NORTH MELB
THE NOBLE QUEST
The first two months of last season were horrid and at one stage people were wondering whether the Roos might go through the year without a win. But victory did come in round 9, and they went on to another three. The second half of the season was far more promising as players got coach David Noble’s game plan working and began to hit the scoreboard. Noble is on a rolling contract rather than a fixed deal and needs his side to show more development. His job’s safe enough, but he wouldn’t want another wooden spoon.
CAN HORNEFRANCIS LIVE UP TO THE HYPE?
Who has more hype going into round 1 – Collingwood’s Nick Daicos or No.1 draft pick Jason HorneFrancis? Close call, but you’d have to go with the Roos wunderkind. North was so keen on him it turned down three first-round picks from
Adelaide to ensure it got the South Australian. The hype comes off the back of a 20-game season in the SANFL last year. In the preliminary final against Glenelg, he kicked three goals from 24 disposals, which included 18 contested possessions, 11 clearances, 10 score involvements and 160 Champion Data ranking points. An absolute moral to make his debut in round 1.
CAN THEY START BETTER?
The Roos lost their first four games by an average of 70 points last year in a brutal welcome to AFL senior coaching for Noble. They wouldn’t want a similar start here. Round 1 against Hawthorn at the ‘G looms as their most winnable game early.
HOW ABOUT GREENWOOD?
The Roos had the worst midfield in the AFL last year. They were 18th in contested possessions, 17th in stoppage clearances and 16th in total clearances. The numbers don’t lie. The shock acquisition of Hugh Greenwood from Gold Coast late last year was an unexpected bonus and is a welcome addition. He should improve them around the contests.
CHAMPION DATA SAYS
1. The Kangaroos averaged just 66 points a game last season – their lowest ever recorded in a season.
2. North Melbourne scored from 39 per cent of its inside-50 entries last season – ranked 18th.
3. From rounds 13-19, North outscored rivals by 12 points a game from turnovers – ranked No.2.
4. From rounds 13-19, the Kangaroos averaged 34 points from defensive half chains – ranked No.2.