North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has no idea whether he can land the big fish he needs to reach the AFL’s deep end.
With North’s finals chances dashed after Sunday’s nine-point loss to Adelaide, Scott knows exactly what his club needs: a better midfield.
Scott has tried to lure some top-line midfielders in recent seasons – namely Richmond’s Dustin Martin and GWS’ Josh Kelly – without success.
The Kangaroos are again on the hunt amid speculation they’re chasing West Coast’s Andrew Gaff and Port Adelaide’s Jared Polec.
But Scott insists he doesn’t yet know whether anyone will join his club.
“I have got no idea, absolutely no idea,” Scott said after the loss to the Crows.
“We have been really consistent in saying it: we have people working behind the scenes on all of those things.
“But we just think it’s unfair to talk about players who are currently contracted at other clubs – and everyone is until the 31st of October.”
Scott’s Roos sit in 10th spot, a win behind eighth-placed Geelong and Port Adelaide in ninth.
To sneak into the finals, North need both the Cats and Power to lose, and Scott’s side must beat St Kilda and make up a 18 per cent on Geelong in the process.
Even for Scott, it’s mission impossible.
“I reckon we still need to build our midfield,” he said.
“And part of putting (captain) Jack Ziebell forward was to improve our competitiveness in our forward half but also to free up a spot for Jy Simpkin, Jed Anderson, Paul Ahern, to play in those (midfield) roles.
“We need to keep improving that (midfield) part of the ground because we have got some offensive scoring power and we have got some good key defenders.
“We just need to better compete for longer in and around the midfield.”
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy has been forced into a premature and immediate AFL retirement through concussion to prioritise a "full and healthy life"…
North Melbourne will wear black armbands in Sunday afternoon's clash with Geelong in honour of former player and club director Kerry Good's daughter Ashlee,…
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
