Top 5 Most Important Players to North Melbourne

It is always hard to rate players in a team that has disappointed in recent times. Therefore it is important to look at which players are key to turning a club’s misfortunes around and get the team back on track for finals action. On that basis these are the top 5 players I think will play an important role in getting North Melbourne back into the winners list and hopefully allow them to improve on a disappointing 2009 season.

1. Brent Harvey
Harvey is the backbone of the Roos midfield. His hard running and general hard work around the ball is something they can’t do without. As the North Melbourne skipper he needs to lead the team by example and show the young midfield what it takes to be an AFL footballer. If he can consistently get the ball and push forward to kick a few goals this year the Roos will get some more wins on the board.

2. Hamish McIntosh
McIntosh showed everyone that he has matured into a fantastic ruckman in 2009. I expect him to back up his fantastic 2009 season in 2010. Should he achieve this; his influence, not only at the stoppages but also around the ground, will greatly affect the Roos chances of winning games. He showed that when needed he can also push forward to kick a goal, and more of that is needed given the Roos problems in front of goal.

3. Drew Petrie
Petrie has been told he will be spending most of his time in the forward line this season. Due to this he needs to develop into that key forward the Roos have been lacking in recent times. He needs to kick a fair few goals and if he can become the forward that North Melbourne need then he will play a big role in putting points on the board.

4. Jack Ziebell
If young Ziebell can play a full season rotating between a half forward flank and the midfield I would expect to see him mature as a player as the season progresses. He should follow his skipper’s example and look to win the ball more and kick some goals, and if he succeeds he will become a very valuable player to the team.

5. Michael Firrito
During 2009 Firrito was seen playing in the midfield just as much as he was seen in defense. During 2010 I believe much of his time will be spent in the backline, and if he ends up on a half back flank I would expect him to play a very important part in the North’s ability to rebound and turn defense into offence. He might even get the opportunity to kick a couple of goals if he is willing to run hard enough.

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