North Melbourne’s Cam Zurhaar receives the keys to the City of Bunbury, much to his team’s amusement

North Melbourne star Cam Zurhaar has become the butt of his team’s jokes after being handed the keys to the city by Bunbury following the Kangaroos’ 10-point win over West Coast on Sunday.

Zurhaar kicked two goals during the final quarter to help the Roos to erase an 18-point deficit and win on a day where they’d sold their home game to play the match at Hands Oval.

City of Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Migue is a passionate North Melbourne supporter and attended the team dinner that night. Zurhaar was shocked to be handed the keys to the city.

“It’s a bit funny,” Zurhaar said.

“The keys are from 1970 and they open nothing. It’s a bit of a laugh.

“It was weird to be honest. We met him last time when we came over for that practice round. It was a funny experience getting the keys. There were so many more boys he could have given it to but he decided to give it to me.”

The Kangaroos victory came despite having 22 fewer inside 50s than the Eagles. Zurhaar said it was obvious the team needed to improve on that performance but he took positives from the way they remained in the contest.

Zurhaar said former Sydney veteran Luke Parker’s effort in the last quarter showed why the Kangaroos targeted him. Parker had 10 possessions and five tackles for the term and his ability to seize the key moments was vital when the game was on the line.

North Melbourne added multiple experienced players to their young squad during the off-season with Parker, West Coast’s Jack Darling and Western Bulldog Caleb Daniel bolstering the team.

Zurhaar said they had provided the group with a calming influence.

“Just that experience from Luke Parker was massive. He’s been in those situations so many times and knows what to do. It was great to have him,” he said.

“Having older players around like Darling, Parker and Caleb Daniel - calm heads. they complement us so well.

“They bring so much. It’s so valuable for us. they’re three great players for our team.”