Are we ready to talk about footy again? The round of football just gone was set alight on Friday night by Adam Goodes’ war dance, directed at opposition Carlton supporters.
It dominated the public debate from that point on.
There were six new AFL pieces posted on The Roar yesterday, with five of them using Goodes as the focal point. Add to this Sarah Olle’s Saturday column, which followed her remarkably prescient article a few days earlier.
The conversations that Adam Goodes seems to incite with his behaviour need to be fleshed out. It’s hard not to think that he is simultaneously opening eyes and closing minds. There seems to be a great divide.
Anyone who thinks it’s not largely racial is kidding themselves.
But, on the field, the story of North Melbourne under Brad Scott continues to be one of elongated mediocrity.
Scott took over a side that needed regeneration heading into 2010, having finished 13th the year before. He kept the Roos around the finals mark in his first four seasons, finishing ninth, ninth, eighth and tenth, before driving them to a preliminary final berth last year.
In 2015 though, North’s season is teetering on the brink.
The bottom five teams on the ladder – St Kilda, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Carlton – are no chance of playing finals football this year.
The team immediately above these forlorn sides is North Melbourne. They have won four and lost five, but also have a percentage higher only than the five stragglers below them.
Scott is renowned for keeping faith in his players. To his detractors, it’s one of his biggest failings.
If we go back to 2010, Scott’s first year in charge, of the 16 players that played 17 or more games, 13 are still on the North list. If we apply the same formula in 2011, 14 of the 16 most played players of the year are still rocking up to training at Arden Street.
Collingwood won the premiership in 2010, and they had 19 players play 20 or more matches for them. Only seven of those 19 players remain at the Pies.
That’s the sort of turnover required in the AFL system. Collingwood has turned over 63 per cent of the top end of its list since 2010. North is running at 19 per cent in the same time, despite being the definition of middle-of-the-road.
They were mediocre then, and with so many of the same players, they’re mediocre now.
Added to the playing group have been recent high-profile recruits Nick Dal Santo, Shaun Higgins and Jarrad Waite. Sam Gibson is one of North’s most effective running players. Robin Nahas is ensconced in the best 22, playing arguably career best football.
Handy additions all. But has the Kangaroo youth developed?
Ryan Bastinac is perhaps the poster child for lack of development at North. He was a first-year player in 2010, playing every game. He was top five for disposals and top three for clearances and inside 50s. He’s been the sub in four of his last 12 matches.
Shaun Atley, a 2010 draft alum, is always the pre-season pick to ‘take the next step’. It hasn’t happened thus far. He too has worn the starting sub vest in recent times. Surely we expect more of a supposedly highly rated fifth year player? North supporters are entitled to see graduation, not more education.
Of the recently drafted youth, Ben Brown has impressed with his liveliness and spark, while Luke McDonald went close to winning the Rising Star award last season.
Will these two improve year-on-year, or should we expect stagnation, if not recession, at some point?
North Melbourne can’t continue on the way they have been. Big wins against top teams, followed by bad losses against bottom sides. Beating up on the cellar-dwellers, then capitulating completely against the best.
Or giving up all momentum against middle-tier opposition, as they did on Sunday against Collingwood.
The hard questions deserve to be put to Brad Scott. He’ll avoid them for a while, due to his upcoming back surgery, but he must surely ponder them from his hospital bed.
But does he have the answers?
13th Man
Guest
I will put my hand up and say at first I was pretty angry with the Mark Harvey sacking but now it is been proven to be a good thing. Ross the Boss is turning us into the best team in the comp. Yes maybe North need to get rid of Brad Scott but remember that sacking a coach doesn't always work out. Carlton sacking Ratten and GC sacking McKenna are examples of a team going backwards under a new coach. I think the players should be the ones in the firing line at North. I do not think there list is good enough. They have done well with there list but I don't think it can win them a flag.
Don Freo
Guest
Well, that's a good thing Paul. Still wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't come up.
13th Man
Guest
Ryan Harris will play again. in the Ashes
jax
Guest
I'm pretty sure that we have had many more coaches that played as defenders than forwards.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
He was pretty inspirational when he and his brother beat up on Nick Riewoldt. Nearly as classy as Maxwell on McGinnity. A nondescript back pocket player exalted by Collingwood Still,players mostly match their times.Most coaches don't. They try last years' fashion,the forward press, wing/corridor switching, big KPPs and so on, without seeing that their team is K-Mart not Prada.If the Scott brothers had each other's teams,how would things have turned out? All things considered he's probably kept them from falling too far. Mind you he took over from another back pocket player who himself kept them from oblivion.
TomC
Roar Guru
Yeah, I'd suggest there've been as many nondescript back-pockets as there've been inspirational captains over the years.
jax
Guest
"He wasn’t a leader as a player for Brisbane" You raise an interesting point Aussie. Has anyone looked back through the coaching records and made a correlation between coaches that have been on-fielders leaders e.g Worsfold, Voss, Buckley, Simpson with those that weren't leaders during their playing career eg Scott, Clarkson, Neeld? Not all captains and leaders make good coaches and vice versa. I'm wondering if there is a significant differential between the two of camps?
jax
Guest
That's what happens in a 2 team city with a media that wants to sell papers and create stories. I'm not sure what your point is?
Don Freo
Guest
Aĺl under performing Shifty.
Don Freo
Guest
Didn't predict that one. Not my style of prediction. I did say that about Ryan Harris..but in different context.
shiftyxr
Guest
Bruest, Gunston,Roughhead, Puopolo & Rioli.
Perry Bridge
Guest
The frustration as a supporter is that we've gone backwards - back to the vulnerability of 2013 where no lead at any time would be defended. Last year - 2014 - we were beating the top teams and our major issue was not bringing the required intensity against the lower sides (the loss to Brisbane was a clear example). In the run to the finals we struck a patch of form in which we were 'tippable' - we beat the teams we should. And come the finals - against Essendon we fought back and grabbed a great win showing a bit of ticker. Against Geelong we just held on as Hawkins did a 'Carey' on us. Now North are getting smashed by top teams, beating bottom teams and vulnerable against our peers as it might appear). ANd that's where we ask where the 'list development' is?
AussieBokkie
Guest
The time is nigh that the North administration faces facts and parts ways with Scott. He wasn't a leader as a player for Brisbane and he sure as hell isn't a leader in the coaching department for North - his attitude and approach is far too negative and he has failed to develop the younger players. We have a quality, balanced squad but somehow don't have the mental fortitude to consistently play well - that's down to the coach and a select few leaders such as Drew Petrie (his days should be numbered too). The quicker North axe Scott the quicker Worsfold or Bomber Thompson can be sounded out to replace him. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
jax
Guest
Priddis drives the midlfield and Nic is only just beginning to realise how much he can impact a game. He is WC's most important player for mine followed by Kennedy, Priddis and Mackenzie. If Sinclair and Lycett were in form I'd keep Priddis over Nic but if one of them was unavailable or out of form I'd chance my luck by losing Priddis. I can't believe that I'm saying that. Priddis is amazing. We're splitting hairs, both of them are critical for WC. A few months ago very few people thought that a Freo WC final was even possible and now some do. They thought the midfield was too slow, was average and lacked polish and look at them now. Then Ezy & Brown went down and then most optimists starting thinking that it wasn't possible. They have answered everyone of those challenges emphatically so far (but it is only R9 and they do need to play a Top 3 side before we know where to rank them) but I also wouldn't be so quick to say that WC's midfield lacks depth. Priddis is influencing games and raking up the same numbers he does every year. Consistency personified. Shuey is 4th in The Age footballer of the year award behind Fyfe, Parker and Pendlebury. Having a great season and very underrated. His career has being stalled at times due to injuries and getting too much attention due to WC's injury depleted midfield of seasons past. Masten is so underrated. He was 5th in WC's B&F last year and he is in career best form. He runs his opponent into the ground and links up really well and offers support no matter where the ball is, his hands (esp in close) are elite but his kicking can let him down in front of goal, his infield kicking is precise without being penetrating. Gaff is on fire, another elite runner and user of the footy. Throw in Yeo (on fire and will be a star), Darling (when he's match-fit he can move to a wing and star, Lamb (elite runner can also play wing and should be a star), Sheed (on fire and will be a star), Selwood (Vice-Captain, coming back from 2 years of injuries, very underrated - he won the B&F in 2012 when WC finished 5th), Rosa (love him but injury prone and hasn't been able to string more than 5-6 games together for 2-3 years), Duggan (gonna be a star), LeCras (star), Cripps (elite defensive forward that kicks truly and spends time in the middle), Wellingham (on fire and can be a star), Ellis (injured), Hutchings (injured), Colledge (coming back from 2 years of injury and on fire in the WAFL) and Tunbridge (out for the season). That makes 18 guys and and I didn't include Sheppard, Cavka (broke Masten's 2km time trial record in his 1st pre-season) and McGinnity. I said star quite a few times and I was conservative. Most of those guys can play tall or small, run all day, use the ball in an elite manner, have a genuine hunger for the contest and are very strong overhead and on the ground. Those are cornerstones of any great midfield combination. The nucleus is in place today and it just needs time, buy-in and some luck now. If Pridda, Shuey and Yeo were all to get injured at the same time they would be stretched but they would still have enough depth to do ok...BUT the defense would get exposed big-time without Ezy & Brown this year and that would be incredibly tough for them. I would argue that any team that lost their three best midfielders and two best key defenders would also struggle, some less than others of course. When Simmo walked in the door he said that his focus would be on two things: 1. Versatility - every player has been trained in different roles. McGovern, Sheppard, Wellingham, Scofield, Yeo, Hill are all testament to that so big tick. Expect more changes like Darling or Lamb to a wing when McGovern can move forward. Simmo knows what is needed and he's building the team and structure to be a contender in in the future, it just needs some time. 2. Elite disposal and decision making - WC are leading the comp for disposal efficiency and accuracy in front of goal and they are leading or high up in all the other stats that matter. The team is not deep enough to be a consistent and genuine top 4 side just yet but it should be in a few years. It may have an off year as it rises like we have seen some other pre-season fancies do this year. The goal this year was to improve, period. Last year they finished 9th so improvement means finals and if they can do that I'll be happy. Anything else is just a bonus.
AussieBokkie
Guest
I can't argue with your points Tim. And I definitely can't argue with the Scott walking on thin ice with his coaching position - as a North fan I have been of the opinion for years that Scott cannot win us a flag; he is too negative and not a natural leader. He would make a good assistant coach, nothing more.
Freo As
Guest
Oh yeah, WC having a real low profile at the moment over here, reeeaaalllllll low.
jax
Guest
I agree and no doubt that the focus should be on Freo. WC has a lot to learn yet. Freo is cherry ripe atm and the injury golds have blessed you so far this year. We all know that you need a little luck to win a flag. In the likely event that WC can't win it this year I hope Freo do it if it comes down the fancied Top 3. .
13th Man
Guest
Hahaha your opinion on the English cricket team hasn't changed over your ban period then!
13th Man
Guest
The guy you really can't afford an injury to is Priddis. He is really unheralded but is by far and away WC most important player. You have great key position stocks but your midfield is a bit thin. Funnily enough quite the opposite to Freo who has brilliant midfield depth but is lacking in the Key position areas.
Don Freo
Guest
I have a hunch the old "Drover's dog" could do that 13th. Still, good luck Vogesy.