NORTH Melbourne fans fear a wooden spoon but predict the Kangaroos will rise up the ladder in 2018.
Continued the wholesale turnover of their list begun in 2016, the Roos shed experienced players Andrew Swallow and Sam Gibson last off-season, along with old-timers Lindsay Thomas and Lachie Hansen.
In comes an injection of pace, led by former Hawk Billy Hartung and No.4 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke.
Giving their take on their side's prospects in AFL.com.au's pre-season survey, fans tipped North to finish everywhere from seventh to 18th this year, with most favouring 12th position.
That would represent a five-place improvement on last year's second-bottom finish, and to deliver that bump the Roos will need big seasons from their established and emerging stars.
Fans nominated Ben Brown as the club's most important player this year, following his breakout 63-goal season in 2017.
In contrast, former All Australian Todd Goldstein suffered a season-long slump, and fans say he must rediscover his best form if the Roos are to find their bounce.
Here are the survey results, plus a selection of North Melbourne fans' responses.
What's the Kangaroos' weakest spot on the park?
Midfield. No pace whatsoever. We are clearly looking to address that but it will take time for LDU, Ahern, McDonald and Simpkin to adjust.
- Callum Bravery, Berwick Vic
Defence. Tarrant and Thompson are ageing warriors. We haven't seen enough of Nielson, Durdin and Vickers-Willis to suggest they can form the core of a solid back six.
- Mishal Mohinudeen, Mill Park Vic
An outside mid with good delivery. Higgins is good but lacks explosive pace and then the cupboard's bare.
- Mekaal Hassan, Campbells Creek Vic
It'll be a great year if ...
... Paul Ahern gets firing and Mason Wood lives up to his potential. And if Ben Jacobs can get back to his best.
- Lachie Tindall, Melbourne Vic
... we hear: 'And the kangas clear it after another great tap from Goldy'
- Rob Rayner, Docklands Vic
... we can manage to remain competitive while getting games into all of our youngsters in favour of the likes of Scott Thompson. Winning 6-8 games would be a great performance, showing the armchair experts that North has more young talent than they are given credit for.
- Rick Files, Adelaide SA
What's your dream headline in 2018?
'Big Ben kicks 10 as North return to September'
- Bailey Tyson, Launceston Tas
'North grabs Lynch (or Gaff or McGovern) and Sloane'
- Harley Cogan, Melton South Vic
What's the headline you secretly dread?
'Robbie Tarrant in shock trade request'
- Kieran Dally, Kewdale WA
'Kangas get the spoon'
- Scott Kellam, Albury NSW
'North Melbourne Tasmania move back on the agenda'
- Chris Clarkson, Perth WA
Read more fans' season previews
• Adelaide: Bryce is nice, but backline the worry
• Brisbane: 50 goals for Eric and no spoon, please
• Collingwood: From 13th to a premiership?
• Essendon: Are the bolstered Bombers the complete Package?
• Fremantle: Forward line, forward line, forward line
• Geelong: Grand designs for Gaz's return
• Gold Coast: Key Sun is also fans' biggest fear
• GWS: Time for one Giant leap
• Melbourne: Just make the finals. And beat North
