Age no barrier for Tassie Roo

“AGE is no excuse” is the new motto coming out of North Melbourne after last season’s cleanout, and it could see Tasmanian Mitch Hibberd lining up for his AFL debut.

The 20-year-old (right) has impressed in the first two JLT Community Series games, especially in Sunday’s win over Hawthorn, where he collected 25 assured touches across half-back. With the loss of Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito, Daniel Wells and Nick Dal Santo, spots are up for grabs.

“There are a lot more young guys around the club, so it does feel completely different to last year,” Hibberd said back in Hobart for the Roos community camp.

“Age isn’t an excuse and we can’t put any expectations on what we can do this year.

“Everyone has put it on each other to step up ... so everyone is pushing pretty hard and training hard.

“Everyone knows there are opportunities there and it has made for a pretty competitive pre-season.”

In his first season, Hibberd learned his trade in the VFL playing for Werribee, and said 12 months on he was a vastly different player to the one who landed from Clarence.

“Probably just knowing the game plan, knowing the structures and being a lot more confident with all that sort of thing,” he said.

“I just feel like I can play footy a bit more as the structure just happens as opposed to thinking about it so much. You can concentrate on playing footy and it comes a bit more natural.”

Hibberd is sharing a house with midfielder Ryan Clarke and North’s new cult hero, 109kg ruckman Braydon Preuss, who kicked three goals against the Hawks.

“He’s always up and about. He’s a good character to live with, never a dull moment,” Hibberd said.

“He does eat a fair bit, he’s a big boy.”