List Mgmt. Best side for start of 2025

[iloveireland]

I find it really hard to judge. I think my team would change a half dozen players after the pre season matches. I hope we get a lot of our pre season matches and we see some of the kids get a chance

 

[hsquid]

It wont be round 1, but this is what Im hoping for at some point, with the some further fading in of FOS, George, W.Dawson throughout the year. We probably need Teakle or CCJ in at some point for balance.

I think both the current captains will find themselves in the VFL at some point, which is why neither can hold the role imo.

B Archer Corr Logue
HB Daniel Comben Goater
C Hardeman LDU McKercher
HF Zurhaar Darling Parker
F Curtis Larkey Duursma
R Xerri Sheezel Wardlaw
I Powell McDonald Scott Simpkin

VFL:
B: Bergman Pink K.Dawson
HB: Fisher W.Dawson Tucker
C: Stephens Phillips Ford
HF: George Whitlock Konstanty
FF: Payne CCJ Teakle
R: Goad FOS Urquhart
I: Maley Harvey RHJ Stevens



We will have injuries, but I must say, that VFL side could be utterly dominant. No longer playing midfielders in KPP, it's got height, size and speed and a few preseasons in most positions. As well as some really talented players.

Guys like Stephens, Ford, Tucker, Fisher will shit on the level and we've seen CCJ kick bags and Pink was one of the best state league defenders in the country in the SANFL.

The players in this VFL team played 138 senior games last year. Exactly 6 each week on average.
Essentially the senior team has switched:
Ford -> Parker
Pink -> Darling
K Dawson -> Goater
Tucker, Fisher -> Daniel, Hardeman
Stephens -> FOS

All of the originals still there as depth. Bottom 6 is much better if we get this on the park.

 

[Mr north man]

Round 1 assume all fit ex Goater he won’t be ready for AFL Rd 1

Archer. Comben. Corr
Daniel. Logue. McDonald
Scott. LDU. McKercher
Parker. Darling. FOS
Zurhaar. Larkey. Curtis
Xerri. Wardlaw. Sheezel
Powell. Simpkin. Duursma Fisher
Sub Phillips

Fisher speed and ball accumulation assuming has good pre season will be important
McDonald hopefully to be phased out by either Goater or Hardeman
Hopefully Simpkin has a good pre season with no head knocks, that Webster hit really impacted him last year.

Still lack of speed in forward line but all in all building a nice team. Hopefully big pre season S and C guy has a big job, and I feel another pre season will benefit this team enormously.

Still feel like 2026 is when we’ll see a big rise on ladder, just reckon normally takes the 3rd year under a new coach to tweak and implement a game plan, and we lost the 2023 season due to HFC rort of a review

McDonald won’t be going nowhere and the players will back him to be captain again.

 

[Shack18]

McDonald won’t be going nowhere and the players will back him to be captain again.

He better pull his finger out then and show some consistency.

 

[franjon]

I find it really hard to judge. I think my team would change a half dozen players after the pre season matches. I hope we get a lot of our pre season matches and we see some of the kids get a chance

I'd love to have one pre season without injuries.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

Comben isn’t playing back. He is training with the forwards as further proof.

Well that either means that the coaches think Wil Dawson is ready to go or they're making a big mistake already.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Comben isn’t playing back. He is training with the forwards as further proof.

he is in the rehab group

and only got back last week so not sure where you are getting this from

 

[Kangaroos4eva]

Well that either means that the coaches think Wil Dawson is ready to go or they're making a big mistake already.

The former. The coaches highly rate Will.

 

[Chip Scab1]

The former. The coaches highly rate Will.

I've heard similar, it's why I have him at CHB and Comben at CHF. It's bleeding obvious what our preferred line up is.

 

[CURVE]

This isn't a bad team

Your club's best 22 in 2025: Who's in, who's out, who's new

It’s a North Melbourne team stacked with new faces. Luke Parker and Jack Darling will add experience, while Caleb Daniel can play in a variety of roles. All three will instantly come into the best 22. Finn O'Sullivan will push for round one and you can expect to see him there, given his senior experiences as a junior this season. Harry Sheezel won't leave the midfield ever again, while Colby McKercher is expected to play higher up the ground. It could see Jy Simpkin continue in a half-forward role. George Wardlaw, Zane Duursma and Tom Powell are also likely to see more important roles throughout the year, highlighting the talent the Kangas possess across the board. Charlie Comben can play anywhere, but excelled in a defensive role last season. First-round picks including Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Taylor Goad, Will Phillips and Matt Whitlock are still to come into this squad, while Jacob Konstanty is another new arrival who will add a nice depth option. - Riley Beveridge

B: Aidan Corr, Griffin Logue, Jackson Archer
HB: Caleb Daniel, Charlie Comben, Luke McDonald
C: Bailey Scott, Harry Sheezel, Colby McKercher
HF: Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Luke Parker
F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar
FOLL: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Finn O'Sullivan, Zane Duursma, Zac Fisher, Tom Powell

Emerg: Darcy Tucker, Dylan Stephens, Josh Goater, Eddie Ford

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

This isn't a bad team

Your club's best 22 in 2025: Who's in, who's out, who's new

It’s a North Melbourne team stacked with new faces. Luke Parker and Jack Darling will add experience, while Caleb Daniel can play in a variety of roles. All three will instantly come into the best 22. Finn O'Sullivan will push for round one and you can expect to see him there, given his senior experiences as a junior this season. Harry Sheezel won't leave the midfield ever again, while Colby McKercher is expected to play higher up the ground. It could see Jy Simpkin continue in a half-forward role. George Wardlaw, Zane Duursma and Tom Powell are also likely to see more important roles throughout the year, highlighting the talent the Kangas possess across the board. Charlie Comben can play anywhere, but excelled in a defensive role last season. First-round picks including Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Taylor Goad, Will Phillips and Matt Whitlock are still to come into this squad, while Jacob Konstanty is another new arrival who will add a nice depth option. - Riley Beveridge

B: Aidan Corr, Griffin Logue, Jackson Archer
HB: Caleb Daniel, Charlie Comben, Luke McDonald
C: Bailey Scott, Harry Sheezel, Colby McKercher
HF: Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Luke Parker
F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar
FOLL: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Finn O'Sullivan, Zane Duursma, Zac Fisher, Tom Powell

Emerg: Darcy Tucker, Dylan Stephens, Josh Goater, Eddie Ford

McDonald out. Goater in.

The ball would slingshot out that forward line faster than Brad Scott snapping up an investment property.

 

[Shinboner '07]

This isn't a bad team

Your club's best 22 in 2025: Who's in, who's out, who's new

It’s a North Melbourne team stacked with new faces. Luke Parker and Jack Darling will add experience, while Caleb Daniel can play in a variety of roles. All three will instantly come into the best 22. Finn O'Sullivan will push for round one and you can expect to see him there, given his senior experiences as a junior this season. Harry Sheezel won't leave the midfield ever again, while Colby McKercher is expected to play higher up the ground. It could see Jy Simpkin continue in a half-forward role. George Wardlaw, Zane Duursma and Tom Powell are also likely to see more important roles throughout the year, highlighting the talent the Kangas possess across the board. Charlie Comben can play anywhere, but excelled in a defensive role last season. First-round picks including Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Taylor Goad, Will Phillips and Matt Whitlock are still to come into this squad, while Jacob Konstanty is another new arrival who will add a nice depth option. - Riley Beveridge

B: Aidan Corr, Griffin Logue, Jackson Archer
HB: Caleb Daniel, Charlie Comben, Luke McDonald
C: Bailey Scott, Harry Sheezel, Colby McKercher
HF: Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Luke Parker
F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar
FOLL: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Finn O'Sullivan, Zane Duursma, Zac Fisher, Tom Powell

Emerg: Darcy Tucker, Dylan Stephens, Josh Goater, Eddie Ford

Wouldn’t make any changes, but McDonald is on thin ice

 

[CURVE]

Wouldn’t make any changes, but McDonald is on thin ice

That's pretty much my thought

 

[Mr north man]

That's pretty much my thought

McDonald is going nowhere his an automatic selection and once the players vote him again as Captain he will play the whole season.
End of story.

 

[PokerRoo]

I think Comben will play forward so he can be the backup Ruck. Without him playing forward/Ruck we will need to play Teakle.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

I think Comben will play forward so he can be the backup Ruck. Without him playing forward/Ruck we will need to play Teakle.

I would rather not see Comben in the Ruck for two reasons. Firstly I would worry that it would expose him to injury too much and secondly, if we are playing him in a swingman role, he's already wearing enough hats. His time spent in the ruck is of too much detriment to either end of the field. Teakle is fine as a pinch hitting ruck. He's shown in his handful of games that he can also be an effective forward as he can take a contested grab and kick reasonably accurately. I think he still has improvement in him as well with another preseason.

 

[remfan101]

This isn't a bad team

Your club's best 22 in 2025: Who's in, who's out, who's new

It’s a North Melbourne team stacked with new faces. Luke Parker and Jack Darling will add experience, while Caleb Daniel can play in a variety of roles. All three will instantly come into the best 22. Finn O'Sullivan will push for round one and you can expect to see him there, given his senior experiences as a junior this season. Harry Sheezel won't leave the midfield ever again, while Colby McKercher is expected to play higher up the ground. It could see Jy Simpkin continue in a half-forward role. George Wardlaw, Zane Duursma and Tom Powell are also likely to see more important roles throughout the year, highlighting the talent the Kangas possess across the board. Charlie Comben can play anywhere, but excelled in a defensive role last season. First-round picks including Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Taylor Goad, Will Phillips and Matt Whitlock are still to come into this squad, while Jacob Konstanty is another new arrival who will add a nice depth option. - Riley Beveridge

B: Aidan Corr, Griffin Logue, Jackson Archer
HB: Caleb Daniel, Charlie Comben, Luke McDonald
C: Bailey Scott, Harry Sheezel, Colby McKercher
HF: Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Luke Parker
F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar
FOLL: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Finn O'Sullivan, Zane Duursma, Zac Fisher, Tom Powell

Emerg: Darcy Tucker, Dylan Stephens, Josh Goater, Eddie Ford

It seems our Best 22 is more clear-cut this year than others. I think Goater would've been a lock if fit but will start in the VFL, easing some pressure on LMac. I also think one of Konstanty and RHJ will definitely play, likely pushing Zac Fisher to the starting sub. Apart from that, its a really solid side- the main question will likely be depth, and how quickly the likes of Hardeman and Urquart push for selection.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

It seems our Best 22 is more clear-cut this year than others. I think Goater would've been a lock if fit but will start in the VFL, easing some pressure on LMac. I also think one of Konstanty and RHJ will definitely play, likely pushing Zac Fisher to the starting sub. Apart from that, its a really solid side- the main question will likely be depth, and how quickly the likes of Hardeman and Urquart push for selection.

That side as listed should have no trouble winning eight games at the bare minimum.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

That side as listed should have no trouble winning eight games at the bare minimum.

How many wins then if you were to take LMac out?

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

How many wins then if you were to take LMac out?

He’s cost us two games a year, so I’d set it to 10.

 

[PokerRoo]

I would rather not see Comben in the Ruck for two reasons. Firstly I would worry that it would expose him to injury too much and secondly, if we are playing him in a swingman role, he's already wearing enough hats. His time spent in the ruck is of too much detriment to either end of the field. Teakle is fine as a pinch hitting ruck. He's shown in his handful of games that he can also be an effective forward as he can take a contested grab and kick reasonably accurately. I think he still has improvement in him as well with another preseason.

The problem with teakle pinch hitting in the ruck, is that it will mean he is in the team. We are a better team with Comben forward and rucking than we are with Teakle doing that job, regardless if it exposes him to injury. Just My Opinion

 

[Better Loosen Up]

The problem with teakle pinch hitting in the ruck, is that it will mean he is in the team. We are a better team with Comben forward and rucking than we are with Teakle doing that job, regardless if it exposes him to injury. Just My Opinion

I don't think Teakle will be that bad with a bit more experience. Also, he was burnt by his team mates a number of times last season where he was clearly the best option.

Also, the best games Comben has played to date are as a defender and he will only get better with experience. I think until Wil Dawson is ready to hold down a KPD role, Comben has to spend most of his time down there. Without him, we are too undersized with Logue and Corr only 193/ 194cms.

 

[HongKongRoo]

This isn't a bad team

Your club's best 22 in 2025: Who's in, who's out, who's new

It’s a North Melbourne team stacked with new faces. Luke Parker and Jack Darling will add experience, while Caleb Daniel can play in a variety of roles. All three will instantly come into the best 22. Finn O'Sullivan will push for round one and you can expect to see him there, given his senior experiences as a junior this season. Harry Sheezel won't leave the midfield ever again, while Colby McKercher is expected to play higher up the ground. It could see Jy Simpkin continue in a half-forward role. George Wardlaw, Zane Duursma and Tom Powell are also likely to see more important roles throughout the year, highlighting the talent the Kangas possess across the board. Charlie Comben can play anywhere, but excelled in a defensive role last season. First-round picks including Riley Hardeman, Wil Dawson, Taylor Goad, Will Phillips and Matt Whitlock are still to come into this squad, while Jacob Konstanty is another new arrival who will add a nice depth option. - Riley Beveridge

B: Aidan Corr, Griffin Logue, Jackson Archer
HB: Caleb Daniel, Charlie Comben, Luke McDonald
C: Bailey Scott, Harry Sheezel, Colby McKercher
HF: Jy Simpkin, Nick Larkey, Luke Parker
F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar
FOLL: Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Finn O'Sullivan, Zane Duursma, Zac Fisher, Tom Powell

Emerg: Darcy Tucker, Dylan Stephens, Josh Goater, Eddie Ford

I reckon Eddie Ford starts ahead of Duursma. Duursma will get some games but he will need to be a bit more consistent in the 2's if he is going to be a regular.

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

The problem with teakle pinch hitting in the ruck, is that it will mean he is in the team. We are a better team with Comben forward and rucking than we are with Teakle doing that job, regardless if it exposes him to injury. Just My Opinion

Based on recent history, I would say that - in this instance - you are objectively wrong. Teakle’s inclusion was one of the main reasons we could begin kicking competitive scores. His 6 or so possessions, 1-2 contested marks and goal were actually vital for us to get the ball beyond half-forward.

Whether or not he is displaced by Darling is another thing, but to say North is a lesser team with his inclusion is inaccurate.

 

[FootySmartSimpson]

I reckon Eddie Ford starts ahead of Duursma. Duursma will get some games but he will need to be a bit more consistent in the 2's if he is going to be a regular.

I agree. Duursma is 12 months away. If Ford can build his fitness, he should be playing high-HF/wing all season.