Kangas launch new era

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott’s bold new era will be on display when the Kangaroos take on West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

Scott said he needed to give more young players opportunities when he made the difficult decision to let Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito go at the end of last season.

He stayed true to his vision at the first selection meeting of the season, handing out four AFL debuts and two club debuts for today’s clash against the Eagles.

Jy Simpkin, Declan Mountford, Mitch Hibberd and Braydon Preuss will all see AFL action for the first time, while Marley Williams and Nathan Hrovat will have their first regular season in a North jumper since switching from Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs respectively.

“It’s really exciting to see some new guys in there,” assistant coach Leigh Tudor said.

“I think that’s where we’re at this year — we’ve taken the option to try and play some young guys and see how they go.