Win-loss: 7-6 (LLWLWWLWLLWWW)
Ladder position: 9th
Leading possession winner: Brady Rawlings (346)
Leading goalkicker: Lindsay Thomas (26)
Season so far
It was a slow start with the 104-point loss to St Kilda the true low point of the season, but the Kangaroos got back on their feet with solid wins over West Coast and Hawthorn. The Bulldogs match was another disappointment but the side handled the Scott Thompson-Barry Hall talking point well. Under new coach Brad Scott, the Kangaroos are coming to grips with a new game style and at the mid-season break find themselves a chance of returning to September action.
Medical room
Drew Petrie has only played once and is at least another month away from returning from his latest foot injury. Liam Anthony’s shoulder injury means he will miss the remainder of 2010. Other than those two it has been relatively smooth sailing in the medical room. There has been the customary minor niggle, while question marks always linger about Daniel Wells’ groins.
Best performance
It is hard to go past the round 12 win over Carlton, when the Kangas knocked off the highly-fancied Carlton by five goals. With Lindsay Thomas playing the game of his life - finishing with 7.5 in a dominant forward display - North led at every change. Scott Thompson had 29 touches and provided great run along with Michael Firrito.
B&F leader
Andrew Swallow has stepped up in the midfield this season and would probably be leading the count. He has backed up his great form from 2009, winning plenty of contested possessions and tackling ferociously. Defenders Nathan Grima and Michael Firrito have hardly put a foot wrong and would likely be on the podium.
Surprise packet
Grima has become an essential part of the North Melbourne backline. He has been given some big jobs in the first half of the year and rarely had his colours lowered. His performance in round 11 against the Lions was instrumental in his team clinging to a thrilling win. Lachie Hansen is another who is really starting to step up.
Coach's award
Thomas has made plenty of improvements to his game that would have pleased Brad Scott immensely. He has worked hard on his defensive game and is keeping his feet at the contest. Not only did Thomas mark and crumb well against the Blues, but the coach said the defensive aspects of the forward’s game were highlighted just as much.
Needs to step up
Hamish McIntosh was short-listed for All-Australian selection last season but is yet to recapture that form. At 203cm and 102kg, McIntosh has the frame to impose himself on a game, so he needs to become need more physical. The continued development of Todd Goldstein has been a big plus, but if McIntosh could re-discover his best, it would give North a formidable ruck combination.
Second-half story lines
How will David Hale respond to being demoted to the VFL? If North is to make a play at the finals, it will need a fit and firing Hale, especially with Petrie sidelined.
What other youngsters will Brad Scott unveil? All those to debut this season have shown something, and he’ll be keen to give game time to others. Jamie MacMillan, Brayden Norris, Ben Speight and Robbie Tarrant are those most likely.
Can the Roos sneak what many would have thought an unthinkable finals berth in Scott’s first season as coach?
The run home
Round 14 Geelong at Skilled Stadium (A)
Round 15 Sydney at the SCG (A)
Round 16 Richmond at the MCG (A)
Round 17 Essendon at Etihad Stadium (H)
Round 18 Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium (A)
Round 19 Fremantle at Etihad Stadium (H)
Round 20 St Kilda at Etihad Stadium (H)
Round 21 West Coast at Subiaco (A)
Round 22 Melbourne at the MCG (A)
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
