Former Darwin Buffalo Jed Anderson making his name as a leader at North Melbourne

North Melbourne has a new coach and plenty of optimism on the eve of the 2021 AFL season and Territorian Jed Anderson wants to play a big part in it

TERRITORIAN Jed Anderson has his Brisbane opponent Jarrod Berry playing peek-a-boo in a 2020 game between Anderson’s North Melbourne and the Lions. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

DARWIN’S Jed Anderson is in line for a leadership role at his AFL club North Melbourne this year after a stellar 2020 season with the Kangaroos.

The 27-year-old midfielder averaged 20.5 disposals and 5.5 tackles in a season where North finished 17th on the ladder, finishing with a better percentage than wooden spooners Adelaide.

The former Darwin Buffalo will play his 79th AFL game (70 with North and nine with Hawthorn) when the Kangaroos line up against Port Adelaide in the opening round.

“That (leadership group) is up to the players to vote on, something we haven’t done yet but are in the process of starting,’’ Anderson said.

“I wouldn’t say no if I did get picked. Not having Ben Cunnington last year through injury meant I had to stand up and take control of the midfield.

“That really grew on me and to get another opportunity like that I wouldn’t say no to.’’

Anderson and North Melbourne have another new coach in charge this season after Rhyce Shaw’s departure and the arrival of David Noble, a former general manager of football at the Brisbane Lions and Adelaide.

Anderson has been impressed by Noble’s new game plan and engagement with the players.

“It was a disappointing last year, but now with Nobes taking over the club and steering us in the right direction, we’re looking forward to the new season,’’ Anderson said.

“He’s got the playing group engaged and really excited at what he’s brought in to the point where we’re confident our movement up the ladder has already started with the new game plan and game style he’s brought in, plus a number of new draft picks.’’

Another Territorian is among the new playing group after the arrival of 19-year-old Numbulwar speedster Phoenix Spicer, who made his name at SANFL club South Adelaide.

Former Collingwood goalkicker Jaidyn Stephenson, GWS defender Aidan Corr and No.3 draft pick Will Phillips are other big inclusions.

Anderson hopes to play a big part in North Melbourne’s season after the consistency and big appetite for the football he showed through 2020.

“I just focused on playing footy last year and was very lucky to have the family in the hub with me, I’m excited and looking forward to playing again in a few weeks,’’ he said.