North Melbourne are the most inconsistent team in the AFL. On Friday night they defeated Hawthorn by 20 points, yet the week before they collapsed against a cellar dwelling Brisbane.
They haven’t won in Brisbane since 2005, but losing to the Lions was extremely unlikely in 2014.
I even said it was impossible. They lost to a team who scored just a point in one half against Port Adelaide.
North have beaten Port Adelaide, Sydney in Sydney, Hawthorn and Fremantle in Fremantle on ANZAC Day. So how did they lose to the Gold Coast, almost to Richmond, to Essendon after leading by 45 points and to Brisbane after beating them by 87 points last year?
Simple. Their first half, although it has improved, still needs improvement. Brad Scott said last week that North were likely to be seventh or eighth and that Top 4 was fantasyland, which would be a correct assessment at this point.
With seven games to play, North has a slight chance of reaching the Top 4. So let’s assess their draw.
Round 17: St Kilda (BA)
Round 18: Carlton (ES)
Round 19: Geelong (ES)
Round 20: GWS Giants (SO)
Round 21: Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 22: Adelaide (BA)
Round 23: Melbourne (ES)
North could win all seven of them. They would want redemption after losing by one point to Carlton last year and based on their form Carlton winning is unlikely. North beat St. Kilda last year by 68 and the Saints have gotten worse since then.
Geelong they beat by 10 at Etihad last year and the Cats have their own form dramas this year. And so on – you get the picture.
None of this will happen, though, if the Kangaroos don’t start to play with some consistency.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Well I'd fallen into despair after last weeks terrible effort against Brissie. And look what they did? I think I've worked them out. North are midfield front runners. If they get a fair share of the ball they will win regardless of opposition quality. If they don't ( with the exception of the Richmond comeback match ) they are unaccountable and run around loose wondering why they can't get the ball. This is why Geel, Ess, Adel and Brissie took 'em to the cleaners. My wish is that, when they are getting smashed, to man up. Then they will find the ball and give themselves a chance.
Ty
Roar Rookie
Here's what I meant: to Essendon after leading by 45 points and to Brisbane after beating them by 87 points last year? - Original What I meant to say: to Essendon after beating them by 45 points last year and to Brisbane after beating them by 87 points just a few weeks ago?
Ash
Guest
North led Essendon by 45 points I don't think so , better check that champ.