I loved it how he openly admitted his side is yet to gain any credibility this year. He didn’t gloss over the facts or try and sugarcoat the truth; quite simply, he says it how it is.
Until the Kangaroos defeat a contender, they will remain purely a pretender.
His refreshing honesty will go along way to making sure he gets the best out of his players, too. The Kangaroos are young and inexperienced, but with Scott at the helm, I have no doubt they are on the right track.
Tonight they have their chance in North Melbourne’s one and only Friday night game for the year against Carlton. The pioneers are no longer the custodians, but still celebrating the 25th anniversary of the concept.
Fair enough, too.
What started as a mere novelty in 1985 has quickly developed into the feature game of the round, with the biggest TV audience, enormous exposure, and an opportunity to play on the big stage.
The importance of the occasion hasn’t been lost on the Kangaroos either.
All week, the club has been building up the match, and considering the abysmal crowds so far in 2010, you certainly can’t blame them.
A huge focus has been about past players and the contribution they made to Friday night football. Many of them to be introduced on the ground in a pre-game ceremony before attending a special function and then watching the game.
Wayne Carey even said he might go down to the rooms for the first time in years. This is a big deal for the North Melbourne Football Club.
Many former players voiced concern about North Melbourne having so few Friday night matches considering they started it all, but when Brad Scott was asked, he didn’t whinge and moan or kick up a fuss. Instead, he said to win back Friday nights, we need to start winning back some respect, and that begins against Carlton!
It’s this type of approach that will no doubt be filtering down to the players. Ability is one thing in football, but attitude is often the difference between winning and losing.
A lot has changed in 25 years, that’s for sure.
This week the Kangaroos trained indoors due to inclement weather, and tonight they’ll play under a closed roof at Etihad Stadium.
The new breed at Arden Street resembles nothing of the shin-boners of old, but more the skin-boners of youth.
However, now sitting outside the eight on percentage, just maybe, you never know, the Kangaroos might spring out of nowhere and play finals.
Since taking up his post, Brad Scott has literally become the face of North Melbourne. The club’s marketing campaign and banner, which usually only features players, has Scott standing front and centre with his arms crossed, brooding the confidence and presence he intimidated his opponents with on the field.
Nothing has changed as a coach either.
When the integrity of one of his players was attacked, he didn’t shy away or take a backward step. Instead he hit back.
Scott Thompson copped more than his fair share of criticism when he knocked Barry Hall over doing up his shoelace, and deciding enough is enough, Scott took aim at one of the game’s most experienced coaches in Rodney Eade.
That takes courage, and I think the playing group will admire his stance as much as I did.
I must admit, though, I laughed pre-season when Scott predicted the Kangaroos would be able to jump back into the finals this season.
It was a bold statement from a bold man, but let’s face it, he may end up having the last laugh.
Tonight’s match has a massive amount of importance for both sides.
Carlton is pushing towards being a genuine top four chance, while a win for the Kangaroos keep their finals hopes well and truly alive.
Regardless, it’s also a celebration of Friday night football, and I hope the North Melbourne faithful turn out to support what is sadly their one and only showcase night for the year.
Michael C
Guest
Great effort by the Rooboys, Thomas has been on fire the last 3 weeks - - - and his work ethic is the key, presenting and tackling and having a multitude of shots on goal....his finishing efficiency can still improve, but, gee.....he's stilll only young.
Charlie Austin
Guest
Great article. I too have been impressed by Brad Scott's honest approach to the media and the way he continues to buld his proud club. I have, however, become tired with the amount of complaining we've heard from North supporters this week claiming the AFL doesn't give them a "fair deal." I strongly belive that North Melbourne deserve nothing more than one Friday night fixture a season until they properly earn it. The fact of the matter is that the AFL is a business and whether or not you agree with it, the AFL has to do everything they can to bring as much money into the game as they possibly can. North won't generate the same amount of money that Collingwood or Essendon will and that's the key reason why the AFL is reluctant to give them showtime matches. Whilst the North supporters might believe that this is tough or unfair they have to recognise that their club does not generate big crowds or great interest. Until North can prove that they have the ability to draw big crowds and grow interest then they deserve nothing more than they're currently given. I hope for North Melbourne's sake that they can get a bumper crowd tonight but I have very little sympathy for the belief that they're getting the rough end of the stick.
Michael C
Roar Guru
As a North supporter - - no complaints at all (other than the AFL scheduling 6 of our 11 home games against the interstate sides......sheer madness!!). Scott has been great. He conducts himself superbly as coach both via the media (for a 1st year and such a young coach). At family days he's super accessible and amenable. With such a young group of players - and with Petrie injured effectively all year thus far - he's done pretty well to get them to 5-6 at the half way mark. That 1st year playes and early draft picks in Bastinac and Cunnington are getting a solid grounding in the thick of it - is a bonus given being 5-6. The nucleus of a new generation North mifield is in place, the above 2 plus Ziebell and Anthony looks to be 4 at least B+ if not A graders. Goldstien looks the best of the ruck stocks which is saying something given McIntosh might be considered our number 1 by many observers. The backs - Grima and Thompson look as though they can only get better in the next couple of years with a tad more experience and adult bulk. Forwards is the curious area - - however, seeing Lachie Hansen marking, and marking such quality contested balls last week gives us hope that there's a chance of getting a varied and competitive forward structure based around some combination of Hansen, Petrie, Thomas, Campbell, Edwards, Warren and Hale. Anyway - - I'll hop along tonight with the kids having a rare outing to a night match. Should be fun. Back in the 90s this game would've drawn 60,000 to the 'G. Let's hope there's at least 40,000 to the 'dome.