Ben Brown and Lance Franklin went head-to-head on Sunday and while Buddy's Sydney took the premiership points, the North star extended his lead at the top of the Coleman Medal standings.
Brown booted four goals in the loss, while Franklin wasn't disgraced, kicking three, including his 900th career major.
The Kangaroos big man becomes the first player to reach the half-century in 2018, with Franklin now eight goals behind him.
Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan kept the pressure on with a four-goal haul against the Bulldogs
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Two goals was enough for Jack Riewoldt to leapfrog Luke Bruest after the Hawks small forward was held goalless following a big few weeks.
Jeremy Cameron also slipped down as he continues to serve his suspension.
COLEMAN MEDAL TOP 10 AFTER ROUND 17
| PLAYER | TEAM | GOALS | LAST GAME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Brown | North Melbourne | 50.19 | 4 (round 17) |
| Lance Franklin | Sydney | 42.25 | 3 (round 17) |
| Jesse Hogan | Melbourne | 40.18 | 4 (round 17) |
| Jack Riewoldt | Richmond | 37.19 | 2 (round 17) |
| Luke Breust | Hawthorn | 36.20 | 0 (round 17) |
| Jeremy Cameron | GWS | 35.19 | 3 (round 14) |
| Tom Hawkins | Geelong | 34.21 | 4 (round 17) |
| Tom McDonald | Melbourne | 33.10 | 3 (round 17) |
| Josh Kennedy | West Coast | 32.12 | 3 (round 17) |
| Josh Caddy | Richmond | 32.9 | 1 (round 17) |
Ben Brown's North Melbourne take on Collingwood in a massive clash at the MCG this Saturday, while Sydney will host Gold Coast at the SCG later in the day.
