Harry Sheezel ties AFL all-time disposal record in North Melbourne victory over Richmond

Harry Sheezel matched the Australian Football League all-time record for disposals in a single game, collecting 54 touches as North Melbourne defeated Richmond 135-87 at Ninja Stadium in Hobart.

The Kangaroos midfielder equaled the record previously held by Tom Mitchell, who recorded 54 disposals for Hawthorn against Collingwood in 2018. Sheezel also contributed two goals in the dominant performance that ended North Melbourne's seven-game losing streak.

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The victory marked a significant turnaround for the Kangaroos, who secured a 48-point margin over the Tigers with a final score of 20.15 (135) to 13.9 (87). The result lifted North Melbourne off the bottom two positions on the AFL ladder, moving ahead of both Richmond and West Coast.

Sheezel joins elite AFL disposal record company

Sheezel's 54-disposal performance places him alongside some of the sport's most prolific ball-winners in AFL history. The achievement represents only the second time a player has reached this milestone in league competition.

Tom Mitchell previously held the sole record with his 54 disposals against Collingwood in Round 23, 2018. The Hawthorn midfielder's performance had stood as the benchmark for individual disposal counts in the modern AFL era.

Several players have approached the record over the decades, with Greg Williams recording 53 disposals for Sydney against St Kilda in 1989, and Gary Ablett Jr matching that total for Gold Coast against Collingwood in 2012.

AFL all-time disposal leaders show historical excellence

The complete list of highest single-game disposal totals demonstrates the rarity of Sheezel's achievement. Barry Price recorded 52 disposals for Collingwood against Fitzroy in 1971, while multiple players have reached 51 touches, including Scott Thompson for Adelaide against Gold Coast in 2011 and Lachie Neale for Brisbane Lions against Richmond in 2019.

Tom Mitchell appears three times in the top disposal performances, including his record-tying effort and two 50-disposal games in 2017 and 2018. The consistency of Mitchell's high-disposal performances highlights the exceptional nature of reaching such statistical milestones.

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Other notable performances include Tony Shaw's 50 disposals for Collingwood against Brisbane in 1991 and John Greening's 50 touches for Collingwood against Geelong in 1971.

North Melbourne climbs AFL ladder with statement victory

The comprehensive victory over Richmond provided North Melbourne with crucial momentum after their extended losing streak. The Kangaroos' offensive output of 20 goals demonstrated improved efficiency in front of goal alongside their midfield dominance.

Richmond's struggles continued with the defeat, as the Tigers remain in the bottom portion of the AFL ladder. The 48-point margin reflected North Melbourne's control throughout the contest at the neutral venue in Hobart.

The result shifts the competitive balance in the lower reaches of the AFL standings, with North Melbourne now positioned ahead of both Richmond and West Coast in ladder positioning.