Last Year
North Melbourne had a year to forget in 2009. After finishing 2008 poorly, many expected them to return with a real purpose to prove themselves. Unfortunately for the Roos they picked up where they left off and never really threatened for finals. As a result they saw coach Dean Laidly quit before he was inevitably sacked and saw some veterans of the team retire after they received minimal game time. The club is in a sort of rebuilding phase now, clearly bringing in some young blood in an effort to look forward.
Backline
2010 should, in theory, see the youngish backline develop and mature into something a little more consistent. The young players in Levi Greenwood, Nathan Grima, Gavin Urquhart, Scott McMahon and Scott Thompson all played at least half of last season, with Scott Thompson playing all 22 games. Michael Firrito was seen rotating between the backline and midfield last year but with the Roos picking up a bunch of young midfielders I think we can expect to see him down back more in 2010. Daniel Pratt was a veteran who struggled to consistently find a game and if he struggles again this year he could be shown the door. It is time for the young players to show they have what it takes to be the future of this defensive line up and should they achieve that, the backline will be solid.
Midfield
The North Melbourne midfield was hit with injuries throughout last season, with skipper Brent Harvey dislocating his elbow early and draftees Liam Anthony and Jack Ziebell either starting or finishing the season with an injury. Harvey, along with fellow veterans Brady Rawlings and Andrew Swallow will need to lead younger players like Anthony and Ziebell, as well as new recruits Ryan Bastinac and Ben Cunnington if this midfield wants to succeed. Bastinac and Cunnington were both highly regarded in the draft and should both see senior time in 2010, while it wouldn’t surprise if Anthony and Ziebell play a full season (injury permitting). Like Pratt in the backline, Daniel Wells struggled to find a game in 2009 and should he struggle again this year he also could be looking at being delisted.
Forwards
The forward line was the Roos main problem in 2009. A lack of a power-forward really seemed to be evident for much of the year, with the Roos unable to find a real threat to kick to. David Hale and Drew Petrie have been the main targets in recent rimes, with Corey Jones only managing 10 games last year. Petrie has been told by new coach Brad Scott that he will be spending much more time up forward than in recent seasons so he could be the one to watch. Small forwards Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas also need to be more consistent and contribute more often if the team hopes to kick winning scores. Should the Petrie experiment fail, draftee Aaron Black (192cm, 82kg tall forward) could be a shining light.
Rucks
Hamish McIntosh had arguably his best season of his career in 2009. He was one of the best ruckman in the league and clearly improved on his efforts around the ground in comparison to previous years. Support can be offered from Drew Petrie or David Hale should it be required, but the future of the Roos Ruck lies with youngster Todd Goldstein. As the Roos only other specialist ruckman he needs to develop in 2010. He played 13 games in 2009 (well up on his 3 from 2008) so has a good platform to burst onto the scene supporting McIntosh and allowing Petrie and Hale to stay forward.
Summary
2010 will be an interesting season for the Roos. Coming off arguably one of their most disappointing years, they will be looking at moving up the ladder. If they can gel with the new blood early in the season this will happen, but I can’t see them looking at a finals berth just yet. Improving on last season should be their goal and consistency will be the key to achieving that.
Expected Finish: 11th-13th
Best 22
FB: Scott Thompson, Daniel Pratt, Scott McMahon
HB: Michael Firrito, Leigh Harding, Gavin Urquhart
C: Liam Anthony, Andrew Swallow, Daniel Wells
HF: Jack Ziebell, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
FF: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Lindsay Thomas
Fol: Hamish McIntosh, Brent Harvey, Brady Rawlings
Int: Todd Goldstein, Levi Greenwood, Nathan Grima, Aaron Edwards
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The Kangaroos have every player where they need them to be now as far as possitions go and Brad Scott has already brought so much to a club that is currently over flowing with confidence in themselves and their future. Finals footy is not out of the question if the young group gel together early which I think they will. If not they should finish strongly aiming for much bigger things in the next two seasons. Prediction: 8>10.