THE FOOTBALL fraternity shouldn't be surprised by North Melbourne's form.
In fact, it's embarrassing to think many dismissed the Kangaroos as a genuine finals prospect – and legitimate top-four contender – entering 2008.
So why was the knock again on North Melbourne this season?
Was it because they lost two finals comprehensively?
But don't forget the Roos finished third in 2007 and produced a fine win against Hawthorn in the first semi-final.
Were there concerns over its list?
North Melbourne may have lost Shinboner of the Century Glenn Archer through retirement and had 10 players move on – 11 came in after the club increased its list by one this season with the elevation of NSW scholarship holder James Wilsen – and don't forget the likes of Brent Harvey, Daniel Wells, Adam Simpson, Drew Petrie and Hamish McIntosh remained.
Was it because the club faced a difficult summer when the AFL dangled the Gold Coast carrot in front of it?
Yet haven't we learned by now that North Melbourne has dealt with adversity in the past and defied its critics.
And as much as we could say its recent form is all due to (dare we say it) 'Shinboner Spirit', the fact North Melbourne has a vastly underrated coach and playing list is the reason why the blue and white army continue to thumb its noses at the football public.
Aside from Geelong, North Melbourne is now the second most in-form team in the competition, having won five in a row.
It is an outstanding effort, after the Roos were written off by many when they won one of five matches from rounds 10 to 14.
But it's no coincidence that North Melbourne's toughest period with player unavailability this season came in round 10, when it had 12 listed players absent – including Aaron Edwards, Lachie Hansen, Jess Sinclair, Jesse Smith, Andrew Swallow and Wells.
Over that same period, the Roos averaged 9.4 listed players unavailable. Yet since winning every match from rounds 15 to 19, North Melbourne has averaged 6.6 listed players unavailable.
'They' talk about one-percenters in football – and this statistic is critical for the Roos.
It must also be highlighted that the Kangas defeated the now third-placed Western Bulldogs for the second time this season on Sunday, while they have also knocked over Hawthorn (second on the ladder) once this year and Collingwood (seventh) twice.
The Roos have also drawn with the fourth-placed Sydney Swans in their single encounter.
It even came within 13 points of competition benchmark Geelong in round 11 – a fine achievement in anyone's language.
The fact North Melbourne is now gaining a strong list – skipper Adam Simpson (hip) and ruckman Hamish McIntosh (knee) are set to play against Carlton this Sunday, while high-flying forward Aaron Edwards (ankle) made his long-awaited return via the North Ballarat reserves on the weekend – only adds to their prospects come September.
Quite simply, the Roos must be taken as a serious player come finals time. Otherwise, dismiss Dean Laidley's team at your own peril.
North Melbourne may have lost Shinboner of the Century Glenn Archer through retirement and had 10 players move on – 11 came in after the club increased its list by one this season with the elevation of NSW scholarship holder James Wilsen – and don't forget the likes of Brent Harvey, Daniel Wells, Adam Simpson, Drew Petrie and Hamish McIntosh remained.
Was it because the club faced a difficult summer when the AFL dangled the Gold Coast carrot in front of it?
Yet haven't we learned by now that North Melbourne has dealt with adversity in the past and defied its critics.
And as much as we could say its recent form is all due to (dare we say it) 'Shinboner Spirit', the fact North Melbourne has a vastly underrated coach and playing list is the reason why the blue and white army continue to thumb its noses at the football public.
Aside from Geelong, North Melbourne is now the second most in-form team in the competition, having won five in a row.
It is an outstanding effort, after the Roos were written off by many when they won one of five matches from rounds 10 to 14.
But it's no coincidence that North Melbourne's toughest period with player unavailability this season came in round 10, when it had 12 listed players absent – including Aaron Edwards, Lachie Hansen, Jess Sinclair, Jesse Smith, Andrew Swallow and Wells.
Over that same period, the Roos averaged 9.4 listed players unavailable. Yet since winning every match from rounds 15 to 19, North Melbourne has averaged 6.6 listed players unavailable.
'They' talk about one-percenters in football – and this statistic is critical for the Roos.
It must also be highlighted that the Kangas defeated the now third-placed Western Bulldogs for the second time this season on Sunday, while they have also knocked over Hawthorn (second on the ladder) once this year and Collingwood (seventh) twice.
The Roos have also drawn with the fourth-placed Sydney Swans in their single encounter.
It even came within 13 points of competition benchmark Geelong in round 11 – a fine achievement in anyone's language.
The fact North Melbourne is now gaining a strong list – skipper Adam Simpson (hip) and ruckman Hamish McIntosh (knee) are set to play against Carlton this Sunday, while high-flying forward Aaron Edwards (ankle) made his long-awaited return via the North Ballarat reserves on the weekend – only adds to their prospects come September.
Quite simply, the Roos must be taken as a serious player come finals time. Otherwise, dismiss Dean Laidley's team at your own peril.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
