North Melbourne is playing down lofty expectations before 2014

NORTH Melbourne has played down expectations it has become a premiership force after the recruitment of free agent Nick Dal Santo.

Nick Dal Santo

NORTH Melbourne has played down expectations it has become a premiership force after the recruitment of free agent Nick Dal Santo.

The Kangaroos identified the St Kilda All-Australian early in the season, aware their midfield would be a potent force if he joined them.

Now five weeks after the Herald Sun first linked him to the Roos, Dal Santo will join midfield stars like Andrew Swallow, Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell.

DAL SANTO LEAVES ST KILDA

Dal Santo, holidaying in Bali, thanked St Kilda fans on Twitter after his emotional and drawn-out departure on Friday.

“Thanks to all the Saints fans for the support you have shown me and the club over the last 12 years. Will forever be grateful,’’ he said.

Thanks to all the Saints fans for the support you have shown me and the club over the last 12 years. Will forever be grateful.

— Nick Dal Santo (@NickDalSanto) October 18, 2013

But while a stunning off-season full of acquisitions on and off the field has sparked real hope, the Roos aren’t buying it.

North Melbourne list manager Cameron Joyce says the Roos should not have massively heightened expectations despite Dal Santo’s signing.

‘’If you put it into perspective, it’s one player. We think Nick is a top-line player, don’t get me wrong, but one player doesn’t make a team, or make a team play off in the last Saturday in September. He is certainly going to add to our group, but internally we know where we are at. We are building,’’ he said.

The Kangas know as well as a star performer, they have also lured one of the league’s most durable players in the past decade.

Dal Santo, on a three-year deal worth around $1.35 million, has played an amazing 234 games over the past ten years.

The 29-year-old has not played less than 22 games in any of those seasons, and has 260 total games in his 12 seasons.

North Melbourne star Daniel Wells was thrilled at what Dal Santo will bring to Arden Street.

“We’ve got a pretty young midfield, so Nick will add a bit of experience there and I reckon he’ll have a lot of leadership as well,” Wells said.

“There were a lot of games we lost (this year) when we ran around with our heads chopped off for two or three minutes and that cost us. So he’ll add to our experience in those tight situations.”

Joyce said Dal Santo’s ability to play as a complete midfielder was a clear attraction.

“We just (love) his class, his ability to use the ball by foot, and he will compliment some of our minds really well.

"We have some good inside midfielders in Swallow, Ziebell and (Ben) Cunnington, and he is going to be able to help guys like Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey both inside and outside (the contest) because he can do both. He will be able to add to our leaders as well.’’