North Melbourne end of season review: How I’d fix the Kangaroos
AFTER missing out on Dustin Martin, North Melbourne say they will move on to plan B and C. So just what is that? GILBERT GARDINER looks at the options.
Nrth Melb
Don't miss out on the headlines from Nrth Melb. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WITH more than 1500 games out the door, 2017 was always going to be painful for North Melbourne.
GILBERT GARDINER knows there was plenty of pain as the Kangaroos blooded their youngsters, but here’s what he believes they need to do to ensure their future.
NORTH’S NEEDS: WHO THE KANGAROOS SHOULD TARGET
THE SEASON ROUND UP
Nobody expected the Roos to compete against the top echelon after shedding more than 1500 games’ experience last year, but equally the 0-6 start was far from acceptable.
Played well in spurts but unable to get the job done early in the season. The Roos steadied the ship, winning four of the next five, before dropping 10 of the last 12 games.
Startling win over eventual minor premiers Adelaide rocked the competition, while hard-fought victories against Melbourne proved to be season-defining for the long-suffering Demons.
Ben Brown’s emergence as one of the competition’s most damaging forwards a major boost for the resetting Shinboners.
GODFATHER OFFER: NORTH’S DUSTY BID DWARFS TIGERS
WE WANT YOU: KANGAROOS OFFER BRAD SCOTT CONTRACT EXTENSION
THE PROBLEM
Wins over Adelaide and Melbourne coupled with narrow losses to Geelong and Western Bulldogs (twice) shows the Roos have the cattle to contend, but all too often disposal and poor decisions lets them down.
Need to be cleaner with the ball across the field and less predictable going forward. Missing Jarrad Waite for several games left Brown vulnerable to defenders zoning off their men.
The list generally features too many B and C-graders that can be found out against sides brimming with top-end talent. Important Roos Sam Wright and Ben Jacobs couldn’t get on the park due to persistent injuries, while Majak Daw failed to inspire in the first year of a three-year contract extension.
THE COACH:
Strong season for Brad Scott, arguably his best despite the W-L column. Blooded a season-high 10 debutants and was not afraid to shuffle the magnets — Shaun Atley (wing/half forward) and Luke McDonald (wing/midfield).
Traversed tricky selection dilemma — Todd Goldstein and Braydon Preuss — with aplomb. He managed to keep Kangaroos focused during the 0-6 start, resulting in a mid-season fightback before fatigue and inexperience took a toll.
According to reports, set to accept a three-year deal which will be ideal for the Kangaroos rebuild.
THE SOLUTION
Keep playing the kids to separate the contenders from the pretenders. Need to expose lesser-lights to the rigours of AFL and see if they can handle the heat. Would like to see Kangaroos coach Brad Scott persist with Jack Ziebell in the forward line, play Waite further up the ground and Luke McDonald in the midfield.
A natural competitor, McDonald loves the big stage and having the ball in his possession.
North parted with a first-round pick for Jed Anderson and are yet to reap the rewards. But wonder whether the tenacious tackling forward-midfielder could be suited to a lockdown role in defence alongside Marley Williams?
THE TARGET
After missing out on Dustin Martin, North Melbourne need to turn to plan B and that means heading to western Sydney and talking to a couple of GWS players outside of Josh Kelly.
The Kangaroos have plenty of cash to splash and Devon Smith and Jacob Hopper remain unsigned at the Giants. Speculation around Kelly’s future continues but given he might stay put, that could force a couple of players out with his hefty price tag.
BUCKY SAYS:
What has happened to Todd Goldstein? He is an untouchable in my opinion and North Melbourne need to do all they can to get him back to his best.
THE DREAM/BLUE SKY IDEA
No shortcuts. Total rebuild, target elite young talent.
Draft picks are the priority at Arden St over the next year or three. Trading Todd Goldstein frees up salary cap space and should result in a first-rounder.
Would Gold Coast pay overs (late second/early third round) for contracted Andrew Swallow? The former skipper sets the standard for intensity and courage, attributes the Suns so desperately need.
Playing alongside younger brother David is the bonus. Ben Jacobs and Lachie Hansen could benefit from a fresh starts after interrupted runs.
IN TROUBLE?
Two that the Roos could cut:
Corey Wagner
Will Fordham
2018 PREDICTION
8-10 wins.
Originally published as North Melbourne end of season review: How I’d fix the Kangaroos
Clubs demand MCG games as 100-year celebration plans begin
More clubs want more games at the MCG next year and three teams are plotting once-in-a-century moments in 2025. See what fixture requests are coming the AFL’s way.
Trading places? How the biggest AFL deals will get done
Almost every AFL club is poised to get busy this trade period. See who your club is looking at, who they should be chasing and how they will get their deals done in our ultimate guide.