We all know the scoreboard is the bottom line, but there are times when even the baldest single statistic of wins and losses can be misleading. North Melbourne might be such an example.

The Kangaroos were 2-7 three weeks ago, and going through the usual routine of having their entire future as a club questioned because of a few losses.

[They are now 5-7 and] North Melbourne could easily be in the eight within a fortnight..

– Age reporter Rohan Connolly, 20 June 2011

For North Melbourne fans in 1999 the top line of the MCG scoreboard on Grand Final Day was the bottom line: its fourth premiership, an 18.9 (117) victory over Carlton 11.15 (81).

Photo courtesy of North Melbourne Football Club.