North Melbourne 2018 trade guide: Who should the Roos chase this off-season?

THEY struck out on Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly and now Jordan De Goey, but the Roos aren’t afraid to go again. Eventually someone will accept. We investigate the club’s options.

North Melbourne had Jordan De Goey in its sights. Picture: AAP Images

THE Kangaroos get the most out of the talent that represents the jumper week-in, week-out.

Despite the mixed reactions externally they’re prepared to be aggressive targeting free agents. Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly eventually knocked back enormous figures last year but Cam Joyce and Co reloaded on Jordan de Goey. They’ve failed again, but they’ll go again.

BIG SWING: ROOS LAUNCH $5M PLAN FOR DE GOEY

LOOKING AHEAD: HOW THE ROOS WILL GET STARS

CLUB STARS: WHO IS THE ROOS’ BEST PLAYER?

North Melbourne is aware it lacks star factor of de Goey’s calibre and in his age bracket. Shaun Higgins, Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell are playing great football but are north of 27 years of age. While an Andrew Gaff or Rory Sloane would certainly help win games, they’re not in the age profile required.

Knock on Josh Kelly’s door again? Definitely next year, so who is the new target? It’s a numbers game for the Kangas, eventually someone will accept. Surely.

Jordan de Goey in action for Collingwood.

Josh Kelly in action for GWS Giants.

Jed Anderson, Majak Daw and Paul Ahern are repaying the faith, but father time may catch up to Jarrad Waite and Scotty Thompson. North has been patient with Luke Davies-Uniacke and expect to see more of him in the back half of the season.

Braydon Preuss has significant trade currency if the Kangaroos feel that Todd Goldstein can stay healthy in his early 30s.

Tarryn Thomas will be North Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy selection and looks a ready-made star but they are disappointed not to also have Nick Blakey under the father-son rule as he chose the Sydney Swans as an academy graduate.

If all else fails, back to the draft and continue business as usual.

LIAM TWOMEY REVIEWS NORTH’S TRADE OPTIONS

IN PLAY

1. BRAYDON PREUSS

Age: 23

Games in 2018: 0

There was a time last year when it looked like Preuss was ready to grab North’s top ruck spot and never let it go but things change pretty quickly. He has since been relegated to the VFL this year and rivals are keeping a close eye on him.

2. SHAUN ATLEY

Age: 25

Games in 2018: 13

He has blistering pace and is as durable as they come but Atley is yet to become a star. At what point do the Roos start looking elsewhere for higher impact? Atley could benefit from a fresh start.

3. MASON WOOD

Age: 24

Games in 2018: 7

In what is year five for Wood at the Roos, he continues to tease. He has been injured and spent time in the VFL this year but still managed 12 goals in seven games. North stuck by Majak Daw, will Wood receive the same support?

Would North Melbourne listen to offers for Mason Wood? Picture: Getty Images

BUY BUY BUY

1. LUKE DAHLHAUS

Age 25

Club: Western Bulldogs

Games in 2018: 14

Adding Luke Dahlhaus, who is a free agent at the end of the season, would give the Roos’ depth a strong boost. Slotting the premiership Dog into the forwardline allows Shaun Higgins to spend even more time in the midfield.

2. ANDREW GAFF

Age: 26

Club: West Coast

Games in 2018: 13

North is also one of the clubs eyeing off the possibility of adding Gaff to its midfield. The triple threat of Gaff, Ben Cunnington and Shaun Higgins would be among the best trios in the league.

3. JEREMY McGOVERN

Age: 26

Club: West Coast

Games in 2018: 12

Scott Thompson can’t play forever. And while his 2018 season has been ultra-impressive, there is no doubt the Roos are looking at the future. McGovern would be the perfect fit to lead the backline for the next five or six years.

WINS AND ROUNDABOUTS

What makes North Melbourne’s rise in 2018 even more impressive is that it is basically the same group which was in the bottom four last year. The Kangaroos couldn’t have gone harder at Dustin Martin and Josh Kelly but after striking out on both, they backed their development rather than settling for less appealing options. Now they are cashed up and ready to launch again.

FANTASY QUICK FIX

With finals now well and truly on the agenda, the health of Jarrad Waite is a major concern. The Roos need another option up forward. Imagine if they were able to snap up Greater Western Sydney’s Jeremy Cameron as a second. The Brown and Cameron one-two double act would keep the club in finals contention for years to come.

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Originally published as North Melbourne 2018 trade guide: Who should the Roos chase this off-season?