BY THE NUMBERS
GET EXCITED ABOUT THE KIDS
Even if North doesn’t win too many games, it will be worth tuning in or turning up to watch some of the kids.
Last year it was Harry Sheezel who won the best-and-fairest on debut - and glimpses of George Wardlaw. This year we should get to see a lot more of Wardlaw, while No.2 pick Colby McKercher looks an absolute beauty and is preparing to team up with Sheezel across the halfand
The Kangaroos used a total of 43 players last season – the most of any side in the competition.
North Melbourne ranked 17th for points scored and points conceded last season.
The Kangaroos recorded a shot-at-goal accuracy of 51 per cent last season – ranked second in the AFL.
North Melbourne recorded the second-worst points from turnover and points from stoppage differential last season. back line. Forward Zane Duursma the No.4 pick from last year - also caught the eye during the club’s preseason match against St Kilda and should play a lot of senior footy this year, while fans are keen to see what 2022 draftee Brayden George can-do.
BACKLINE BLUES
The Kangaroos conceded the secondmost points of any team last season will have their work cut out to be better this year.
The departure of key defender Ben McKay (19 games in 2023) to Essendon over the off-season has left North thin down back. The club will also be without Griffin Logue (15 games) until mid-season as he continues his recovery from an ACL, while Aidan Corr (19 games) has had a limited pre-season due to injury.
It means an inexperienced group including Kallan Dawson, Toby Pink, Charlie Comben and Bigoa Nyuon will need to fill some key defensive posts early in the season. Between them, the quartet have played 15 AFL games.
RECRUIT BOOST
The Kangaroos didn’t snag any big fish during the trade period, but secured a couple of handy additions.
Former Carlton forward Zac Fisher showed during the pre-season match against St Kilda that he can shine in a new role down back, logging a gamehigh 36 disposals to go with 668m gained and eight rebound 50s.
Former Sydney midfielder Dylan Stephens will also play a significant role on a wing this season.