Progress is there to be made, but can North Melbourne Kangaroos take the opportunity and run with it in AFL season 2013?
The fact that I cannot find a spot for the Roos in my top eight suggests that 2013 will be a ridiculously competitive AFL season.
There is not much going wrong at Arden Street but I just have the feeling the likes of Carlton, Geelong and dare I say it, Richmond, will keep the Kangas just out of finals action.
At times last year, Brad Scott’s side were in devastating form, kicking 100-plus scores in seven wins during an eight-week spell between round 13 and 20.
That advocates that North have the ability to be extremely damaging when they have their tails up, but they need to bring it to the table every week.
The disaster against Hawthorn in Tasmania when Lance Franklin outscored them, as well as the inexplicable 53-point home defeat to Fremantle and the elimination final where they forgot to show up against West Coast surely must have mystified Scott and his coaching staff.
In saying that, four poor performances (throw in the round seven loss to the Bulldogs as well) over an entire season can be forgiven especially with such a talented bunch of youngsters led by Ryan Bastinac, Ben Cunnington, Sam Wright, Jack Ziebell and Kieran Harper to name a few.
The key to the Roos’ chances lies with their forward line and with a couple of sub 25-year-olds in the way of Lachie Hansen and Robbie Tarrant.
Injuries interrupted both players’ 2012 seasons but they combined for 43 goals in 28 games and if they can stay on the park in 2013, the destruction they could cause alongside 58-goal Drew Petrie is unimaginable.
Goals did not seem to be a problem for North last year but keeping them out did as they finished with the worst defensive record of all but the bottom five teams which is a worrying sign if they have a down day in the forward 50.
Scott Thompson and Michael Firrito were solid last term but there needs to be more of the Glenn Archer-type tenacity at the back end if the Roos want to figure in September.
Shaun Atley will again provide plenty of run and relief with his rebound from defence while Scott McMahon did brilliantly to return to top form after a severe illness.
The addition of Ben Jacobs from Port Adelaide is a positive move and with the imminent development of Cameron and Luke Delaney and Wright’s continued improvement, there is plenty of scope in the Kangroos back half.
It remains to be seen if they can put the shackles on high-scoring, free-flowing teams.
The on-ball bridge is in a fairly encouraging position with brilliant captain Andrew Swallow leading the way from such ball winners as Liam Anthony, Daniel Wells (when fit and flying), Bastinac (ready to step up again), the evergreen Brent Harvey and Ziebell.
Daniel Currie’s pre-season form in the ruck has been pleasing, as has Majak Daw’s progress, and these two could be paramount along with Todd Goldstein to offset the loss of Hamish McIntosh to Geelong.
All-in-all, it appears as though it should be another positive season for North Melbourne and it has been a very tough call not including them in September action but fear not Roos fans as I have been wrong, very wrong in the past.
Key players
Andrew Swallow – star midfielder who continually tops the possession and tackle stats. Courageous three-time best and fairest winner.
Drew Petrie – Holds the key to the Kangas’ goalkicking exploits. Focal point up forward with vice-like hands.
Brent Harvey – Some may say he is past it but you can’t argue with a bloke who repeatedly knocks up getting touches and kicking goals.
Breakout potential
Shaun Atley – Running half-back who could spend time in midfield. Tough and extremely capable.
Ryan Bastinac – 57-game player who is primed to take the next step and become a vital cog in the North midfield.
Robbie Tarrant – Key forward with 25 games experience. Kicked 23 goals in 16 matches last year and about time he stood up just as the club needs him to.
Promising youngsters
Brad McKenzie – First-round draft pick in 2011. Played a couple of games last year. Beautiful skills who should get more of a run this season.
Kieran Harper – Already chalked up 37 games but has a bright future ahead of him. Possesses plenty of poise and capable of the uncanny. Bulked up in the offseason to help improve consistency.
Majak Daw – Everybody has been spruiking big Majak this pre-season. Extremely exciting big man who could eventually be anything.
Key inclusions
Ben Jacobs – Over from Port. Half-back/midfielder who accumulates possessions.
Jordan Gysberts – Talented youngster from Melbourne who uses the ball through midfield.
Notable departures
Aaron Edwards – Richmond
Hamish McIntosh – Geelong
Cameron Pederson – Melbourne
Predicted finish: 10th
Worth a punt
Couldn’t find much so maybe take a real punt on Robbie Tarrant leading club goalkicking: $7
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