Play Nice North Melbourne a threat in 2016?

[BotsMaster]

After making the prelim for the 2nd year in a row, will North take that final step and make the Grand Final in 2016?

Is their list too old? Do they need a second Shaun Atley? Would adding another tall forward to help out Waite be the key to getting them that one step further?

 

[Rack Watts]

They'll win the grand final, phenomenal list, a real credit to their recruiting.

 

[TedDougChris]

My assessment of their list after the trade period last year was No. Yet this year, they played very controlled, finals intensity football in their first two finals games and were up at half time in the PF. So clearly they play a style that is working for them.

So while my answer would still be No, they played much better at the business end that I suspected they would (given their regular season form) - so if they can win a few more games and get a home final or two - it would give them a much better shot.

I thought they proved a few people wrong this year, so they might do it again next year....

 

[Fuzzy Wuzzy Bear]

If they can be more consistent during the regular season, but they seem happy half arsing it for half the year then making a run but make it harder for themselves with away finals.

 

[Lithium]

No.

 

[north_lad]

If they can be more consistent during the regular season, but they seem happy half arsing it for half the year then making a run but make it harder for themselves with away finals.

Fully agree. If they can fix that then yeah but it's a big 'if'

 

[BoxMatrix]

Fluked getting to the last two prelims. Will not be a threat with their current list.

 

[TheKanga]

Fluked getting to the last two prelims. Will not be a threat with their current list.

How does one fluke getting into a prelim genius?

 

[Power Raid]

a very good chance for the flag

 

[LicoriceAllsorts]

The addition of James Aish will be the difference for them

 

[Jesslc]

How does one fluke getting into a prelim genius?

didnt realise football was a game of luck. I guess Collingwood aren't below average but just really unlucky? hahahahaha

 

[TheKanga]

Tipping us to make top 4 finally after the H&A season.
Which will give us the best chance to get into a GF.
The boys have belief that they belong in the finals now opposed to just hoping in previous seasons.

 

[HairyO]

How does one fluke getting into a prelim genius?

More importantly, how do you fluke it 2 years in a row?

 

[juss]

Finals yes, not flag contenders imo. A nimber of their key players are old and will only decline.

 

[Yippy Yi Yeo]

After making the prelim for the 2nd year in a row, will North take that final step and make the Grand Final in 2016?

Is their list too old? Do they need a second Shaun Atley? Would adding another tall forward to help out Waite be the key to getting them that one step further?

No.

Midfield lacks any real class, too many similar type players like Ziebell, Cunnington and Swallow. Forward line is too dependent on Petrie and Waite who could both potentially drop off a cliff given they're 34 and 33 respectively next year, Brown isn't ready to play as the main KPF, Thomas is inconsistent. Will not be winning a flag with this list. 2 prelims in a row is a credit to them, they got the most out of their team both years, but they will not go any further than that next year, and will be very lucky to replicate the effort again given all the upcoming teams that will be pressing deeper into finals.

 

[Lsta062]

Yes! I think North will finally be considered a genuine flag threat. Their list and recruiting has been quite underrated

 

[Chuckie357]

Might be a chance if everyone was playing for the team rather than individual accolades

 

[LoungeLizard]

They haven't lost 1 game yet, so yep still a chance.

 

[Tig22]

I don't think they'll make the grand final, but they could go very close again. Also, I doubt Petrie or Waite will "fall off a cliff" just because they're getting on a bit, but injuries would hit them very hard. If they got Aish as a bit of outside class I'd expect them to be winning a final or two again. Otherwise I think their list has just about peaked.

 

[Dan]

Longest Kick/100m Sprint > Premiership

 

[Moshie The Mook]

They rely heavily on getting us in the EF and then a broken down and weary opponent the week after.

Not a sound premiership strategy. No threat.

 

[billy fragos]

Hmmm... No

They will go backwards.

 

[JackOutback]

No.

Concise and accurate; 7th to 11th, for mine.

 

[Deathly]

They had two incredibly easy finals run [ESS/GEE - RIC/SYD] before getting pumped in both PFs and they're not getting any younger. If they can finish Top 4 (meaning keep their consistency in H&A which I can't see happening with their list) I will change my opinion.

Should be lucky to make finals, hopefully they don't get their fans hopes up again and just lose first week this time around.

 

[Milux]

Maybe to a retirement home.