Expectations were low for North Melbourne last year; they appeared to many a team who had done their dash with back to back preliminary final appearances and were now on the slide.
A ninth-placed finish showed that pre-season pessimism was ill-founded.
If they had hung on in that epic game against Sydney where Aliir Aliir kicked his famous match-winner, they would have sat at 10-6, equal with the Swans and Demons on fifth place.
Ben Brown also looked a very good chance to win the Coleman Medal.
His form, and his team’s, tapered slightly in the run home, but they showed their best is more than capable of challenging the top teams, defeating West Coast, Hawthorn, Sydney and GWS at different points throughout the season.
While he’s not quite the “big fish” they’ve been chasing so feverishly, Jared Polec has arrived from Port Adelaide and seems the perfect fit to complement their strong inside presence, led by Ben Cunnington.
Dom Tyson, Aaron Hall and Jasper Pittard have also found a new home at Arden Street, and add depth to a side who last year didn’t look to have many alternatives if injury-struck.
There is no reason they shouldn’t be right in the mix for finals again in 2019.
OUR BEST 22 - ROUND 1
NOTABLE OMISSIONS: Jed Anderson (hamstring), Majak Dak (pelvis), Sam Durdin (finger), Ben Jacobs (sinusitis), Scott Thompson (suspension)
MVP
With apologies to Shaun Higgins, the Roos’ most important, and best player, is their powerful full forward with the Sideshow Bob hairdo.
Ben Brown might well become the best forward in the AFL in a few years – or this one.
For a start, he’s huge: 200cm and 101kg.
He also has terrific hands, is incredibly dangerous leading up at the ball, and despite the comical length of his run-up, is a very reliable set shot for goal.
He has kicked 60+ goals in each of his last two seasons, and at 26, is entering the prime of his career.
With more outside polish added to the midfield, coach Brad Scott will be trying to ensure that the quality of ball movement inside 50 is better than last season, which would make Brown an even scarier prospect for defenders.
BREAKOUT
Luke Davies-Uniacke may be one of the youngest Roos in their engine room, but he arguably has the most to offer for North Melbourne's future.
The pick No. 4 from the 2017 National Draft impressed in the JLT Community Series, with his silky skills, big-bodied frame and endurance a glimpse into what he can bring to the table.
Despite having only six senior games under this belt, Davies-Uniacke is poised to build upon his tally as he begins to cement himself in the Roos' centre attack.
With a pre-season highly praised by Brad Scott and a mentor in Shaun Higgins to hone his craft, there's plenty to like about LDU.
UNDER THE PUMP
Mason Wood enters his sixth season at North Melbourne as now the second-most important forward.
Having watched Drew Petrie and Jarrad Waite depart the club, there is not only room, but demand, for a marking option to draw some attention off Brown.
Wood has talent to burn, and plays footy the right way: taking the game on, working hard, and attacking the contest.
His biggest problem has been his durability, with last year’s haul of 22 goals kicked from just 13 games; the most times he has appeared in one season.
Jack Ziebell played much of last season as a marking forward, using his strength to his advantage, but Wood is 192 centimetres and both a terrific athlete and a great mark, and should be aiming to combine with Brown for 100 goals this season.
EARLY PREDICTIONS...
1. The Kangaroos will be 7-3 at Round 10
2. If the Wood/Brown combo hits prolonged form, captain Jack Ziebell might struggle to find a spot in either the forward line or the extremely tough midfield
3. Aaron Hall’s form will dictate how successful the Roos are in 2019
Comments