Scott Thompson and Nathan Grima ended the Roos’ prolonged search for key defenders and should settle the backline for a long time yet. Thompson played every game while Grima was given 13 from his round eight debut and won a two-year contract extension.
Hamish McIntosh and Todd Goldstein. The club’s chief ruckman put a frustrating 2008 behind him and, like his breakout 2007, was among its most important contributors. Goldstein added 13 games as a very handy back-up, but will push McIntosh for the main mantle from next year.
Adam Simpson was the Roos’ best player for the first half of his 15th season but his retirement after round 18 was selfless and sensible. A class act.
What went wrong?
Injuries ruined any hope of North playing finals. Captain Brent Harvey missed seven rounds with a dislocated elbow, Daniel Wells (groin) sat out two-thirds of the year, Jack Ziebell broke his leg, and Jesse Smith (hamstring) didn’t play a senior game. Matt Campbell (hamstrings), Lachie Hansen (hamstring) and Robbie Tarrant (shoulder) added to the frustrations.
Dean Laidley’s resignation gave Darren Crocker an opportunity, but if the side was winning games the coach would have stayed.
The forward line. David Hale struggled to find any real form, Campbell and Ben Warren were injured and Aaron Edwards’ greatest obstacle was being picked. Drew Petrie, Corey Jones and Lindsay Thomas provided some firepower but the Roos still finished the lowest-scoring side in the competition.
Most valuable player
Andrew Swallow played three games last year and probably thought his career had reached early crossroads. This season he was terrific: third in total disposals, first in tackles (nearly seven a game), fourth in goals kicked and easily the side’s best clearance player. The 22-year-old should win his first Syd Barker Medal.
Coach's award for one-percenters
Michael Firrito won’t appear on any highlight reels but that means little to those inside the club. Completing a successful return to the midfield from defence, Firrito performed much of the grunt work at the stoppages and was often handed an important run-with role. Ever durable, he played all 22 games.
Needs a big pre-season
Lachie Hansen is starting to show why he was taken at No.3 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft. It remains unclear whether he’s best suited to centre half-back or centre half-forward, but he must increase his upper body strength to match it with opponents in either position. Granted, his aerobic capacity is superb for a player his size.
Overall grade: C+
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
