AFL 2022 list analysis: Every North Melbourne player rated, plus their contract status beyond 2022
Alastair Clarkson’s arrival at North Melbourne signals hope for the future, but where does the current list stand? Marc McGowan looks at the contract status of every player and their form.
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Alastair Clarkson’s arrival as coach — or messiah — has buoyed the mood at North Melbourne despite the club collecting consecutive wooden spoons.
Clarkson choosing the Kangaroos over the Giants and Johnny-come-lately Essendon could prove a significant moment but that won’t be known until at least next year and probably beyond.
What it means for the playing list also remains to be seen but the hope is the four-time Hawthorn premiership coach’s presence will convince Cam Zurhaar to stick around and No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis to extend.
Will Clarkson want Todd Goldstein to stay for another season, or will he embrace young towers Tristan Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones?
And does ex-Hawk Jed Anderson fit into the super coach’s plans?
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Fellow former Hawthorn players Liam Shiels, who may not survive the cut at Waverley Park at age 31, and Bradley Hill, now at St Kilda on a mammoth contract, are already being linked to Arden Street.
Clarkson admitted he had touched base with some players about next year and that “Hilly would look all right in blue and white”.
“I think a couple (of recruits) will help,” Clarkson told Fox Footy.
“But they didn’t have (Ben) Cunnington for a big slab of the last 12 months, which is just a great story that he’s back now.
“He is 31 years of age but I’d expect they would get a fair amount of leadership and guidance from him. He’s been a great player for a long period of time.
“We need a couple of guys around that 27-, 28-year-old bracket probably, but, having said that, some of the guys like (Aidan) Corr, (Ben) McKay and even (Nick) Larkey – these guys are sort of mid-20s and in a couple of years, they’re going to be your 26 year olds.
“They’re going to be the guys you build your club around.”
PRIMARY LIST
1. JED ANDERSON
Age: 28 Games: 99 Status: Signed to 2022
The tough on-baller didn’t play his first senior match this year until round 8 after a summer stand-off about getting vaccinated against Covid-19, following an adverse reaction to the first dose. He finished the season averaging a career-best 22 disposals but his contract negotiations have been elongated as usual. Is he part of the future?
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2. JACKSON ARCHER
Age: 19 Games: 3 Status: Signed to 2023
The son of club great Glenn made a good impression at VFL level and knocked on the door of the senior side for several weeks before making his AFL debut in round 15. Managed only two more matches after that but positioned himself for more opportunities next season.
3. MILLER BERGMAN
Age: 19 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2023
Broke through for his senior debut in April after an encouraging start at second-tier level, only to suffer a right shoulder dislocation in the opening term against Carlton. That setback ruined the second-round draftee’s season but he showed promise before that.
4. AIDEN BONAR
Age: 23 Games: 32 Status: Signed to 2023
Another frustrating season for the ex-Giant, who snuck in 10 games for the second straight year but was in and out of the side a bit and had some injuries. Bonar has the comfort of being contracted for next season but will need to get moving and prove his value to stick around beyond that.
5. ATU BOSENAVULAGI
Age: 21 Games: 20 Status: Signed to 2022
Has played 17 games in two seasons since crossing from Collingwood but only one after round 12 this year. Bosenavulagi has age on his side but his output at AFL level was underwhelming despite being a consistent VFL performer. A nervous wait ahead.
6. CALLUM COLEMAN-JONES
Age: 23 Games: 19 Status: Signed to 2025
The Roos’ big trade acquisition — literally and figuratively — will hope for greater things ahead. Made only four senior appearances until he was recalled for an extended stint in round 17. Tristan Xerri’s good form and Todd Goldstein’s presence meant Coleman-Jones wasn’t the lock many expected him to be. Still looms as a key part of the post-Goldy plan.
7. CHARLIE COMBEN
Age: 20 Games: 2 Status: Signed to 2023
Comben came in for his sole match in the final round. The forward-ruck was made to wait early before undergoing mid-season surgery to remove screws from his right leg, which he previously suffered a tibial stress fracture in. He is a regular goalkicker at VFL level, but the Roos would love to see him break through in AFL ranks next year.
8. AIDAN CORR
Age: 28 Games: 120 Status: Signed to 2025
Bounced back to play 20 matches and be a leading contributor down back in his second season at Arden Street after a serious toe infection restricted him last year. The former Giant, as well as Ben McKay, would dearly love to be under less pressure in 2023 and has a big role to play in a largely youthful squad.
9. BEN CUNNINGTON
Age: 31 Games: 229 Status: Signed to 2024
Cunnington produced one of the football year’s most heartwarming moments when he made his senior return in the penultimate round after overcoming testicular cancer. The dual Syd Barker medallist is a popular figure at North and inked a two-year extension this week that should see him deservedly reach the 250-game milestone.
10. PAUL CURTIS
Age: 19 Games: 15 Status: Signed to 2025
Curtis’ nomination as North Melbourne’s best first-year player was enough evidence to illustrate how good he was in his debut season. The crafty forward’s numbers don’t quite do him justice and he was stiff not to score a Rising Star nomination for his three-goal heroics against Richmond. The Roos acted quickly to extend him in July for two more years beyond his draft contract.
11. LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE
Age: 23 Games: 71 Status: Signed to 2023
What a season from the No. 4 pick in the 2017 draft, with an exclamation mark in the second half of the year. The star midfielder won 30-plus disposals in six of his last 10 matches and may even be the club’s next Syd Barker medallist. Comes out of contract next year and the Roos will have to pay up to keep him.
12. EDDIE FORD
Age: 20 Games: 8 Status: Signed to 2024
Didn’t appear in the AFL after being the medical substitute in round six and played only three senior matches in total but ticked the scoreboard over regularly at the lower level. The Kangaroos saw enough to extend the young forward for two more seasons in September last year.
13. JOSH GOATER
Age: 19 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2023
Had to wait until round 23 to make his AFL debut but impressed once he did with 21 disposals. The No. 22 pick in last year’s draft, who grew up a North Melbourne fan, is highly rated internally and can play multiple roles as an athletic 190cm midfielder. There should be more opportunities for Goater next year.
14. TODD GOLDSTEIN
Age: 34 Games: 295 Status: Signed to 2022
The veteran ruckman played all 22 games and spent more time forward but is still one of the club’s best players. Goldstein indicated publicly he would like to finish his career in royal blue and white — after previously knocking back rival overtures — but would the Roos prefer to hand the reins over to Tristan Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones? The 300-game milestone looms, which could be a factor.
15. HUGH GREENWOOD
Age: 30 Games: 104 Status: Signed to 2023
Greenwood was supposed to be a massive steal for North Melbourne after the Suns delisted him thinking they could redraft him, but was a tad underwhelming this year. His numbers were down almost across the board, so it will be interesting to see how he fares under Alastair Clarkson next season. Has a games trigger for the 2024 season.
16. AARON HALL
Age: 31 Games: 155 Status: Signed to 2022
Was surprisingly axed for the final round, even with bulk injuries and after winning 28 disposals the previous week, so that could present a twist in contract negotiations. That selection statement would suggest Hall’s being asked to provide much more than offence and may not have been delivering without the Sherrin. Turns 32 in November.
17. JASON HORNE-FRANCIS
Age: 19 Games: 17 Status: Signed to 2023
The No. 1 draft pick did not have the season he, the club or many others expected but still showed glimpses. Horne-Francis’ year was dominated by headlines about his playing future and other matters, including various on-field clashes. Alastair Clarkson’s arrival might be the single most important development in ensuring the Kangaroos retain this talented teenager.
18. NICK LARKEY
Age: 24 Games: 71 Status: Signed to 2024
In Larkey, the Roos have a genuine target to kick to and build around for years to come. He has kicked 80 goals across the past two seasons despite being starved of opportunity compared to rival key forwards. Larkey is contracted for two more years and it’s hard to imagine North would let him go after that period expires.
19. CHARLIE LAZZARO
Age: 20 Games: 24 Status: Signed to 2024
Boasts some exciting attributes but wasn’t able to make a notable impact in his second season at the club. Inked a two-year extension midway through his debut season that offers him security and time to develop but he will hope to take a step forward in 2023.
20. JACK MAHONY
Age: 20 Games: 42 Status: Signed to 2023
Another Kangaroo who had only a so-so year after displaying some encouraging form in the first month of the season. Won single-digit disposals in eight of his last nine games, including medi-sub appearances, so will be keen to translate his VFL form to the higher level next season, which doubles as a contract year.
21. LUKE McDONALD
Age: 27 Games: 159 Status: Signed to 2026
Played all 22 games for the first time since 2018 and is one of the Kangaroos’ most dependable footballers. McDonald, a father-son top-10 selection nine years ago, is locked away for four more seasons. The defender shares the vice-captaincy with Jy Simpkin and would love to be playing finals again before his contract expires, after tasting September action in his first three years.
22. BEN McKAY
Age: 24 Games: 52 Status: Signed to 2023
The AFL’s intercept marking king is a key cog down back for the Roos, so it was a bit bizarre to see him wasted up forward on occasion this year. McKay’s signature must be prioritised because they could ill afford to lose him in defence, especially with Aidan Corr and Josh Walker both approaching 30.
23. FLYNN PEREZ
Age: 21 Games: 19 Status: Signed to 2022
Finally managed some playing continuity after overcoming two knee reconstructions, playing 16 of his 19 career matches this year. Ended the season with a career-most 24 disposals but was dropped multiple times. Remains without a deal for next year but should be persevered with.
24. WILL PHILLIPS
Age: 20 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2024
A forgettable campaign for the prized but hardluck draftee, whose season ended without him adding to his career tally because of a second bout of glandular fever. Shoulders a significant burden because the Roos picked him ahead of Logan McDonald and will try to prove why they did so when he returns next year.
25. TOM POWELL
Age: 20 Games: 31 Status: Signed to 2024
Played every game from round 9 onwards following a disjointed start to the season, including being dumped to the VFL for several weeks after serving as the medical substitute. The Roos spent a first-round draft pick on Powell, so they have high hopes he can be a long-term part of their midfield puzzle.
26. BAILEY SCOTT
Age: 22 Games: 55 Status: Signed to 2022
Missed just one match through injury in what was comfortably the best of his four seasons in the AFL. Averaged 18 disposals and could be headed for a top-10 Syd Barker Medal result. Scott remains out of contract but North won’t want to lose him, especially with his age profile.
27. JY SIMPKIN
Age: 24 Games: 116 Status: Signed to 2024
Any durability concerns about Simpkin entering the big league are long gone, with the reigning club champion sitting out only twice in the past five seasons. Even still, the co-vice-captain doesn’t receive the plaudits others do, one of the perils of playing for the back-to-back wooden spooner. North knows his value and locked him away for two more years last October.
28. PHOENIX SPICER
Age: 20 Games: 6 Status: Signed to 2023
The lively forward-winger added five more senior appearances to his one from last year without having a major impact. Will try to take a greater step under Alastair Clarkson in his third AFL season, with the added incentive of playing for a fresh contract.
29. JAIDYN STEPHENSON
Age: 23 Games: 89 Status: Signed to 2025
Was dropped twice before round 10 and finished the year in an attacking defensive role, so it was another fascinating chapter in Stephenson’s football journey. The ex-Pie has shown some promising glimpses in his two years at Arden Street and will hope to put it all together in 2023.
30. CURTIS TAYLOR
Age: 22 Games: 52 Status: Signed to 2022
One of three Kangaroos to play every game this year. Taylor is back on a positive trajectory after only a solid campaign last season and his move onto a wing looks a winner. Is a big part of the future at North — but first must be re-signed. Will be on the hunt for, and deserves, another multi-year deal.
31. TARRYN THOMAS
Age: 22 Games: 57 Status: Signed to 2024
This was not the season anyone tipped for Thomas after his breakout 2021. The top-10 draft pick was scintillating last year, especially in the second half, but largely struggled 12 months later. Took personal leave soon after the death of his grandmother and appeared at senior level just once following round 12. There were murmurs of a move to the Giants throughout the year.
32. KAYNE TURNER
Age: 26 Games: 118 Status: Signed to 2022
Is the undoubted whipping boy at North Melbourne since Shaun Atley’s departure last year. Was again used in various roles at both ends and played 17 senior matches but will be nervous about his contract situation.
33. JOSH WALKER
Age: 29 Games: 139 Status: Signed to 2022
Has given good value to the Roos since being recruited as a delisted free agent at the end of 2019, playing 54 matches in three seasons. But the end might be nigh for the three-club swingman, who was dropped twice after round 16 and used as a medical substitute when he did get back.
34. TRISTAN XERRI
Age: 23 Games: 24 Status: Signed to 2025
Went from requesting a trade to St Kilda last year to being the club’s No. 1 ruckman in 2022 before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in July. That was enough to convince him to sign a new three-year deal. Shared the ruck duties with veteran Todd Goldstein and mostly kept recruit Callum Coleman-Jones in the VFL until his season ended prematurely.
35. LACHIE YOUNG
Age: 23 Games: 43 Status: Signed to 2022
The former Bulldog sits in the right age demographic for North and quietly put together the best season of his life down back, averaging a career-high 15 disposals in 20 outings. Young is still looking for a deal for next year but it would be a surprise if the Kangaroos let him go.
36. JACK ZIEBELL
Age: 31 Games: 258 Status: Signed to 2023
Racked up touches for fun in defence last year before being swung back to his more customary role in attack early this season. Kicked five goals in a losing effort in round 4 against Sydney but managed only two other multiple major games. Could next year be his last, or does he have the juice to reach 300?
37. CAMERON ZURHAAR
Age: 24 Games: 83 Status: Signed to 2022
There is no greater immediate re-signing priority at the club than Zurhaar. The one-man wrecking ball has kicked 30-plus goals in back-to-back seasons but parked contract talks mid-year until season’s end. Essendon is among Zurhaar’s suitors but the Kangaroos will be desperate to keep him.
ROOKIE LIST
38. KALLAN DAWSON
Age: 24 Games: 4 Status: Signed to 2023
Ditched his job as an electrician after being the No. 2 selection in the mid-season draft. The 196cm defender was expected to be a ready-made addition to the Roos’ line-up but had to wait until round 20 for his senior shot. Played every game in the last month and fills a much-needed role.
39. JACOB EDWARDS
Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2023
Last year’s mid-season draft No. 1 pick is a work in progress, which isn’t surprising at 202cm tall. Still a teenager, Edwards spent the year developing in the VFL and has a fair way to go but has time on his side.
40. KYRON HAYDEN
Age: 23 Games: 17 Status: Signed to 2022
Judgment time is coming for Hayden, who played only five matches this year and none after round 13. Will have to hope Roos decision-makers saw enough in him in the VFL in the second half if he is to earn another contract.
41. TOM LYNCH
Age: 31 Games: 164 Status: Retired
Linked up with North as a development coach but also signed in the pre-season as a depth player. Never played a match for his third club and selflessly retired before the mid-season draft to open a list vacancy. Ended the year coaching the VFL team after Leigh Adams was elevated to senior caretaker.
42. MATT MCGUINNESS
Age: 22 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2022
A consistent performer in a number of positions at VFL level but the tall Tasmanian remains without a senior call-up and might be up against it to win a new contract.
43. Jared Polec
Age: 29 Games: 148 Status: Signed to 2023
Played his only two senior games this year inside the first three rounds before an ankle setback ruined his chances of a bounce-back campaign. Polec impressed the Roos with his summer dedication but never made it back onto the field after that injury. Must have a strong 2023 if he is to extend his AFL career.
44. Patrick Walker
Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2022
Played at both ends of the ground at second-tier level and was a solid performer but is yet to make his AFL debut. Like McGuinness, he could be in trouble.
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