The views in this article are those of the author and not those of the North Melbourne Football Club.

What went right
Daniel Wells put a horror season behind him to play 19 games. Was managed carefully to avoid a recurrence of his osteitis pubis and, at 25, is clearly aware of his strengths. The club is confident he'll re-sign.

Two rounds into the season Brad Scott's game plan was questioned, but by round five the Roos were on the right path. Scott wasn't shy to voice his opinion, built a rapport with the media and was a great spokesman for a club craving exposure.

North put its youth on show. Ryan Bastinac (22 games), Ben Cunnington (18), Levi Greenwood (17), Sam Wright (20), Lachlan Hansen (21) and Todd Goldstein (21) were the best of them.

What went wrong
Drew Petrie fractured his left foot on the eve of the season and suffered the same injury to his right foot in two failed comebacks. The forward line was far less potent without him.

David Hale kicked 15 goals in the first six games, but fell horribly out of form and confidence. Spent almost half the season with North Ballarat in the VFL, and showed he still has a lot to offer as a ruckman. The problem is he sits behind Hamish McIntosh and Todd Goldstein.

Though total membership increased throughout the league, the Roos dropped below 30,000 and finished the worst of the 10 Victorian clubs. Just 14,891 people watched them thrash Fremantle at Etihad Stadium in round 19.

Most valuable player
If Andrew Swallow doesn't win his second Syd Barker Medal, he'll go very close. The 23-year-old played every game in 2010 and was typically crucial to North's stoppage set-ups. Kicked multiple goals on five occasions, averaged 21 possessions and led the competition in tackles. Could be the club's next captain.

Coach's award for one-percenters
He's played just 30 games, but Nathan Grima has become so important to North's defensive structure. Brad Scott said as much when the side lost four games in Grima's absence in the second half of the season. Holds his own against the competition's best forwards and will only get better.

Needs a big pre-season
His first two years were ruined by shoulder injuries, so it was a long wait for key position prospect Robbie Tarrant's debut in round 15. However, suffering a thumb injury in his second game, he was unable to settle into the senior side. Would want to aim for round one next season.

Trading places
David Hale has two years to run on his contract but would get greater opportunities at a club craving an experienced ruckman. Matt Campbell has been passed by a number of his teammates. Opposition clubs should also ask after key position type Josh Smith, even though he has only played 11 AFL games.

Overall grade: B-