BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ROOS’ SON OF A GUN
Tassie Roo says Jackson Archer has the same grit as his famous dad, writes James Bresnehan
HE’S the son of a gun and destined to be a chip off the old block, says Tassie Kangaroo Aaron Hall about Jackson Archer (pictured right) on the eve of his AFL debut against Adelaide Crows in Hobart on Sunday.
Hall says Jackson, 19, taken as a Father-Son pick last year, shapes as the same fierce defender that made his dad Glenn a club legend and arguably the bravest player ever to pull on a guernsey.
“I’m pumped for him, he’s going to slot into our backline nicely,” said Hall, who was in Hobart early to help Clarence and Rose Bay high students at their match yesterday.
“He’s pretty much like his old man — he’s tough, he loves the contest and he’s a competitive beast.
“With me being out [injured] I’ve watched a lot of the VFL and helped our guys in the backline, and his hunger for the contest is going to bring a good dimension to our team and to our backline.
“It’s a great moment for North Melbourne supporters and for the Archer family.”
Along with Archer, the Kangaroos have “reinforcements” in returning key defender Ben McKay, onballer Tarryn Thomas and forward Cam Zurhaar.
“These guys are going to make a big difference to our team,” Hall said. ”We haven’t had our best team on the park all season. “We will be confident going into the game. We’ve had a great week on the training track, we’ve had a look at the first part of our season and we are not happy at all.
“We’ve sharpened up a few things with our game plan and looking forward to putting it out there on Sunday.”
Hall says Kangas coach David Noble has been unfairly attacked for his leadership at North Melbourne, rating him the best coach in his two-club 147game AFL career.
“I’ve been in the system now for 11 years and had seven coaches, and he’s by far the best I’ve had,” Hall said.
“I’ll back him in. Last year he was great for me and he’s been good again this year.
“The way he handles certain situations and his drive to be the best coach and get the best out of us is second to none.
“No one at the club likes where we are sitting at the moment.
“We are all banding together to do our best to show improvement.”
Hall is onboard with Tasmania getting a 19th AFL licence.
“I’m a Tasmanian and I’m all for it,” he said. “I would love to see Tassie get their own team. Watching the JackJumpers and how they brought everyone together, an AFL side could do that as well.”
james.bresnehan@news.com.au