals pace

The Kangaroos will go into an elimination final on the back of four consecutive losses and with two wins from their past 11 matches. More damning, they have now lost their past nine games against fellow 2016 finalists, kicking an average score of just 67 in those clashes. They'll face Adelaide if Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs win on Sunday, returning to Adelaide Oval where the Crows had their measure 100-67 back in round 14. It has been an incredible fall for a team that won its first nine games and sat on top of the ladder as late as round 12. 

4. Stevie can smell September

Steve Johnson has played in 23 finals for 38 goals and he'll be one of the GIANTS' most valuable assets when they run out for their maiden September match in two weeks. He produced a vintage performance against the Kangaroos, crumbing brilliantly and kicking a miraculous goal running towards the boundary in the third quarter. He finished with a bag of four, taking his season tally to 43 and more than justifying his decision to play on after being cut by Geelong. It is a live possibility that he could face his old team in September. 

5. Drew's frustration 

The Kangaroos paid tribute to their departing veterans on their banner, which read: "Boomer 29, Drewy 20, Spud 11, Dal 15. Thank you true Shinboners". Harvey was a star with 25 possessions, seven inside 50s and two goals, while Michael Firrito struggled in defence against a red-hot Jon Patton. Nick Dal Santo (22 possessions) was part of a midfield group that was well beaten. It was a particularly dirty night though for Drew Petrie, who registered his first disposal at the 29-minute mark of the third quarter. Opposed to Adam Tomlinson at times, the GIANTS also took to playing 192cm backman Nick Haynes on the popular veteran.