Why North Melbourne WILL Be Premiership Contenders Sooner Than You Think

By Chase Alfasi

Nov 21, 2022

The Downfall

Two wins in season 2022 following four the year prior in 2021 meant back-to-back wooden spoons for the North Melbourne Football Club who has been described as ‘irrelevant’ as facetious comments were made regarding a relocation to Tasmania. The Kangaroos have not achieved the pinnacle of a premiership since 1999 and amidst adversity both on and off the field, the supporter base along with journalists have held a cynical view of the club’s

sustained mediocracy.

A reasonably successful 2016 campaign which started with nine consecutive wins was the last time that the Kangaroos competed in the finals series; yet with an ageing list, it was inevitable the club would endure a period of decline before improving again. With the axing of club veterans Brent Harvey (432 games), Nick Dal Santo (322 games), Drew Petrie (316 games) and Michael Firritio (275 games) as well as the departure of two-time Syd Barker medalist Daniel Wells exploring Free Agency rights in a move to Collingwood, it was evident that the club was headed for a shift to develop the youth.

Brent Harvey (centre), Michael Firrito (left) and Nick Dal Santo (right) following their last AFL game in a loss to Adelaide in the Elimination Final (September 10, 2016) [Source: AAP Image]

A heavy slide to 15th in 2017 before a rise to 9th in 2018 and finally descending to 12th in 2019 spelled an end to Brad Scott’s reign as head coach of the club with former player David King questioning whether the “unifying” Shinboner spirit — the club’s trademark for decades — had dissipated under coach Brad Scott’s tenure.

Brad Scott clashes with David King during his last game as coach (May 26, 2019) [Source: Fox Sports]

A haul of 11 delistings including ex-power defender Jasper Pittard, swingman Majak Daw and veteran Jamie Macmillan ensued a lacklustre 2020 season under newly appointed head coach Rhyce Shaw - a decision that bemused the footy world as North Melbourne were supposedly 'self inflicting' their struggles.

The club failed to attract marquee interest with Dustin Martin turning down a contract worth around 1.2-1.3 millions dollars a season in 2017, as well as the ineptitude to lure free agents Josh Kelly (GWS) and Andrew Gaff (West Coast) on lucrative, long term contracts.

Fast-forward a few years and at the conclusion of the 2022 season the Kangaroos are back-to-back wooden spooners, without their prized number 1 selection in the 2020 draft in Jason Horne-Francis and having recently delisted winger Jared Polec with a season still left on his 5-year deal worth approximately 3.5 million dollars. While Kane Cornes has labelled the club as ‘one of the worst teams in the AFL era', it is not all doom and gloom at Arden Street.

Luke Davies-Uniacke - remember the name

The 2022 season saw the emergence of a potential superstar by the name of Luke Davies-Uniacke. The fourth selection in the 2017 draft has teased fans with glimpses of explosive bursts of speed and a tenacity that epitomises the ‘shinboner spirit’ in his first four years in the system. His breakout performance came in a narrow seven point loss to Collingwood in round 17 this year with the midfielder collecting 33 disposals, 12 clearances and laying 11 tackles in a manner that replicated established stars such as Patrick Dangerfield and Christian Petracca. The 23- year old has all the traits necessary to ensconce himself in the top echelon of AFL midfielders.

One of Luke Davies-Uniacke's 33 disposals in his career best game in round 17, 2022 (July 9, 2022) [Source: North Melbourne Media]

North Melbourne’s number 9 should feel well supported in the centre of the ground over the next several seasons with the recruiting of high end talented ball-getters Tom Powell (20) and Will Phillips (20) in the first round of the 2020 draft with their potential still untapped, and the outside run of Bailey Scott (22) and Curtis Taylor (22). With the return of a fit and healthy Ben Cunnington and lead by successional best and fairest winner Jy Simpkin, the youthful midfield brigade should not feel the absence of leadership and guidance.

New Coach, New Dream

Scandals aside, the appointment of Alastair Clarkson is a colossal acquisition for the club. Having won four premierships with Hawthorn at the helm, the much esteemed coach is destined to have his players challenging for a finals spot in minimal time.

Alastair Clarkson appointed as new North Melbourne head coach (August 19, 2022) [Source: Getty Images]

With the club forced into the mega-trade involving Port Adelaide, West Coast and GWS, the fans may have initially been left bemused by the clubs decision to offload previous pick 1, Jason Horne-Francis as well as the 2022 prized selection. However, with Will Ashcroft (the unanimous best player in the draft) being out of the open pool with father-son ties to Brisbane and the unyielding noise of Horne-Francis' troublesome attitude and South Australia’s ‘go-home’ factor subtracted from the equation, North Melbourne have placed themselves in prime position to build a talented list, but importantly a rejuvenated culture with possession of pick 2 and pick 3 in Monday night’s draft.

Draft to Glory

North Melbourne are anticipating the welcoming of Sandringham forward Harry Sheezel and Oakleigh midfielder George Wardlaw after the Giants are reportedly compelled to select key forward Aaron Cadman who is more likely to remain at the club faced with constant player retention issues.

Essentially, the Roos are expected to select the two best kids in the country in the open pool to bolster two lines of their best 22. Despite numerous hamstring injuries, Wardlaw has been touted as a like-for-like replacement for Horne-Francis receiving best afield honours in Australia’s AFL Academy’s match against Collingwood’s VFL side. Draft guru Cal Twomey pinpointed the Oakleigh Charger as a ‘powerful and damaging midfielder… who can be penetrating with his ball use’.

Electrifying and crafty forward, Sheezel, is expected to invigorate what is an already exciting forward line mix with key pillars Nick Larkey and Cameron Zurhaar having kicked hauls of 7 and 6 goals respectively. In tandem with small forward Paul Curtis, Sheezel is also known for his aerial capabilities despite his smaller stature whilst his agility and polish at ground level has him equipped to light up the crowd under the roof at Marvel Stadium. Fellow Vic Metro teammate Cooper Harvey and son of AFL games record holder Brent, is also set to join North Melbourne as a father-son recruit.

In addition to the two early selections this year, North Melbourne currently hold two first round picks in next years draft which has been heralded as a 'super draft'.

Harry Sheezel celebrating one of his four goals for Sandringham in the NAB League Grand Final (September 16 2022) [Source: Getty Images]

At the other end of the field, the Roos have been exposed defensively conceding an average of 109 points per game last season. Although, Fremantle pair Griffin Logue and Darcy Tucker have been recruited to the club to provide much needed assistance to stalwarts Ben Mckay and Aidan Corr.

Rebuild Comparison

While some clubs are blessed with the nepotism of isolated destinations such as the Geelong Cats or Sydney Swans, as one of nine Melbourne based clubs, the draft seems to be the source of premiership success. The ‘Kangas’ should take note of pioneers, Melbourne Demons in 2021 and even the 2016 Western Bulldogs who built their list and core from the National Draft.

There is little expectation for the Kangaroos to jump up the ladder in season 2023, but the supporter base should be bullish towards the young list that they are manufacturing, balanced with experienced leaders in Jack Ziebell, Todd Goldstein and Ben Cunnington.

Whilst progression does not promise to be linear, Alastair Clarkson’s men should expect to be in the premiership window within the next five to seven years on the basis of a strong culture and development program which see the young crop of players reach their peak at Arden Street.

Projection: North Melbourne will be premiers in 2027