Kangas steep learning curve after lesson from the devastating Dees in Hobart

North Melbourne’s young guns get important “on the job training” against the AFL’s top team in Hobart

• North Melbourne defenders can’t wait to meet former teammate Ben Brown in Hobart
• Kangaroos fan favourite Ben Brown to debut for Melbourne in Hobart

NORTH Melbourne didn’t get the points despite throwing an almighty scare into undefeated Melbourne camp but Kangas coach David Noble walked away from Blundstone Arena counting numerous wins.

The most important was playing their best half of the season, as well as more on the job training for his young Roos against one of the AFL’s best.

“I think we are one of the few, if not the only side to have played the top four in the first seven rounds and that has been crucially important for us to grow and develop our young guys,” Noble said.

“To have those guys playing Geelong, Port Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and Melbourne, it is enormously beneficial for our guys to play against that crew.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MAY 02: Ben Cunnington of the Kangaroos celebrates a goal during the 2021 AFL Round 07 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Melbourne Demons at Blundstone Arena on May 02, 2021 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“We haven’t gotten all of our older soldiers back at the moment _ it will be nice when we get a few of those back _ but to have those young guys, the Powells, Lazzaros, Mahonys, even Tarryn Thomas, to be able to give those guys time in the midfield and crucial roles is significantly important for us going forward.”

Ben Cunnington was brilliant as the Kangas midfield general with a game that included 35 possessions, 20 contested, six tackles, eight clearances and two goals.

“He’s had some personal, family issues that he’s been dealing with over the past week or two, and he has just been a pillar of strength in there,” Noble said.

“Not only Ben, but I thought our midfield did really well.

“We got a touch-up in that area last week and for our guys to come out and do what they did today was really good.”

Classy all-rounder Aaron Hall has found his niche at halfback, where he delivered 34 possessions, 12 marks, four clearances and six rebound 50s.

“He’s got some bounce, hasn’t he. He likes running with the ball. That’s how we want to play, we’ve said we want to attack,” Noble said.

“We had a think around whether to play him mid or forward, but we felt his use of the ball and capacity to run and carry has really helped us reshape that back end.”

Defender Aiden Bonar may miss next week with a deeply-corked thigh.

“It’s a really bad corky, and Tommy Powell was fine, He had his jaw assessed but he wasn’t concussion-tested, he didn’t need it, and he was able to return,” Noble said.