Opinion Commentary & Media VII

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shintemaster said:
I used to listen daily and - genuinely - have not even thought of doing so for at least 5 years. I will not support the constant dumbing down of media and discussion. Never going back, these organisations don't deserve our money.
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There's genuinely **** all worth listening to.

I'd rather wait for the North bits to be released by GR or "Roos on Radio" than put up with nuffys giving opinions I couldn't care less about.

Sent from my SM-A908B using Tapatalk
 
Passmore said:
There's genuinely * all worth listening to.

I'd rather wait for the North bits to be released by GR or "Roos on Radio" than put up with nuffys giving opinions I couldn't care less about.

Sent from my SM-A908B using Tapatalk
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Same.

I want smart or I want entertaining – 99% of the media are neither. If I wanted to listen to morons with no idea about football I’d pull out a mirror and have at it.
 
shintemaster said:
I used to listen daily and - genuinely - have not even thought of doing so for at least 5 years. I will not support the constant dumbing down of media and discussion. Never going back, these organisations don't deserve our money.
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Exactly the same. I was driving home one day and realised I spend 45 minutes in the car. 20 would be ads, 15 would be callers expressing the same opinion I've already heard 30 times on the "topic of the week" and if I was lucky the rest might be actual news or interesting discussion. We get treated like idiots.
 

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Dan said:
When you’ve been as bad as we have….you gotta take it sometimes.

No issue with that kinda banter.
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I have no issue with it lol just don’t be a pussy and delete it
 

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Rod Stroker said:
I don't know who Spence is and what condition he has, but FFS, just make Larkey captain already. He's such a natural. These jumper presentations are something a captain should be doing anyway

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Frank Thring said:
Larkey is Spence's favourite
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even so, he is so good, so much more mature and capable than I think Jy could ever be. (not a slight on Jy)
 

Ultimate player ratings: Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph rate every North Melbourne player​

It’s time for these two X-factor Kangaroos to put it together. GLENN MCFARLANE and JON RALPH rate every North Melbourne player.
Glenn McFarlane and Jon Ralph

2 min read
February 8, 2024 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Can Cam Zurhaar take his game to the next level (and prove his loyalty following his spat with former teammate Jason Horne-Francis) or is he Ben McKay 2.0?
And will Tarryn Thomas be wearing the same colours next season or has he already got one foot out of the Arden St door?

These discussion points might have escaped the radar for many as we cast our eyes over the Kangaroos’ cache of young talent and the potential A-graders who are doing their best to lift this club out of the doldrums.

But both points will be very much in the minds of North Melbourne powerbrokers as they head into season 2024 hoping this is going to be the year that swings the pendulum.

Zurhaar is a good player. But he could be much more than that!
He turns 26 this season and is entering the final year of his current deal, a contract that he signed in late 2022 after attracting plenty of interest from Essendon and co.
His good mate Nick Larkey signed a long-term deal to stay. Now the Kangaroos will be hoping that Zurhaar does the same, especially given his social media joust with Horne-Francis when he quit the Roos after only one season to return to Adelaide.
There is no reason to think that Zurhaar is on the move, but there would be multiple suitors - as there for Ben McKay last year before he agreed to join Essendon - if he shows any inclination to leave.
Surely, the Roos will hope the forward/burst midfielder will stay loyal to the club and make himself open to a new long-term deal early in the season.
Can [PLAYERCARD]Cameron Zurhaar[/PLAYERCARD] get the best out of himself at North Melbourne? Picture: Michael Klein

Can Cameron Zurhaar get the best out of himself at North Melbourne? Picture: Michael Klein

He is not the wrecking ball he often threatens to be, but he is still at the pointy end of the Kangaroos’ 2024 rating. He has the capacity to make an even bigger impact and go from a good player to a star.
Thomas’ future at the club is every bit as intriguing. He had to front an AFL integrity meeting this year over fresh allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” which has seen him training away from the main group.
He too is in the final year of a contract, with rival clubs also likely to look at him in the coming months.

Some of his teammates think he has the capacity to be the Kangaroos’ best player, if he can knuckle down - and recommit.
The Roos have a lot to look forward to.
But Alastair Clarkson’s task of getting this club back to the finals will be easier if he can get Zurhaar and Thomas to sign on the dotted line - and get the absolute best out of themselves.

Nick Larkey
88
The deadly accurate Kangaroos spearhead must be licking his lips in anticipation at the improved midfield stocks. In a herculean effort last year, he kicked 29.2 per cent of the goals in a team that won three games, returning 71.24. Injury-free seasons for LDU and Jy Simpkin and young guns Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw and Colby McKercher can provide greater supply. Look out when he gets going.

Luke Davies-Uniacke
84
The contested bull could be one of the AFL’s best midfielders if he has a clear run at it. He’s never gone through a complete season and again missed nine games due to injury last season. However, he was still impressive in 14 games, averaging 27.4 disposals, 13.2 contested possessions and 411 metres gained to finish fourth in the best and fairest.

Tarryn Thomas
82
How much does this bloke want it? Larkey is convinced the silky-smooth Thomas has the talent to be the Kangaroos’ best player — if he wants it. He is facing further AFL scrutiny now and is training away from the group after fresh allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” were made against him. His first half of 2023 was self-sabotaged by off-field issues. But his last 12 games — where he averaged 19.6 disposals, 382 metres gained and 4.3 clearances — showed his class and saw him finish sixth in the best and fairest despite missing half the season. A huge contract year awaits.

Harry Sheezel
81
Can Harry do a Daicos and go from Rising Star to Brownlow Medal contender? He recorded more disposals in a season than any other first-year draftee last year (622) and went at 71 per cent kicking efficiency on his way to taking home the Syd Barker Medal. Sheezel spent most of 2023 at halfback, but he will likely have more of a forward and midfield mix in 2024. A star.

Jy Simpkin
80
An inspirational, hard-edged co-captain who fought a battle with his body last season which blunted his impact in 18 games. He was down six disposals, 101 metres gained and 1.1 clearances per game from the previous season. Suspect he will make up for the shortfall in 2024 — and then some — if he has a clean bill of health.

George Wardlaw
75
The talented midfielder’s eye-catching game against Essendon last year coaxed Clarko back to coaching — and the teenager has actually had a pre-season this time around. He was restricted in the 2023 lead-up, which meant he didn’t get to make his debut until round 10. However, he showed plenty in eight games, averaging 14.6 disposals, 7.4 contested possession and 4.1 clearances. Exciting times.

Bailey Scott
68
Back-to-back third placings in the best and fairest are an indication of how much progress this father-son pick has made in a short time. He has continued to flourish on a wing and in other roles, rating elite for metres gained (453m per game) and above average in pressure and disposals (22.1 per game). Also won the best clubman award last year.

Cam Zurhaar
65
A good player, but he isn’t the forward wrecking ball that he could be. As he enters the final year of his current contract, the powerful Zurhaar is capable of producing more. He booted 20.19 from 16 games last year, but has never kicked 40 or more in a season. Given he turns 26 in May, he should be reaching his peak. But he needs to work at it.

Colby McKercher
64
The first top-five Tasmanian draft pick in a decade, this prolific ball winner with a neat left foot will only need to look at Sheezel to know what is possible in year one — if you put in the work. He will be ready for a potential round 1 debut after a good pre-season. His 32-disposal, eight clearance and two-goal demolition for the Allies against Vic Country last July should get Roos fans excited.

Paul Curtis
62
The exciting forward can make something out of nothing, evidenced by his already impressive highlight reel in 36 games. He was a goal of the year finalist last year after pushing off two Sydney opponents and evading another before slotting the major. More please.

Luke McDonald
61
The Kangaroos co-captain with a point to prove. He received criticism from David King last year, with calls for Clarkson to reprogram the defender into a tagger or defensive forward role. McDonald played 22 games in 2023 in an under siege backline, but his numbers were down including -3 in disposals, -108 in metres gained and – 1.7 in rebound 50s. He can fight back.

Liam Shiels
60
He turns 33 in April, but it was no surprise to see the three-time Hawks premiership player sign for a second season at the Roos. He played 16 games last year, rating elite in pressure and clearances. But it is his experience which will be needed most in 2024 following the retirements of Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington. Shiels won’t play every game, but he operates like an on-field assistant coach when he’s out there.

Aidan Corr
59
It’s been a tough three years in blue and white for the former Giants defender, fighting a battle with his body and with little assistance in the key defensive posts. It has meant he has regularly had to play on bigger and stronger opponents. He fought hard against the tide in 19 games last year, rating above average in metres gained, spoils and one-on-ones. But he badly sprained his ankle in December in a pre-season setback.

Jaidyn Stephenson
58
The forward-midfielder has never been able to recapture the form of his first two seasons at Collingwood. But his 2023 was a marked improvement on his time at the Kangaroos. He was second to Larkey in the club goalkicking (26.10), marking his best haul since his debut year. Stephenson has two more years to run on his current deal and he should be aiming for 30-plus goals in 2024.

Zane Duursma
57
Only one club — West Coast — kicked fewer goals than North Melbourne last season, so it is exciting to see the Kangaroos bring in a draftee who knows a thing or two about scoring. The No. 4 draft pick kicked 30-plus goals in his two seasons with Gippsland in the Coates League and torched Vic Metro with four goals and 15 scoring involvements last year. He can also pinch-hit in the middle.

Zac Fisher
57
The former Blue won’t move the needle, but he can provide good run off halfback. He fell out of favour with Carlton last year, but re-positioned himself in defence late in the season and averaged 27 disposals during that time. He brings some experience as a 27-year-old with 107 games under his belt, but must narrow the gap between his best and worst. Just needs some luck with his body.

Griffin Logue
56
This rating would be higher but for the fact he will miss the first half of the season recovering from an ACL. He is making solid progress, but he won’t be rushed. Logue copped criticism over his body shape and fitness early in his 15 games last year. He’s no star, but given the club’s dearth of defenders, they will miss his 193cm and 100kg frame early in the season.

Dylan Stephens
56
Lock the former Sydney 2022 grand final player in for the opposite wing to Bailey Scott, along with some centre bounce forays. This was a nice piece of recruiting work from the Kangaroos — pinpointing the elite run that he can bring. At 23 and with almost 50 games to his name, he should make a difference in a team crying out for speed and a spark.

Eddie Ford
54
After Sheezel and Wardlaw, who was the third Kangaroo to win a Rising Star nomination last year? Simple: it was Ford, and it came in the final round off the back of a 19-disposal, three-goal haul against Gold Coast. It was also his first win after 13 consecutive losses.

Will Phillips
53
The time is now for the one-time No. 3 pick, who has had little luck so far in his career. But he needs to get going as he enters his fourth season. The inside midfielder bounced back from a wipe-out in 2022 to play 16 games last year. His 29-disposals against Collingwood was a career-best, while his 26 against Gold Coast earned him his first Brownlow vote. It is time to start making his move.

Hugh Greenwood
53
Hard to know where the big-bodied mid sits in 2024 selection, given the pressure on midfield slots. He has changed to the No. 1 jumper in honour of his late mother, but he won’t be changing his hard-edge approach. Greenwood had a few stints in the VFL last year before finishing on 14 games, with 65 per cent of his disposals at senior level having been contested ones. That’s good, but he needs to clean up his distribution.

Tristan Xerri
52
A lot rides on the ruckman’s broad shoulders given Todd Goldstein’s exit. The 25-year-old has never played more than 12 games in a season and managed only nine matches last year after ankle surgery. Given the Roos’ dearth of ready-made ruck stocks, the 202cm big man is going to have to steel himself for the challenge ahead. His team needs him.

Charlie Comben
51
The one-time key forward will look to reinvent himself in a key defensive post as he returns from a horrific broken ankle. He has played nine games in four seasons, but this positional switch is the right move for a club that has lost Ben McKay. He just needs some luck.

Tom Powell
50
This looms as a vital year for the one-time pick 13 to start making inroads on locking in a regular midfield-forward slot in a contract season. He has played 45 games heading into his fourth season. Powell needs to ensure others don’t jump past him.

Miller Bergman
48
The young defender is eyeing off a regular role after playing 12 games last year, following a debut season which was ruined by injury. But he will have to work for it. Bergman has just turned 21 and is locked away until 2025, but the lightly-framed, 189cm backman will likely get more chances which he will want to take.

Charlie Lazzaro
48
One of a handful of Roos who need to bridge the gap between solid VFL form and making an impact when elevated to the AFL. The midfielder-forward averaged 26.6 disposals, 6.1 tackles and 4.7 inside 50s at the second tier last season, but couldn’t replicate that in his six AFL games. That said, he did finish 2023 on a high with a career-best 26 disposals in the final round and has impressed all preseason.

Darcy Tucker
46
The former Docker played 18 games in his first year back in Victoria, averaging 16.3 disposals. The 27-year-old wingman will now face fresh challenges to keep his spot as young contenders push for opportunities. He was twice dropped during last season, but his 40-disposal, 171-point rankings game against Coburg elevated him for the final nine rounds.

Curtis Taylor
46
The midfielder-forward had two distinct stints in the AFL side last season — nine games to start the season before seven to finish it. He is about to enter his sixth season — with 68 games to his credit — and needs to make the most of it in the final year of his current deal.

Callum Coleman-Jones
45
The underperforming big man could be important to the Kangaroos this season as a back-up for Tristan Xerri in the ruck. But it is far from a given. He endured some serious concussion issues last season but was cleared to resume full training in mid-January. Fingers crossed he gets a chance after a frustrating run of inconsistent form and injuries for the key forward/ruck.

Josh Goader
44
An intercept defender who is about to enter his third season off the back of 10 senior games in 2023. He had to deal with a knee injury that kept him out for five weeks last season, but responded to play the final seven matches, including a final-round performance of 22 disposals at 81.3 per cent efficiency and 383 metres gained. On the cusp.

Taylor Goad
44
Normally a first-year AFL ruckman wouldn’t rate so highly as the opportunities would be limited. But not at North Melbourne. The Roos have limited big man options and if Xerri has a setback, this former basketball code-hopper — who was taken at pick 23 in November’s draft — could get an early look in. He is still raw, but is already the tallest Kangaroo (206cm). He ranked in the top 10 draftees for the 20m sprint last October.

Brayden George
43
He had a freak gym accident which caused a dislocated elbow in October, but the mid-sized power forward is back in full training as he pushes for an AFL debut. George had spent last season recovering from an ACL which he suffered in his draft year. Brett Ratten last year rated him as an untapped talent.

Cooper Harvey
43
The son of club great Brent, he made solid ground in his first AFL season as he learnt his craft in the VFL before featuring in three late-season AFL matches. Harvey showed a few glimpses at the top level, but his 21.16 and 13 disposals per game at VFL level was a good learning platform.

Toby Pink
42
The one-time Sydney rookie spent the last three seasons at Glenelg, where the 194cm backman played a part in a premiership last season and made the SANFL Team of the Year. It’s a wildcard option, but North Melbourne is desperate for defenders. He might fill a need early.

Jackson Archer
42
The son of Shinboner of the Century Glenn, Archer added five more games last season, with his ball use being a strength. The defender played 11 VFL games in 2023, going at 80.9 per cent kicking efficiency. He will be angling for more senior game time this year.

Bigoa Nyuon
40
The former Tigers defender/ruck’s quest for greater senior experience brought about his move to Arden St. North Melbourne’s dearth of key talls — and Logue’s injury — might make for an early opportunity. Nyuon’s only AFL game was back in 2022, but in 17 VFL games in each of the past two seasons he has shown intercept and aerial skills down back and an ability to pinch-hit in the ruck.

Blake Drury
39
The midfield-forward rookie, who played four games in his debut season, accompanied his good mates Sheezel and Wardlaw to the US in the off-season. The one-time Australian Open ball boy spent this year’s tournament sweating it out at Arden St. He averaged 15.6 disposals and kicked 8.9 in 17 VFL games. He’s a good learner who will make the most of any opportunities.

Wil Dawson
38
Larkey gave the first-year defender a plug with their early contest work at the start of the pre-season. Taken at No. 22 in the draft, the club hopes Dawson could one day be a long-term replacement for Ben McKay. He’s still raw, but he is strong in the air and was an elite junior interceptor. He averaged 3.3 marks and 3.8 intercept disposals across 13 matches in the Coates League last year.

Riley Hardeman
38
A launching-pad halfback who was taken the pick after Dawson, the WA teenager made the under 18s All-Australian team last season alongside new teammates McKercher and Duursma. In the national championship he excelled in defence, averaging 18.5 disposals, 5.5 marks and 6.3 rebound 50s. He also played one senior WAFL game with Swan Districts last year.

Kallan Dawson
33
A mature-aged defender who added one AFL game to his tally of five in the round 24 clash with Gold Coast. He spent the season waiting for his opportunity, playing 15 games in the VFL and averaging 15.5 disposals and 5.5 marks.

Robert Hansen
28
A small forward from WA who was plucked out of the mid-season draft and made his debut in his home state after five VFL games. He’s a crafty player, but is still raw. He kicked 7.3 in six VFL games.

Hamish Free
27
A mature-aged rookie ruckman who played eight games in the VFL last season before a shoulder injury brought an early end. He still faces a task in pushing past Xerri in his second season, but the 25-year-old will be working hard for opportunities.

Finnbar Maley
25
A raw 197cm forward or ruck prospect who impressed with Northern Bullants in the VFL and his local club Eltham, kicking six goals in a grand final for the Panthers. He won’t be rushed, but this rookie draft selection will seek opportunities through the VFL after a solid summer.

​

 
toepoker said:
Where are these numbers coming from? The top of Jon Ralph's head?
Even by the Herald Sun's lofty standards that is some truly pointless crap
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Shows how little you blokes know about football. The numbers under their names are the numbers they are wearing this year. Larkey is wearing 88 this year to commemorate the World Expo
 
Rod Stroker said:
I don't know who Spence is and what condition he has, but FFS, just make Larkey captain already. He's such a natural. These jumper presentations are something a captain should be doing anyway

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Couldn’t agree more re: Larkey, and I love the video, but f*ck it’s sickening to see this on norths instagram with a link to the roo shop. Doesn’t have to be an ad!
 
Makeshift Park said:
Bailey Scott
68
Back-to-back third placings in the best and fairest are an indication of how much progress this father-son pick has made in a short time. He has continued to flourish on a wing and in other roles, rating elite for metres gained (453m per game) and above average in pressure and disposals (22.1 per game). Also won the best clubman award last year.
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Two podium finishes in the Syd and Bailey Scott still can't quite get a 69.

:stern look
 
Reads like a video game rating evaluation. Weird. That said, aside from the howler at the start that dares to suggest that Zurhaar might behave in the same way as Jason, I don't find a lot to disagree with. If we all did our top eight players at the club, we'd come up with a very similar list
 
Makeshift Park said:
They reckon its a "prediction of their 2024 performance based on their 2023 season, expected improvement and role in their side."

Why then would you have Goad six points above George or Hardeman?

Doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
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Remember this is John 'reverse the truck ' Ralph.
Makes shti up then does a 360
 
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