List analysis: Every North Melbourne player rated, plus where coach David Noble thinks the Kangaroos need to improve
North Melbourne went hard at Josh Kelly, only to miss out on another big-name recruiting target. So, where could the Roos splash the cash? Marc McGowan assesses their priorities.
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How, or if, North Melbourne plans to use its war chest this off-season remains the greatest source of fascination about the Roos.
Key target Josh Kelly knocked back North’s million-dollar advances for the second and probably final time in three years, so there is cash to splash.
A competitive second half of the season buoyed hopes the Kangaroos are on track under first-year coach David Noble despite finishing on the bottom.
Out-of-favour Melbourne key forward Sam Weideman, the No. 9 pick in the 2015 draft, is the other opposition player consistently linked to the Kangaroos.
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It’s also the area of the ground that Noble identified as where his side needs more talent, to complement emerging spearhead Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar.
Forward-ruck Charlie Comben looms as a potential partner-in-crime for Larkey if he can shake his injury history, while mid-season draft No. 1 pick Jacob Edwards also looks an excellent prospect.
“I think another partner for (Larkey, and) another small forward,” Noble said on 3AW, when asked where his team’s recruiting priorities were.
“We’ve got some really good talent and speed in there, but another little, robust forward in through there (would help).
“Maybe even looking a bit further – some more support for, say, ‘Hally’ (Aaron Hall) off halfback. We’ve had a couple of young guys, like Flynn Perez, who unfortunately did a knee, who we haven’t been able to get up and running.
“‘Corry’ (Aidan Corr) hasn’t played through there, so I think they’re probably the areas we’re looking at.
“I think Luke McDonald’s done a really good job on the wing. Tom Powell can probably roll through there as well.
“So, I think we’ve got most areas covered, but the forward line is certainly one we need to give some consideration to in the next year or two.”
Hall – enjoying a career-best season – is one of the more interesting names among the 15 North footballers without a deal for next year, along with unrestricted free agents Robbie Tarrant, Shaun Atley and Trent Dumont.
Noble in recent days deferred a question about that group to general manager of football talent Brady Rawlings, but confirmed exit meetings would occur this week.
MARC McGOWAN’S ANALYSIS OF EVERY ROO
1. Jed Anderson Age: 27 Games: 85 Status: Signed to 2022
A pre-season calf injury then an ankle setback shortly after returning that required surgery meant Anderson’s season was largely a write-off. But the hard-nosed on-baller remains a critical part of the Roos’ engine room, given his hardness, experience and being three years younger than Cunnington. Will be keen to reach full fitness for a contract year.
2. Shaun Atley Age: 28 Games: 234 Status: Signed to 2021
Continues to rack up regular games and is within sight of game 250 next year, but may receive only a one-year deal – and certainly no more than two – as the club put off negotiations until season’s end. Can be a whipping boy among the fanbase and he will likely be under more pressure to keep his spot in 2022, assuming he remains at Arden St.
3. Aiden Bonar Age: 22 Games: 22 Status: Signed to 2023
Inked a fresh two-year deal in July that followed an encouraging start to the season in defence. But the former Giant’s big strides this year coincided with another injury – this time resulting in ankle surgery and more months on the sidelines. Has contract security, but needs to get his body right as North plans to ascend the ladder.
4. Atu Bosenavulagi Age: 20 Games: 11 Status: Signed to 2022
Had a decent first year in blue and white after crossing from Collingwood in the trade period. The Kangaroos switched Bosenavulagi down back and he more than doubled his previous career games tally without quite becoming a senior regular. Still only young, but will want to prove his worth next season to score a contract extension.
5. Charlie Comben Age: 20 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2023
Has suffered repeated injuries since arriving at North Melbourne and his season ended with a right collarbone break at training, only days after kicking a goal in his AFL debut. North has high hopes for the strong-marking forward-ruck, evidenced in it giving him a two-year extension in December last year. Everyone at the Roos are praying for an injury-free run from here.
6. Aidan Corr Age: 27 Games: 100 Status: Signed to 2025
Played only two games in his first season with North Melbourne, because of a toe injury that became infected. The Roos targeted the restricted free agent to stiffen the defence and provide more experience, with Scott Thompson retiring and Robbie Tarrant entering the twilight of his career. Corr’s had his share of injuries and will hope to leave them behind in 2022.
7. Ben Cunnington Age: 30 Games: 227 Status: Signed to 2022
Cunnington’s season ended suddenly in late July, when the club revealed he underwent surgery to remove a testicular tumour. The veteran midfielder has since confirmed the operation was a success and he expects to be back on the field to start next season. He had another prolific campaign this year and isn’t showing signs of slowing down yet.
8. Luke Davies-Uniacke Age: 22 Games: 50 Status: Signed to 2023
Enjoyed easily his best AFL season this year, including re-signing for two more years in March. The man known as ‘LDU’ promises to be one of the most important players at the Kangaroos for the next decade and a pivotal piece in their bid to return to the finals. If the midfielder follows the trend, he will likely sign for two extra years at some point to take him through to free agency.
9. Trent Dumont Age: 26 Games: 113 Status: Signed to 2021
Dumont’s been pushed out of North’s on-ball rotation and replaced by the younger crew, so his future is a fascinating watch. Could yet remain at Arden St but is exploring his options at opposition clubs to see where he sits. Has been a dependable servant at the Roos, but his midfield minutes aren’t likely to increase if he stays.
10. Eddie Ford Age: 19 Games: 5 Status: Signed to 2022
Made a good impression in his first season at elite level, including two goals and 10 score involvements against Sydney in the penultimate round. The No. 56 pick in last year’s draft comes out of contract next season but all signs point to him signing an extension.
11. Taylor Garner Age: 27 Games: 49 Status: Signed to 2021
The injury-prone forward fit in only four matches (seven goals) this season and 15 across the past four years. Garner turns 28 in January and his career is on the line after the Roos threw him a one-season lifeline in October last year. Looks to be in trouble.
12. Todd Goldstein Age: 33 Games: 273 Status: Signed to 2022
Goldstein wasn’t quite as good as his outstanding 2020 campaign but still doesn’t have a challenger to his No. 1 ruck mantle. There was some criticism towards the Kangaroos’ decision to give him a three-year contract at his age, but he’s more than repaid their faith. Whether he continues beyond next season could depend on his body, the development of others or North recruiting a big man.
13. Aaron Hall Age: 30 Games: 144 Status: Signed to 2021
Hall’s been one of the season’s surprise packets, putting together an All-Australian-calibre campaign at halfback to buoy his hopes of earning a new deal at a club in rebuilding mode. Already playing for his second team, the veteran is most likely going to receive a one-year contract to play on in 2022.
14. Nick Larkey Age: 23 Games: 51 Status: Signed to 2024
Signed a three-year deal in March that rubber-stamped him as the Roos’ key forward of the present and future. Larkey’s responded with a career-most 42 goals in 22 games, including a bag of seven against Carlton in Round 19. Poised to become one of the game’s most prolific forwards in the seasons to come.
15. Charlie Lazzaro Age: 19 Games: 12 Status: Signed to 2024
Convinced the people who matter enough by halfway through his first season to hand him a two-year extension. That offers a good early indication of how highly Lazzaro is rated internally. Gives North Melbourne a nice injection of speed and looks a bright prospect.
16. Jack Mahony Age: 19 Games: 29 Status: Signed to 2023
Added two more seasons to his stay in December last year and responded with another solid campaign, where his defensive nous and smarts came to the fore. Is already a senior regular but will want to hit the scoreboard more often next season and maybe even push more into the middle.
17. Luke McDonald Age: 26 Games: 137 Status: Signed to 2026
A quad injury delayed McDonald’s start to the season, then he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in his return game in Round 4 that sidelined him for more than two months. That unlucky first half of the year followed him re-signing in March for a whopping five years, in reaction to his career-best 2020 campaign. McDonald’s been a strong contributor on the wing since recovering and shapes as a potential captain.
18. Ben McKay Age: 23 Games: 37 Status: Signed to 2023
Removed any doubt about his future when he inked a two-year deal in June. McKay, the twin brother of Carlton’s Harry, has become one of the AFL’s most promising key defenders and was one of the genuine bright spots at the club this year. Will be a free agent in 2023.
19. Flynn Perez Age: 20 Games: 3 Status: Signed to 2022
Suffered a second ACL rupture in March that ruled him out for the entire season, only two months after signing a new one-year contract. The dashing defender boasts neat skills and looms as a big part of the Kangaroos’ future – provided he can remain on the field.
20. Will Phillips Age: 19 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2024
North initially tread carefully with the No. 3 pick in last year’s draft, given he didn’t play any football in 2020, because of injury and the Covid-19-cancelled season. But Phillips warmed to the task in the second half of the year and will be a big part of the club’s midfield moving forward. Added two years to his draft contract in June.
21. Jared Polec Age: 28 Games: 146 Status: Signed to 2023
Still has two seasons to run on the monster five-year deal he signed in switching from Port Adelaide in 2018. A hamstring setback early in the season put him on the back foot but opportunities since he recovered have been few and far between. Is still young enough to be a factor if he can have a big pre-season.
22. Tom Powell Age: 19 Games: 13 Status: Signed to 2024
Was part of the club’s mid-season re-signing spree that saw him extend his contract for a further two years. A groin injury prematurely ended Powell’s debut campaign, but not before he showed he was well and truly up to the level. Won a combined 48 disposals across rounds six and seven and averaged almost 17 for the season.
23. Bailey Scott Age: 21 Games: 34 Status: Signed to 2022
Secured his future with a fresh two-season deal in September last year. Took a step forward this year and first-year coach David Noble used him in various roles. Flashed his upside in a 26-disposals outing against Carlton and also limited Saints star Bradley Hill to six touches playing as a defensive forward. Will seek greater consistency in 2022.
24. Jy Simpkin Age: 23 Games: 95 Status: Signed to 2022
Should be the Kangaroos’ No. 1 or, at worst, No. 2 re-signing priority. A two-year deal would take him through to free agency, or he may opt for a long-term arrangement. Simpkin’s become one of the game’s elite midfielders and should only improve with greater depth around him. Is one of two club vice-captains, with Luke McDonald, and one of them will succeed Jack Ziebell as skipper.
25. Phoenix Spicer Age: 19 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2022
Spicer’s strong form at the lower level earned him a deserved final-round AFL debut. The South Australian speedster worked hard for his opportunity – even before being drafted – and can play up forward or on a wing. Will aim to become a more regular feature of the senior side next season.
26. Jaidyn Stephenson Age: 22 Games: 73 Status: Signed to 2025
Was part of the infamous Collingwood salary cap clean-out of 2020, with the Roos looking the big winners at this stage. Stephenson fits the club’s age demographic perfectly and averaged close to 20 disposals and a goal in his first season in new colours after arriving on a five-year contract.
27. Robbie Tarrant Age: 32 Games: 174 Status: Signed to 2021
Kidney surgery ruined the first half of this year for Tarrant, but he’s been his usual strong-performing self since returning in Round 13. He wants to play on next season and a one-year deal is likely to be struck for one of the club’s veteran leaders.
28. Curtis Taylor Age: 21 Games: 30 Status: Signed to 2022
Played almost every game this year and finished the season well without setting the world on fire. Appears to have another level to go to and is one of North Melbourne’s better kicks, so a contract year in 2022 might be just the motivation he needs.
29. Tarryn Thomas Age: 21 Games: 47 Status: Signed to 2022
There isn’t a more exciting player on the list and arguably none of his teammates has more upside. The smooth-moving Tasmanian increased his midfield minutes significantly this year and his statistics surged with the greater opportunity. Thomas has indicated he would likely wait until at least early next year to extend his time at the Roos.
30. Kayne Turner Age: 25 Games: 101 Status: Signed to 2022
Turner made the move from the forward line to defence this year after flirting with the switch in recent years. Played every game in 2021 after a toe injury cost him all of last season. He’s part of the leadership group and valued highly at the club for his work ethic.
31. Dom Tyson Age: 28 Games: 113 Status: Signed to 2021
It’s been an alarming fall from grace for Tyson, the No. 3 draft pick for the Giants in 2011 and a senior regular at Melbourne for five years. Arrived at the Kangaroos in the trade for Braydon Preuss, but soft-tissue injuries ravaged him and he’s played only six games in three seasons. It’s hard to imagine Tyson will be at Arden St next year.
32. Josh Walker Age: 28 Games: 123 Status: Signed to 2021
Walker’s proven a fine investment since joining North Melbourne as a delisted free agent, after stints at Brisbane and Geelong. He can play at both ends of the ground, but has predominantly served the Roos down back. Walker will be at the Roos again next year, with a deal certain to be struck.
33. Tristan Xerri Age: 22 Games: 12 Status: Signed to 2022
Managed to squeeze in eight games this year, but largely wasn’t able to leapfrog veteran big man Tom Campbell to be Todd Goldstein’s ruck deputy. Is still only young by ruck standards, but will hope to take a major step forward next season, in a contract year, to prove he’s a long-term prospect.
34. Lachie Young Age: 22 Games: 24 Status: Signed to 2022
North Melbourne traded for the former Bulldog last year and he managed to play a career-high 16 matches this season. Young’s form faded in the second half of the year but the Roos like him, particularly his kicking skills. Should receive plenty of opportunities again in 2022 to prove his worth and potentially extend his stay.
35. Jack Ziebell Age: 30 Games: 239 Status: Signed to 2021
Embraced his new role down back this season and became a ball-winning machine, averaging a career-high 25 disposals per match. The fifth-year captain has been unerringly loyal to North Melbourne, but remains out of contract and will likely have to settle for one-year contracts from this point.
36. Cameron Zurhaar Age: 23 Games: 64 Status: Signed to 2022
Produced comfortably the best season of his career this year, after some exciting glimpses but a lack of consistency previously. Shapes as the ideal third tall in North’s forward line and his tackling pressure and intensity rounds out an exhilarating package. Is among the top few players the list management team will want to lock away for the long term.
37. Tom Campbell Age: 29 Games: 54 Status: Signed to 2021
The former Bulldog played only three games across his first two seasons at North Melbourne, but played nine matches as Todd Goldstein’s ruck back-up this year. May even have played well enough to give himself value at rival clubs but he offers solid ruck insurance for the Roos, unless they want to invest in their younger talls from 2022.
38. Jacob Edwards Age: 18 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2023
Edwards surged onto the AFL radar this season after being overlooked at last year’s national draft. North snared the promising 202cm forward-ruck with the first pick in the mid-season draft, then extended him for two more years in August.
39. Charlie Ham Age: 18 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
The Kangaroos’ second pick in the mid-season draft is yet to lock in a deal for next year but is likely to receive an extension. Like Edwards, the 180cm midfielder didn’t find a home in last year’s national draft but showed good progress in the first half of this year with the Geelong Falcons.
40. Kyron Hayden Age: 22 Games: 12 Status: Signed to 2021
Hasn’t been sighted at AFL level since playing three games up to Round 5, largely because of a serious hamstring setback. A knee injury ended last season prematurely for him after carving out a niche for himself in defence. Hayden will have to wait but is likely to go on.
41. Matt McGuinness Age: 21 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
Underwent surgery in July after the recurrence of a foot injury. The Tasmanian Next Generation Academy product, a tall, rebounding defender, has spent the past two seasons on the Roos’ list as a category B rookie. Will hope to retain his spot for another year.
42. Connor Menadue Age: 24 Games: 46 Status: Signed to 2021
Menadue was plucked from AFL obscurity in last year’s rookie draft, after playing 39 games for Richmond before spending the 2020 season outside the system. Featured seven times at senior level up to Round 11 but no more after that. Could be in trouble.
43. Patrick Walker Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2021
Another Tasmanian, Walker has impressed in his first season across half back and on a wing. Quickly earned a reputation as one of the Kangaroos’ best kicks and has been included on match day despite being yet to make his AFL debut. Will score a new contract.
44. Will Walker Age: 22 Games: 6 Status: Signed to 2021
Walker’s suffered through a nightmare injury run since putting together an eye-catching first quarter against Adelaide in Round 22, 2018, only to go down with a serious knee setback. That cost him the 2019 season and more injuries since have conspired against him. Might struggle to get another go.
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