"To the members who have said they won't re-sign, remember the Shinboner Spirit. Our club needs your support more than ever."
However, it doesn't quite feel as though the season has actually finished, as we've dived head first into a hectic off season. The Brownlow, Grand Final and Syd Barker Medal have all come and gone, while Trade Week has well and truly kicked off. There is so much to talk about, so let's get straight into it.
The Brownlow
I enjoyed the Brownlow this season, for the same reason I loved the last. I love Patrick Dangerfield and I think he is all class and like Nat Fyfe the season before, amazed me more than I thought he could. Spoke like a true gem that he is and such a deserving winner.
Anyway, onto North Melbourne. Without a doubt, the highlight came at Mark of the Year. Majak had pretty much cleaned up 'Mark of the Year' at every individual radio and TV station, so there were no surprises seeing him with the official award as well. It was a great leap, and can't be spoken about enough. On a Friday Night stage against Collingwood, it iced a great win that evening. Although Maj took home Mark of the Year, he failed to poll any votes in the Brownlow tally. The clubs' best was Daniel Wells, who had a brilliant 2016. However, I think the more important focus came from second and third place. Start with Todd Goldstein on 11 votes - it still shows he is one of our best and most valuable players. He still kicked 20 goals and had a season average of 36.5 hit outs (career average 32.2).. actually, his stats are up in just about everything. Certainly looking forward to a big 2017 from him, and from 3rd placed Jarrad Waite. I think his importance in the side can sometimes be underestimated. 29 goals from 14 games and his influence around the ground cannot be ignored. He'll be fit and ready to go around again in 2017 and I am certainly looking forward to it. He's a contributor, and you can't ignore his first half of the season - he looked even better than 2015 (and that was a huge improvement). I can't wait to have him back in action next year.
The Grand Final
There isn't much I can say about this, except for wow. I was at the Grand Final and the atmosphere and the way the game played out was unlike anything I'd seen before. The Dogs created history in front of my eyes and when I sit back and reflect on what I saw, it was a very promising and comforting sign. I'll remind you of the Dog's 2014 off season: the captain went to the Giants, then went the coach two days later. Cooney and Higgins were soon to follow and CEO Simon Garlick joined them. They recovered in the best possible fashion and all of Australia united behind them on that precious day in October. What a story, and what a story we can learn from. It's time to let go of the anger and unite behind our beloved football team as we begin our next journey to success. Time to get on board ladies and gentleman, because the future is looking exceptionally bright.
Syd Barker Medal
Speaking of a bright future, Robbie Tarrant has finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. After an outstanding season, he was (un-surprisingly) awarded the 2016 Syd Barker Medal. He was a standout for the Roos in 2016, as his backline re-invention now looks complete. An All-Australian nomination just confirmed his great year, and there was plenty to celebrate for the humbled winner.
It was an outstanding night, with emotions running on high - I can't remember the last time I cried so much. There couldn't have been too many dry eyes around the room and for viewers at home across the country. The night began with the announcement that Andrew Swallow would be stepping down as captain of the club. I think he's done a really great job in the role - just because he isn't talked about as much, doesn't mean his impact and influence is any less. He was also voted by his teammates to continue on as captain in 2016; that in itself speaks volumes. When he's on, Swallow's clearance and tackling is first class, and one of the best in the league. His form comes first, and I am sure captain in waiting, and Syd Barker Medal runner-up Jack Ziebell will do a mighty job at leading the club forward in 2017 and beyond.
Just touching on the final tally before we get into the emotional stuff: Tarrant first, Ziebell a close second and Gibson not far behind in third. Gibson is an important one because I think he doesn't get enough credit where it's due. Probably his best season for the club, he's now played 108 consecutive games and I think he's a solid contributor. Couldn't argue with that third spot.
Each departing veteran addressed the crowd and it sent the tear ducts into overdrive. Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito, an emotional Drew Petrie and club legend Brent Harvey for the final time. It was difficult to watch, but it was Brent Harvey's retirement that was a bittersweet end to his speech.
"I'd like to tell everyone in this room tonight that my decision NOT to pull on another team's jumper is why I'd like to announce my retirement from AFL Football"
I am, once again it tears just watching the final 90 seconds of his address. I think it's finally sunk in that Boomer, along with Drew, Spud and Dal, will not be playing for North Melbourne in 2017 and beyond. As a supporter, I was overcome with emotion knowing Brent Harvey will have played 432 games for North Melbourne and none more - both happy and sad. I will struggle to watch that speech again simply because I know it brings me to tears every single time, but they're tears of pride.
Finally, the NM Life Memberships. In case Boomer didn't make me cry enough, then Lindsay was there to drag more tears out of me. I love that man and the love he has for the club and everyone around him. Such a heart warming speech he made, and when he teared up over Boomer I knew I was in trouble. Lachie Hansen addressed the crowd really well, I've always liked him and his good nature and his real appreciation for football and life. Then there was Peter Scanlon - what an incredible man and what amazing contributions he has made to our football club. The way JB spoke about him sent shivers down my spine. The money he has generously donated to the club, his continuous support through some of our darkest times, the influence he's had on so many people around him and his selflessness was spoken about in the highest regard. I was blown away after learning about his contribution and it is people like him that make this club so great.
Trade Week
And so here we are, at the end of day two of Trade Week. The only confirmed move so far was Daniel Wells to Collingwood and pick 32 given to the Roos as compensation. At the end of his 14th season, the midfielder has decided to move on from the club. That's the nature of football I'm afraid, any player could walk out the door. It is sad, however the future is so so bright. We have thrown around so many new names this season, while some of our best are yet to return and have an influence in 2017.
It's now time to accept the off season and get ready for 2017.
If anyone needs me, I'll be celebrating Glenn Freeborn's second quarter blitz in the 96' GF.
- Marnie
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