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Harry Sheezel blows AFL world away as North hold on in nailbiter

The AFL’s newest young star has been uncovered with a North Melbourne teenager leaving the football world in awe of his abilities.

James McKernJames McKern
@jLmcKern
3 min read
March 18, 2023 - 4:27PM
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 18: Harry Sheezel (left) and Luke McDonald of the Kangaroos celebrate during the 2023 AFL Round 01 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 18: Harry Sheezel (left) and Luke McDonald of the Kangaroos celebrate during the 2023 AFL Round 01 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on March 18, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

North Melbourne have held on in a nailbiting opening round encounter against the West Coast Eagles.

After looking like they were going to run away with the easy win during the third quarter, having led by 34, the Eagles fought back but couldn’t overcome the margin as the Roos held on to record the 12.15 (87) to 12.10 (82) victory.

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The win for North was highlighted by midfield star Luke Davies-Uniacke with 32 disposals and forward Nick Larkey, who kicked six goals.

Both however were surpassed by debutant Harry Sheezel who blitzed the field under the roof at Marvel in his first ever contest.

Thrown into a role across half back, Sheezel seemingly brought his own footy to the game as he racked up 34 disposals and gained a monstrous 625 metres, second only to teammate Jack Ziebell.

The immensely impressive debut sees him become the first debutant to record 30 or more disposals since Michael Barlow recorded 33 in 2010.

It’s the most disposals by a debutant since Greg Williams’ 38 back in 1984 and places him third all-time on the most disposals recorded by a first-game player.

Sheezel was on fire. Pic: Michael Klein
Sheezel was on fire. Pic: Michael Klein

“Thrown into the backline this week, new task haven’t played there before. The boys got around me, told me where to stand and I felt so comfortable out there and we got the job done,” Sheezel said post-game.

Jason Dunstall was left stunned about Sheezel’s revelation that he had no idea what he was doing in the backline.

“I’ve heard it all now Joey, they told me where to stand I’ve never really played there before but I had 34 touches,” Dunstall said on Fox Footy.

“Wait until he learns how to play the position,” Leigh Montagna said laughing in disbelief.

North Coach Alastair Clarkson was glowing in his praise of the youngster and said he’ll more likely than not remain across the half-back line.

“He’s a pretty special talent. We’re not really sure where he’s going to settle. We lacked some polish in our back half and he gave us a bit of that class ... I reckon he might be starting at half back next week,” Clarkson said during his press conference.

The Eagles came home with a wet sail and looked like they were going to steal the win from North Melbourne.

But it was too little too late as the Kangaroos held on in the dying stages.

Eagles tall Oscar Allen won’t be hoping to sit in on any reviews of the match after delivering an early contender for the miss of the season.

In the opening 10 minutes of the game, Allen got out the back of a contest just outside the goal square but fumbled his attempt at an open goal in a kick that missed wide left and went through for a behind.

If Allen had of converted the scores at the final siren would have been tied and could have delivered back-to-back draws in the opening round.

The Eagles copped hits from all corners for their ugly display during the opening two and a half quarters.

“You couldn’t be more scathing of West Coast right now,” Gerard Whateley said on SEN.

Dunstall took aim at the defensive set up after two Eagles defenders allowed Larkey to mark in the goalsquare after a teammates missed shot on goal.

“That is horrendous defending,” Dunstall said.

ABC sports producer Akash Fotedar was scathing in his review of how the Eagles had played and attempted to move the ball.

“All well and good trying to move the ball faster, but you need to win the ball first. West Coast -30 in contested possession. That’s horrendous,” he added.

“Not to mention being down on tackles too, despite having less possessions and clearances. Concerns for Simpson that are beyond ball movement.”

Originally published as Harry Sheezel blows AFL world away as North hold on in nailbiter

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/afl/harry-sheezel-blows-afl-world-away-as-north-hold-on-in-nailbiter/news-story/ebed6c1f78e14d028199afff58336eaf