North Melbourne 2024 preview: Where improvement comes from, who shines, where do they finish?

North Melbourne have stockpiled an impressive array of forward and midfield talent through draft and trading but there is an area of the ground where they seem even weaker than in 2023.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 26: Nick Larkey of the Kangaroos celebrates a goal during the 2023 AFL Round 24 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Gold Coast SUNS at Blundstone Arena on August 26, 2023 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

It was another bottom-two finish for the crew from Arden Street but after a tumultuous year, it had its moments of light at the end of the tunnel – particularly in the form of some exciting youth. Things didn’t get off all that smoothly with the departure of former No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis but new coach Alastair Clarkson arrived amid plenty of fanfare – and controversy as the Hawthorn racism saga continued to swirl.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Coach: Alastair Clarkson

Captains: Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin

What happened in 2023?

Clarkson was appointed in August 2022 with the Hawthorn saga revealed just weeks later. His start date was pushed back, with the board eventually approving him to start in his new role in the first week of November. And didn’t the season start with a bang, with two quick victories to kick off proceedings. Come May, Clarkson stepped away from the helm as he dealt with the mental toll of being central to the ongoing saga, with assistant coach Brett Ratten taking the reins in his absence.

Alastair Clarkson was back on deck for day one of the pre-season ahead of season 2024. Picture: Michael Klein

Luke Davies-Uniacke and Jy Simpkin sweating it up on the pre-season track. Picture: Michael Klein

There was also plenty of off-field drama surrounding midfielder Tarryn Thomas. Unfortunately for the Roos, they wouldn’t taste the sweet nectar of four points again until the final round of the season, when they defeated Gold Coast in Tasmania to drag themselves off the bottom of the ladder. The heaviest margins were inflicted in the first half of the season, with North pushing the likes of St Kilda and Essendon within 10 points to round out the year.

Harry Sheezel’s status as a rising star of the competition was franked with the end-of-season award, while counterpart George Wardlaw also impressed as the likes of Cam Zurhaar and Luke Davies-Uniacke took further steps in their development.

Where do they finish in 2024?

There’s still a long way to go, but as Clarkson’s former lieutenant Brendon Bolton would say, the “green shoots” are there for all to see. Nick Larkey earned all-Australian honours after his breakout season and is a promising prospect for Clarkson to build around up forward, but will have to counter the loss of defender Ben McKay and injured defender Griffin Logue (ACL). It’s hard to see them breaking out of the competition’s bottom six, but progressing a few spots up the ladder would be development in itself.

Biggest improver in 2024?

George Wardlaw and Will Phillips are firmly at the centre of the Roos’ rebuild and can be expected to take another step forward next season. Wardlaw was hampered by a hamstring issue last season so will be seeking continuity but is a gun prospect for the years to come. The Roos’ trade and draft haul – including Zac Fisher from Carlton and draftee Zane Duursma – will create further strength around the likes of Wardlaw, Phillips and Brayden George as they continue in their development.

All-Australian Nick larkey is set for another big season for North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Klein

North Melbourne’s Tristan Xerri is set to take the mantle of number one ruckman at the Roos in 2024. Picture: Michael Klein

X-factor

Luke Davies-Uniacke has all the hallmarks of a premier midfielder and with Nick Larkey up forward and Harry Sheezel in defence, are the immediate future of the club. Without off-field distractions and coaching change-ups – which couldn’t be helped at the time – the likes of LDU and others will go from strength to strength as those around them, like Colby McKercher and Wil Dawson, take their early steps.

Coach status

Clarkson signed a five-year deal, meaning he’ll be at Arden Street until at least the end of 2027. He was touted as the saviour at the time of his signing and while there has been some early off-field issues that have engulfed his early days at the club, the Roos are adamant they are in for the long haul.

Roos forward Cameron Zurhaar in action during pre-season training. Picture: Michael Klein

Who is in last year of contract?

Bailey Scott, Blake Drury, Brayden George, Cameron Zurhaar, Charlie Lazzaro, Cooper Harvey, Curtis Taylor, Eddie Ford, Finnbar Maley, Hamish Free, Hugh Greenwood, Jackson Archer, Kallan Dawson, Liam Shiels, Robert Hansen, Tarryn Thomas, Tom Powell, Will Phillips.

Outs for 2024

Aiden Bonar (delisted), Ben Cunnington (retired), Jacob Edwards (delisted), Todd Goldstein (free agent, Essendon), Aaron Hall (retired), Daniel Howe (retired), Jack Mahony (delisted), Ben McKay (free agent, Essendon), Flynn Perez (delisted), Phoenix Spicer (delisted), Kayne Turner (delisted), Lachie Young (delisted), Jack Ziebell (retired)

Ins for 2024

Wil Dawson (No. 22 draft pick), Zane Duursma (No. 4 draft pick), Zac Fisher (trade, Carlton), Taylor Goad (No. 20 draft pick), Riley Hardeman (No. 23 draft pick), Finnbar Maley (Rookie Draft), Colby McKercher (No. 2 draft pick), Bigoa Nyuon (trade, Richmond), Toby Pink (delisted free agent), Dylan Stephens (trade, Sydney)