Opinion Commentary & Media VI

Remove this Banner Ad

Status
Not open for further replies.
I'm not convinced that Naughton is in the best two young forwards at his club. I expect he finishes his career as an intercept / attacking defender. He's an exceptional talent but they are wasting him.
Dogs must be doing alright if a 22 year who's kicked 98 goals in the last two seasons isn't in their top two young forwards.
 
Did anyone catch Andy Maher's top 5 from LDU's draft on Friday?

Didn't even have LDU in his top 5 and had Tim Kelly in there ahead of him at #4.

I was honestly dumbfounded! If you gave any West Coast supporter who knows anything outside their own club the choice between Kelly and LDU, I doubt there would be a single taker for Kelly.
I think Kevin Bartlett said it best……

“Andy Maher is a knob”.
 

Log in to remove this ad.

We’re at a point where no one reads or subscribes to the Herald Sun, however because of its financial backing and it’s current crop of influential media personalities such as Robbo and Ralfy, it somehow finds itself into relevancy. Those two also have prominent roles on Fox Footy. Then there is Supercoach which is a major success for them.

As a result, it means that each year someone like Gary Buckanara will get paid to write that dribble and it’ll get printed, published and posted. He actually gets paid to write that.

This s*t needs to stop. Period. The less support that paper receives the less chance our club is linked to that nonsense. F** me

1000% agree. But then consider that Caro writes for the other mob....
 
I'm not convinced that Naughton is in the best two young forwards at his club. I expect he finishes his career as an intercept / attacking defender. He's an exceptional talent but they are wasting him.

When Naughton realises he is being wasted at WB, I hope someone points out that Arden St is only a 10min drive from Whitten Oval.
 
Before today and what Dani has told us, I'd always heard that the whole team would get on the piss pretty hard after a game, and would wonder how better they'd be with the professionalism of today's standards, or if it would net them an extra flag.
Yeah for sure.

Both the late 70s and the 90s were periods where we underperformed.

That article was crap too. It was just a shot at Carey and the club. The only truth it told was that back then good footy players got away with anything but we all knew that anyway, it wasn't just North either. It was widespread across Melbourne.
 
Yeah for sure.

Both the late 70s and the 90s were periods where we underperformed.

That article was crap too. It was just a shot at Carey and the club. The only truth it told was that back then good footy players got away with anything but we all knew that anyway, it wasn't just North either. It was widespread across Melbourne.

Should have been a minimum of 3 in the 90's with that talent.

70's I wasn't alive so can't say but sounds like could of been more since they made 5 gfs.
 
Did recovery in his own way!!!.....As a side note what exactly makes Laidley a "Legend"....just thinking out loud here,,,,I don't think she is in the AFL hall of fame as a legend, premiership player yes (probably in no small part due to Wayne) but plenty of other premiership players never get called a "Legend".....became a coach with highlight being a losing prelim???.......I think "Legend" is a bit fanciful!
Running back with the flight of the ball repeatedly during the 90s when we dominated. Scrapping and fighting at every contest.

Might not be an official AFL legend but, like plenty of those players, she is as far as I'm concerned.
 

(Log in to remove this ad.)

1000% agree. But then consider that Caro writes for the other mob....
9 have done quite well with the age since they bought it and you are right it’s just as bad.
It’s a steaming pile of crap and both can get in the bin.
Print media is finished.
 
Taking our blue and white coloured glasses off....it's not too far off - albeit LDU being very stiff

Naughton is the best young forward in the game. Brayshaw was just voted by his players as the best player in the comp. Sam Taylor just won AA honours, and is the best key defender in the competition behind Ben Mc. Kelly has a top 5 Brownlow finish (and even in a down year averaged comparable stats to LDU this year), and Fritsch kicked 50 goals this year, kicked 6 in a grand final, and has been in 2 consecutive AA squads.

LDU was great the second half of this year, but is only just starting to show what he can do...

I'd take LDU ahead of all those guys with the exception of maybe Naughton and Brayshaw on go forward basis(given we're crying out for a key forward)...but if you're basing it on exposed form and performances to date - you couldn't have LDU ahead of those 5.
Replace LDU with Kelly.

I watch Kelly every week and even the staunchest WCE supporters get so frustrated with him.

40 touches one week 4 the next - say no more..
 
How long do you need to sustain form to be considered A grade? His last 11 weeks (half a season) of 2022 compared favourably to any elite mid of the comp.
If you play for * then it’s a burst at pre-season. If you play for Collingwood then it’s one decent quarter.

If you play for North, then apart from that Cunningham player, you don’t get “elite” just a passing “under rated outside the club”.
 
If you play for * then it’s a burst at pre-season. If you play for Collingwood then it’s one decent quarter.

If you play for North, then apart from that Cunningham player, you don’t get “elite” just a passing “under rated outside the club”.
This couldn’t be more accurate
 

AFL 2022 list analysis: Every North Melbourne player rated, plus their contract status beyond 2022​

Alastair Clarkson’s arrival at North Melbourne signals hope for the future, but where does the current list stand? Marc McGowan looks at the contract status of every player and their form.

Marc McGowan August 30, 2022 - 6:00AM

Alastair Clarkson’s arrival as coach — or messiah — has buoyed the mood at North Melbourne despite the club collecting consecutive wooden spoons.
Clarkson choosing the Kangaroos over the Giants and Johnny-come-lately Essendon could prove a significant moment but that won’t be known until at least next year and probably beyond.

What it means for the playing list also remains to be seen but the hope is the four-time Hawthorn premiership coach’s presence will convince Cam Zurhaar to stick around and No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis to extend.

Will Clarkson want Todd Goldstein to stay for another season, or will he embrace young towers Tristan Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones?

And does ex-Hawk Jed Anderson fit into the super coach’s plans?

Fellow former Hawthorn players Liam Shiels, who may not survive the cut at Waverley Park at age 31, and Bradley Hill, now at St Kilda on a mammoth contract, are already being linked to Arden Street.

Clarkson admitted he had touched base with some players about next year and that “Hilly would look all right in blue and white”.

“I think a couple (of recruits) will help,” Clarkson told Fox Footy.


“But they didn’t have (Ben) Cunnington for a big slab of the last 12 months, which is just a great story that he’s back now.

“He is 31 years of age but I’d expect they would get a fair amount of leadership and guidance from him. He’s been a great player for a long period of time.

“We need a couple of guys around that 27-, 28-year-old bracket probably, but, having said that, some of the guys like (Aidan) Corr, (Ben) McKay and even (Nick) Larkey – these guys are sort of mid-20s and in a couple of years, they’re going to be your 26 year olds.

“They’re going to be the guys you build your club around.”

1. JED ANDERSON

Age: 28 Games: 99 Status: Signed to 2022


The tough on-baller didn’t play his first senior match this year until round 8 after a summer stand-off about getting vaccinated against Covid-19, following an adverse reaction to the first dose. He finished the season averaging a career-best 22 disposals but his contract negotiations have been elongated as usual. Is he part of the future?

2. JACKSON ARCHER

Age: 19 Games: 3 Status: Signed to 2023


The son of club great Glenn made a good impression at VFL level and knocked on the door of the senior side for several weeks before making his AFL debut in round 15. Managed only two more matches after that but positioned himself for more opportunities next season.

3. MILLER BERGMAN

Age: 19 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2023


Broke through for his senior debut in April after an encouraging start at second-tier level, only to suffer a right shoulder dislocation in the opening term against Carlton. That setback ruined the second-round draftee’s season but he showed promise before that.

4. AIDEN BONAR

Age: 23 Games: 32 Status: Signed to 2023


Another frustrating season for the ex-Giant, who snuck in 10 games for the second straight year but was in and out of the side a bit and had some injuries. Bonar has the comfort of being contracted for next season but will need to get moving and prove his value to stick around beyond that.

5. ATU BOSENAVULAGI

Age: 21 Games: 20 Status: Signed to 2022


Has played 17 games in two seasons since crossing from Collingwood but only one after round 12 this year. Bosenavulagi has age on his side but his output at AFL level was underwhelming despite being a consistent VFL performer. A nervous wait ahead.

6. CALLUM COLEMAN-JONES

Age: 23 Games: 19 Status: Signed to 2025


The Roos’ big trade acquisition — literally and figuratively — will hope for greater things ahead. Made only four senior appearances until he was recalled for an extended stint in round 17. Tristan Xerri’s good form and Todd Goldstein’s presence meant Coleman-Jones wasn’t the lock many expected him to be. Still looms as a key part of the post-Goldy plan.

2. JACKSON ARCHER

Age: 19 Games: 3 Status: Signed to 2023


The son of club great Glenn made a good impression at VFL level and knocked on the door of the senior side for several weeks before making his AFL debut in round 15. Managed only two more matches after that but positioned himself for more opportunities next season.

3. MILLER BERGMAN

Age: 19 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2023


Broke through for his senior debut in April after an encouraging start at second-tier level, only to suffer a right shoulder dislocation in the opening term against Carlton. That setback ruined the second-round draftee’s season but he showed promise before that.

4. AIDEN BONAR

Age: 23 Games: 32 Status: Signed to 2023


Another frustrating season for the ex-Giant, who snuck in 10 games for the second straight year but was in and out of the side a bit and had some injuries. Bonar has the comfort of being contracted for next season but will need to get moving and prove his value to stick around beyond that.

5. ATU BOSENAVULAGI

Age: 21 Games: 20 Status: Signed to 2022


Has played 17 games in two seasons since crossing from Collingwood but only one after round 12 this year. Bosenavulagi has age on his side but his output at AFL level was underwhelming despite being a consistent VFL performer. A nervous wait ahead.

6. CALLUM COLEMAN-JONES

Age: 23 Games: 19 Status: Signed to 2025


The Roos’ big trade acquisition — literally and figuratively — will hope for greater things ahead. Made only four senior appearances until he was recalled for an extended stint in round 17. Tristan Xerri’s good form and Todd Goldstein’s presence meant Coleman-Jones wasn’t the lock many expected him to be. Still looms as a key part of the post-Goldy plan.

7. CHARLIE COMBEN

Age: 20 Games: 2 Status: Signed to 2023


Comben came in for his sole match in the final round. The forward-ruck was made to wait early before undergoing mid-season surgery to remove screws from his right leg, which he previously suffered a tibial stress fracture in. He is a regular goalkicker at VFL level, but the Roos would love to see him break through in AFL ranks next year.

8. AIDAN CORR

Age: 28 Games: 120 Status: Signed to 2025


Bounced back to play 20 matches and be a leading contributor down back in his second season at Arden Street after a serious toe infection restricted him last year. The former Giant, as well as Ben McKay, would dearly love to be under less pressure in 2023 and has a big role to play in a largely youthful squad.

9. BEN CUNNINGTON

Age: 31 Games: 229 Status: Signed to 2024


Cunnington produced one of the football year’s most heartwarming moments when he made his senior return in the penultimate round after overcoming testicular cancer. The dual Syd Barker medallist is a popular figure at North and inked a two-year extension this week that should see him deservedly reach the 250-game milestone.

10. PAUL CURTIS

Age: 19 Games: 15 Status: Signed to 2025


Curtis’ nomination as North Melbourne’s best first-year player was enough evidence to illustrate how good he was in his debut season. The crafty forward’s numbers don’t quite do him justice and he was stiff not to score a Rising Star nomination for his three-goal heroics against Richmond. The Roos acted quickly to extend him in July for two more years beyond his draft contract.


11. LUKE DAVIES-UNIACKE

Age: 23 Games: 71 Status: Signed to 2023


What a season from the No. 4 pick in the 2017 draft, with an exclamation mark in the second half of the year. The star midfielder won 30-plus disposals in six of his last 10 matches and may even be the club’s next Syd Barker medallist. Comes out of contract next year and the Roos will have to pay up to keep him.

12. EDDIE FORD

Age: 20 Games: 8 Status: Signed to 2024


Didn’t appear in the AFL after being the medical substitute in round six and played only three senior matches in total but ticked the scoreboard over regularly at the lower level. The Kangaroos saw enough to extend the young forward for two more seasons in September last year.

13. JOSH GOATER

Age: 19 Games: 1 Status: Signed to 2023


Had to wait until round 23 to make his AFL debut but impressed once he did with 21 disposals. The No. 22 pick in last year’s draft, who grew up a North Melbourne fan, is highly rated internally and can play multiple roles as an athletic 190cm midfielder. There should be more opportunities for Goater next year.

14. TODD GOLDSTEIN

Age: 34 Games: 295 Status: Signed to 2022


The veteran ruckman played all 22 games and spent more time forward but is still one of the club’s best players. Goldstein indicated publicly he would like to finish his career in royal blue and white — after previously knocking back rival overtures — but would the Roos prefer to hand the reins over to Tristan Xerri and Callum Coleman-Jones? The 300-game milestone looms, which could be a factor.

15. HUGH GREENWOOD

Age: 30 Games: 104 Status: Signed to 2023


Greenwood was supposed to be a massive steal for North Melbourne after the Suns delisted him thinking they could redraft him, but was a tad underwhelming this year. His numbers were down almost across the board, so it will be interesting to see how he fares under Alastair Clarkson next season. Has a games trigger for the 2024 season.

16. AARON HALL

Age: 31 Games: 155 Status: Signed to 2022


Was surprisingly axed for the final round, even with bulk injuries and after winning 28 disposals the previous week, so that could present a twist in contract negotiations. That selection statement would suggest Hall’s being asked to provide much more than offence and may not have been delivering without the Sherrin. Turns 32 in November.

17. JASON HORNE-FRANCIS

Age: 19 Games: 17 Status: Signed to 2023


The No. 1 draft pick did not have the season he, the club or many others expected but still showed glimpses. Horne-Francis’ year was dominated by headlines about his playing future and other matters, including various on-field clashes. Alastair Clarkson’s arrival might be the single most important development in ensuring the Kangaroos retain this talented teenager.

18. NICK LARKEY

Age: 24 Games: 71 Status: Signed to 2024


In Larkey, the Roos have a genuine target to kick to and build around for years to come. He has kicked 80 goals across the past two seasons despite being starved of opportunity compared to rival key forwards. Larkey is contracted for two more years and it’s hard to imagine North would let him go after that period expires.

19. CHARLIE LAZZARO

Age: 20 Games: 24 Status: Signed to 2024


Boasts some exciting attributes but wasn’t able to make a notable impact in his second season at the club. Inked a two-year extension midway through his debut season that offers him security and time to develop but he will hope to take a step forward in 2023.

20. JACK MAHONY

Age: 20 Games: 42 Status: Signed to 2023


Another Kangaroo who had only a so-so year after displaying some encouraging form in the first month of the season. Won single-digit disposals in eight of his last nine games, including medi-sub appearances, so will be keen to translate his VFL form to the higher level next season, which doubles as a contract year.

21. LUKE McDONALD

Age: 27 Games: 159 Status: Signed to 2026


Played all 22 games for the first time since 2018 and is one of the Kangaroos’ most dependable footballers. McDonald, a father-son top-10 selection nine years ago, is locked away for four more seasons. The defender shares the vice-captaincy with Jy Simpkin and would love to be playing finals again before his contract expires, after tasting September action in his first three years.

22. BEN McKAY

Age: 24 Games: 52 Status: Signed to 2023


The AFL’s intercept marking king is a key cog down back for the Roos, so it was a bit bizarre to see him wasted up forward on occasion this year. McKay’s signature must be prioritised because they could ill afford to lose him in defence, especially with Aidan Corr and Josh Walker both approaching 30.

23. FLYNN PEREZ

Age: 21 Games: 19 Status: Signed to 2022


Finally managed some playing continuity after overcoming two knee reconstructions, playing 16 of his 19 career matches this year. Ended the season with a career-most 24 disposals but was dropped multiple times. Remains without a deal for next year but should be persevered with.

24. WILL PHILLIPS

Age: 20 Games: 16 Status: Signed to 2024


A forgettable campaign for the prized but hardluck draftee, whose season ended without him adding to his career tally because of a second bout of glandular fever. Shoulders a significant burden because the Roos picked him ahead of Logan McDonald and will try to prove why they did so when he returns next year.

25. TOM POWELL

Age: 20 Games: 31 Status: Signed to 2024


Played every game from round 9 onwards following a disjointed start to the season, including being dumped to the VFL for several weeks after serving as the medical substitute. The Roos spent a first-round draft pick on Powell, so they have high hopes he can be a long-term part of their midfield puzzle.

26. BAILEY SCOTT

Age: 22 Games: 55 Status: Signed to 2022


Missed just one match through injury in what was comfortably the best of his four seasons in the AFL. Averaged 18 disposals and could be headed for a top-10 Syd Barker Medal result. Scott remains out of contract but North won’t want to lose him, especially with his age profile.

27. JY SIMPKIN

Age: 24 Games: 116 Status: Signed to 2024


Any durability concerns about Simpkin entering the big league are long gone, with the reigning club champion sitting out only twice in the past five seasons. Even still, the co-vice-captain doesn’t receive the plaudits others do, one of the perils of playing for the back-to-back wooden spooner. North knows his value and locked him away for two more years last October.

28. PHOENIX SPICER

Age: 20 Games: 6 Status: Signed to 2023


The lively forward-winger added five more senior appearances to his one from last year without having a major impact. Will try to take a greater step under Alastair Clarkson in his third AFL season, with the added incentive of playing for a fresh contract.

29. JAIDYN STEPHENSON

Age: 23 Games: 89 Status: Signed to 2025


Was dropped twice before round 10 and finished the year in an attacking defensive role, so it was another fascinating chapter in Stephenson’s football journey. The ex-Pie has shown some promising glimpses in his two years at Arden Street and will hope to put it all together in 2023.

30. CURTIS TAYLOR

Age: 22 Games: 52 Status: Signed to 2022


One of three Kangaroos to play every game this year. Taylor is back on a positive trajectory after only a solid campaign last season and his move onto a wing looks a winner. Is a big part of the future at North — but first must be re-signed. Will be on the hunt for, and deserves, another multi-year deal.

31. TARRYN THOMAS

Age: 22 Games: 57 Status: Signed to 2024


This was not the season anyone tipped for Thomas after his breakout 2021. The top-10 draft pick was scintillating last year, especially in the second half, but largely struggled 12 months later. Took personal leave soon after the death of his grandmother and appeared at senior level just once following round 12. There were murmurs of a move to the Giants throughout the year.

32. KAYNE TURNER

Age: 26 Games: 118 Status: Signed to 2022


Is the undoubted whipping boy at North Melbourne since Shaun Atley’s departure last year. Was again used in various roles at both ends and played 17 senior matches but will be nervous about his contract situation.

33. JOSH WALKER

Age: 29 Games: 139 Status: Signed to 2022


Has given good value to the Roos since being recruited as a delisted free agent at the end of 2019, playing 54 matches in three seasons. But the end might be nigh for the three-club swingman, who was dropped twice after round 16 and used as a medical substitute when he did get back.

34. TRISTAN XERRI

Age: 23 Games: 24 Status: Signed to 2025


Went from requesting a trade to St Kilda last year to being the club’s No. 1 ruckman in 2022 before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in July. That was enough to convince him to sign a new three-year deal. Shared the ruck duties with veteran Todd Goldstein and mostly kept recruit Callum Coleman-Jones in the VFL until his season ended prematurely.

35. LACHIE YOUNG

Age: 23 Games: 43 Status: Signed to 2022


The former Bulldog sits in the right age demographic for North and quietly put together the best season of his life down back, averaging a career-high 15 disposals in 20 outings. Young is still looking for a deal for next year but it would be a surprise if the Kangaroos let him go.

36. JACK ZIEBELL

Age: 31 Games: 258 Status: Signed to 2023


Racked up touches for fun in defence last year before being swung back to his more customary role in attack early this season. Kicked five goals in a losing effort in round 4 against Sydney but managed only two other multiple major games. Could next year be his last, or does he have the juice to reach 300?


37. CAMERON ZURHAAR

Age: 24 Games: 83 Status: Signed to 2022


There is no greater immediate re-signing priority at the club than Zurhaar. The one-man wrecking ball has kicked 30-plus goals in back-to-back seasons but parked contract talks mid-year until season’s end. Essendon is among Zurhaar’s suitors but the Kangaroos will be desperate to keep him.

ROOKIE LIST

38. KALLAN DAWSON

Age: 24 Games: 4 Status: Signed to 2023


Ditched his job as an electrician after being the No. 2 selection in the mid-season draft. The 196cm defender was expected to be a ready-made addition to the Roos’ line-up but had to wait until round 20 for his senior shot. Played every game in the last month and fills a much-needed role.

39. JACOB EDWARDS

Age: 19 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2023


Last year’s mid-season draft No. 1 pick is a work in progress, which isn’t surprising at 202cm tall. Still a teenager, Edwards spent the year developing in the VFL and has a fair way to go but has time on his side.

40. KYRON HAYDEN

Age: 23 Games: 17 Status: Signed to 2022


Judgment time is coming for Hayden, who played only five matches this year and none after round 13. Will have to hope Roos decision-makers saw enough in him in the VFL in the second half if he is to earn another contract.

41. TOM LYNCH

Age: 31 Games: 164 Status: Retired


Linked up with North as a development coach but also signed in the pre-season as a depth player. Never played a match for his third club and selflessly retired before the mid-season draft to open a list vacancy. Ended the year coaching the VFL team after Leigh Adams was elevated to senior caretaker.

42. MATT MCGUINNESS

Age: 22 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2022


A consistent performer in a number of positions at VFL level but the tall Tasmanian remains without a senior call-up and might be up against it to win a new contract.

43. Jared Polec

Age: 29 Games: 148 Status: Signed to 2023


Played his only two senior games this year inside the first three rounds before an ankle setback ruined his chances of a bounce-back campaign. Polec impressed the Roos with his summer dedication but never made it back onto the field after that injury. Must have a strong 2023 if he is to extend his AFL career.

44. Patrick Walker

Age: 20 Games: 0 Status: Signed to 2022


Played at both ends of the ground at second-tier level and was a solid performer but is yet to make his AFL debut. Like McGuinness, he could be in trouble.
 
I see the Purple Nurple is at it again going on about how we shouldn’t get an “assistance” package and saying (in hindsight) nor should Fold Coast or Brisvegas or Carltank have gotten any.
Also said the only assistance package we should need is Clarko, umm we have to pay for him, that also at most we should get a lay 3rd rounder and 1 rookie list spot.
Went on about how we “let’” BBB go, and he would have provided support for Souva that we are going on about um didn’t he knock back more with us to go to the GoDees also on about how Taz would have been a good player to help BMac um didn’t Taz also want out.
So we should have retained players that we offered money to keep that went anyway, so hold a gun to their head to get them to say you ****ing muppet Purple.
 
I see the Purple Nurple is at it again going on about how we shouldn’t get an “assistance” package and saying (in hindsight) nor should Fold Coast or Brisvegas or Carltank have gotten any.
Also said the only assistance package we should need is Clarko, umm we have to pay for him, that also at most we should get a lay 3rd rounder and 1 rookie list spot.
Went on about how we “let’” BBB go, and he would have provided support for Souva that we are going on about um didn’t he knock back more with us to go to the GoDees also on about how Taz would have been a good player to help BMac um didn’t Taz also want out.
So we should have retained players that we offered money to keep that went anyway, so hold a gun to their head to get them to say you ******* muppet Purple.

I disagree with everything he says except BBB and Taz. Unfortunately he's correct there and those are on us.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Remove this Banner Ad

Remove this Banner Ad

Back
Top