My favourite Sixteen of 2016

Now that it's over, I'm taking a new approach to 2016. It was certainly a emotion fuelled season for supporters, but what kind of a season is it to remember the bad rather than good? This isn't 2009 or 2013 we're talking about. Those really weren't good seasons. But North did achieve a lot in 2016 - plenty of individuals made their mark on the side, and there were some really well fought out victories too. It's time to delve right into and pick out all the best bits that were season 2016.

16. Ben Brown
Wrote about him in my 2015 favourites, and there was no way I could keep him off the list this season either. North's leading goal kicker in 2016 and in the top 20 for the season in the AFL. He stood up very well in the absence of Waite, and his importance was constantly highlighted throughout the season. While we are unsure about Jarrad Waite's future, that of Ben Brown is certain - a massive presence in North's forward line in 2017. Exciting stuff for the young man, who has cemented himself as a crucial player at North.

15. St Kilda and Adelaide FC
The actions taken by these two football clubs in 2016 were simply all class. Let's start with St Kilda - hit with a double whammy in Round 7 (Drew's 300th) and Round 19 (Boomer's 427th). The actions taken were outstanding. A St Kilda home game in round 7, and it was all about Drew Petrie. Congratulatory announcements all pre-game and made it very well known it was the great man's 300th. Round 19 was even better, honouring Boomer on the club's banner. Don't forget guard of honour at the end of each game - St Kilda did it so well and were so professional. It was impressive.

Adelaide were equally impressive at the end of the Elimination Final. A guard of honour for Boomer, Drew, Spud and Dal in their final game at North. The entire ground erupted in applause and there were few dry eyes amongst fans. Even in a victory, Adelaide passed over the post-game attention. It was quite a sight and just incredible sportsmanship from both clubs.

14. Round 11 v Richmond
It's hard to believe these two clubs faced off in an Elimination Final just 12 months ago. Don't forget; Richmond sitting in 5th and North in 8th. The Friday night special in Hobart was probably North's most complete performance of the season. Demolished Richmond in just about every area of the ground and walked away 70 point victors. Also did it without Todd Goldstein, and while Maj was beaten in the ruck, he still had an influence on the game with 10 possessions, 5 tackles and a goal. Captain Swallow was at his inspiring best - an outstanding 19 contested possessions and 10 clearances highlighting his game. Boomer and Wells also put in massive performances - it was a really interesting comparison of where these two sides are at.

13. Boomer
I mean, what can you even say about this man that hasn't been said before? He's a legend of North Melbourne, and after 2016 he'll go down as a legend of the game. In 2016, he took over the AFL games record and he also reached 500 career goals (the third Roo to do so, and following his 512th goal, moved into 2nd on the all-time goal kicking table at North). He just keeps getting better. Best on ground multiple times this season; was the fire starter in the round 1 revival against Adelaide and his 6 goals against Melbourne was a career high for the superstar. As his time at North Melbourne has come to a heartbreaking end, Boomer carried himself like a true professional and was all class until the very end (as where his teammates Drew, Spud and Dal). There is so much love for him, and his legacy will live on throughout this football club for centuries to come.

12. Ryan Clarke
Really like this kid. Has a great attitude and can play. Clarke made his debut against West Coast in Round 16, after he was a late inclusion for the ill Nick Dal Santo. He has become a major talking point amongst Roo fans ever since. His 6 games in 2016 was highlighted by his performance in round 18, where he received a Rising Star nomination. His 27 touches, in particular an outstanding 11 possessions in the final quarter were a stand out. Clarke's nomination came in just his third AFL game, and he is just the 3rd Roo since 2010 to win a rising star nomination. He was probably stiff to miss the final 22 in Adelaide for week one of the finals, but he has a bright future ahead of him.

11. Jack Ziebell in the Elimination Final
North's finals campaign was a forgettable one in 2016, and while they reached new heights in 2014 and 2015, we just couldn't get the fire going against the Crows. Despite a competitive first half from the Roos, Adelaide took it to the next level and as we hit three quarter time, the end was staring in our faces. If there was something to take from that game, however, it was Jack Ziebell. He was inspiring and a driving force for the Roos over the four quarters. He stood up as a leader and really had an impact. Will be the next Captain of North Melbourne, it is just a matter of when. He is fearless and really lifted in a time of need.

10. Mason Wood
We've seen bits and pieces of Mason over the past couple of seasons, but in 2016 he really presented himself as the future of this club. Too many good things to say about this young man. Starting with his composure against St Kilda in round 7 - firstly, his game saving tackle. 30 seconds on the clock, North up by one point and lays a tackle on St Kilda's Jack Newness who was pinned for holding the ball. Then, under enormous pressure and a ticking countdown clock, Mase took his full 30 seconds and finished off the game with a goal. He kicked 12 goals in his 8 games and despite his season ending injury, we had all seen enough to know his re-signing was crucial... and re-sign he did. Four seasons at North, seeing him a Roo until the end of 2020; the club said it was never in doubt. His impact in seasons to come also a sure thing.

9. Round 6 v Western Bulldogs
It was first vs second on the ladder and the game lived up to all expectations. North got on top of the Dogs by 16 points and Jarrad Waite proved the difference. 7 marks and 4 goals to his name, Waite stood up when North needed a spark. Etihad was filled with intensity you could cut it with a knife. Swallow and Cunnington were on fire with 14 tackles each and Wells was important with 27 possessions. North remained in top spot, and it was the biggest statement they made in 2016.

8. Round 1 v Adelaide
I wrote about this game earlier in the season and I labelled it our best win for the year. Still stick by that 100%. North's first round one victory in seven years and it was a good one too. Come from behind victory, with a bit of grit and a bit of fight. The third quarter was the difference, as North booted 7 goals to 4 - set themselves for the big finish. Everyone had an influence - Boomer in particular with 3 goals in that big third quarter, and Daniel Wells was back and better than ever for the Roos. The only unfortunate thing is the best game came in round one. Hope to see more of this next season.

7. Final Series #3
North made it for the third consecutive season, something they haven't achieved since the days of Dennis Pagan (North played finals from 1993-2000 and have not featured in more than two consecutive finals up until 2014-2016). It's definitely an achievement and it's been lost in all of second half drama. Again, I do understand that the expectations were't quite met, but the hard work was done early. If only premierships were won in June....

6. Jamie MacMillan
Cannot speak highly enough of JMac. Think I've mentioned his name about 56 times throughout the season and I just can't stop. He's had such a good year and is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Along with Robbie Tarrant, he's been the most consistent performer all season and has done plenty of good things. He joined the leadership group last season, and has thrived in the position ever since. Named one of the most underrated Roos last season and making a name for himself in 2016. On the rise once more and expect a big 2017.

5. Majak's Mark
Majak has had a really important season and it's probably secured his future at North. In the absence of Todd Goldstein in Tasmania, and more recently the loss of Jarrad Waite through injury, Daw has been able to shine a light on season 2016. He's getting better every time you see him and once reaching his full potential, he can become a star of the game. But his 2016 has been about one moment in particular. Majak clunked his massive grab with a couple minutes to play in the 3rd quarter against Collingwood in round 18. I jumped out of my seat and just screamed 'THAT IS THE MARK OF THE YEAR. THAT IS IT'. The 70+ year old Pies supporters thought I was crazy, but they didn't disagree. It was a big leap, and it fuelled us with some excitement that we were probably been missing. Majak made it to the 'Mark of the Year' finals (so he should) and would hope he walk away with the win. I don't need to say much more... the mark speaks for itself.

4. Robbie Tarrant
This was the story of the season. Robbie Tarrant has always battled with injury, however his re-birth as a defender has proven career-changing. Tarrant had an incredible year, playing all 23 games and shutting down some of the best forwards in the competition. North fans celebrated as the defender re-signed a four year deal with North Melbourne, putting an end to rumours he would walk from the club at seasons end. He earned himself an All Australian nomination is the squad of 40, and was incredibly stiff to not be named in the side. He's a hot favourite to take home to Syd Barker Medal, as North's best player for 2016.

3. Nine wins in a row
I mean, how can you forget the opening half of the year. 9 straight wins to record North's best start to a season in the clubs history. It's still a remarkable effort, despite what was to follow. North just found a way to win every game, no matter what position they put themselves in. That game in round 3 against Melbourne always sticks out in my mind as something that represented the old and the new North Melbourne. We found ourselves in a testing position but found a way to get the victory. It was hard not to get excited, I am sure even those who said 'they weren't sucked in by the brilliant start' were definitely feeling proud. It was a good 9 weeks and an honour to be part of it.

2. Game 426 and Game 427
It was a special fortnight for North Melbourne and Brent Harvey, who equalled Michael Tuck's AFL games record of 426 against Collingwood, and then went on to break it a week later, in game 427 and a win against St Kilda. The victories were a perfect way to honour the club legend, who had an influence in both games. North were on fire in game 426, running away 40 point winners. Despite the challenge from the Pies in the third quarter, the Roos had an answer for everything thrown at them. 4 goals in the final three and half minutes of play to really ice Boomer's cake. Game 427 was a scrappy affair, but North just got the job done. The lead did stretch out to 40 points at one stage, with late goals to St Kilda flattering the scoreline. Boomer collected 49 possessions over the two weeks, and celebrated his milestone in style.

1. Lindsay Thomas' post match interview
You know, I am sure this will come as a surprise sitting at #1. Brent Harvey's achievements this season were just incredible, but to me, this moment defined North Melbourne and 2016. Lindsay Thomas was probably the most influential player against Collingwood in round 18, but his best on ground performance came after the game. The way he conducted himself in that interview was nothing short of incredible. He is humble, he's a team player and he has a heart of gold - all of which shone through. After losing his uncle earlier that week, he paid his tributes to his family back home in the best possible fashion, kicking five goals. He was edging on emotion through the entire interview and he nailed it. Lindsay had a fantastic year, one his most complete and consistent over his career - but that interview took him to another level and just showed what football is really about. The humble man behind the competitive mask - he did it brilliantly.

I think the interview captures the club as a whole. Underrated, and maybe at times a little misunderstood. But underneath the on field niggle and competitive skin, we see warmth and love and embracing the club and passion. That just about summaries Lindsay Thomas, and North Melbourne and what a club it is to be a part of.

And there you have it. My 16 from 2016.
It's been a hell of a season, and there is so much to come and look forward to in preparation for 2017.
There's always plenty to discuss, and I'll be right here with you.

Go Roos,
Marnie

Six Week Summary: Disappointing.

Ah dear, where do we even begin?
Let's start with the simple breakdown: North win their first nine games of the season, then win one out of their next six. We entered round 12 on top of the ladder and finished round 16 in Eighth. A week is a long time in a tight season. Football's a strange game and North are most certainly in the thick of it.

The past six weeks can be summed up in one word: disappointing. After what we saw in the first nine rounds of the season, the internal expectations and external pressures mounted. Did we live up to it all? I don't think so. It is frustrating beyond belief.. how much longer do we all have to wait around for something to happen?

In 2014 and 2015 North made back-to-back preliminary finals, an outstanding result. However, what is enough for 2016? Will anything less than a top 4 finish be sufficient? If we were to make a third prelim from 5-8, is that considered success? How about making the top four at the end of the home and away season, and then making a prelim, only to fall short once again... is that successful? I took to twitter for some opinions, and majority of you said no. A simple no.

While I feel like the side has the capabilities to really have a stab at 2016, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. Let's start with everyone's favourite topic - injuries.

Over rounds fourteen and fifteen I was in Port Douglas, and spotted Shaun Higgins walking down the main street accompanied by his wife and one crutch. Less than 24 hours prior to this, I watched an exhausted North Melbourne fall to Adelaide. Having to see him and know what a difference he would've made the night before simply broke my heart.

Of all the disappointments, this is certainly the biggest and has had the most impact on the team.

Of the side that was fielded in Round 1, 2016, in comparison to the side that took on West Coast in round 16, there are six players missing due to injuries (a seventh, Nick Dal Santo missed due to illness). Further back than that, of the side that played in the Elimination Final against Richmond in 2015, there are six changes to the side that flew to Perth (five injuries, one omission - a seventh change if you include Dal Santo). Of those injuries, Wells and Luke McDonald didn't play against Richmond, while Ben Jacobs didn't play in round one. Of those who are currently on the sidelines; Wells and Waite have been two of the most influential players in the side this season, while Shaun Higgins was continuing on his best footy from 2015 in the new year. One of North's most underrated players, Sam Wright, the go-to tagger in Ben Jacobs and Luke McDonald, who was also playing the best football of his career are all on the sidelines too. When you walk yourself through it, you only realise how bad it is, and as the season goes on, the holes in the side are becoming more and more obvious.

I get it, I completely understand and acknowledge the fact that our injury list is horrific. We can't control the mountain of injuries, but really we can't keep using them as excuses either because that's not going to win us games and get us into the top 4, which is ideally where we want to be. "When our side is fully fit we will come out and smash any side in our way" - by the time our side is close to full strength, the season will be almost at an end, and September looms as another missed opportunity to take a stab at the top 4.

So we haven't had the best luck in the injuries department, and we probably haven't been handed the best fixture either. The most six-day breaks of any side in the comp, and at times it becomes obvious - none more noticeable than North's trip to Adelaide in round 14. Let's not even get started on that one.

With some factors out of our control, we need to make our own luck from what remains. It's safe to say the side doesn't look the same, and isn't playing the same as it did in the opening rounds of the season. I'm not sure what it is. The intensity is there, so is the attack on the ball and the desperation. It seems like one or two things are missing in different games, and it all adds up and proves costly.

But it's not all doom and gloom. If the names Mason Wood, Trent Dumont and Ryan Clarke don't excite you, then I'm not sure what would. These three are having a huge impact, and showing signs that the future of this club is absolutely heading in the right direction. Ryan Clarke was outstanding on debut and I am surprised he didn't make an appearance earlier. Wood and Dumont, too, know what's going on and their attack on the ball and natural abilities is just a glimpse of where their football will be at with more experience. Majak Daw is getting more game time and looking more dangerous and showing signs of improvement every game. Brad McKenzie is finally having a run in the senior side and is doing plenty of good things - nothing better than his kicking and ability to hit up a target. Add Corey Wagner into the mix, and the future of this club is certainly looking bright.

There's one more player I want to discuss - Robbie Tarrant. The best and most consistent player all season. His transformation over the past 24 months is outstanding, and he's still in All Australian form, his individual brilliance shining through the club's rough patch.

At the moment it's another tough and frustrating patch as a North supporter. As we threaten to take the next step, we are pulled back in one way or another. The injuries are cruel and are obviously our biggest issue, but it's beginning to go further than that. Looking at the run home, based on our form and the form of other sides we face, no game from here until the end of the year looks a certain win. North does not play a side lower than 13th on the ladder (as it stands after round 16), and our last four matches come up against sides currently sitting in the top eight. For a side that has only defeated two sides currently in the 8, it appears a daunting task, and that final month may be season defining. North only play one more game outside of Melbourne (Round 22 in Hobart) and of those just one is at the MCG (Round 21 against Hawthorn). The Roos are 100% capable of winning their next three games (Port Adelaide, Collingwood and St Kilda at Etihad Stadium) bringing their season to 13 wins, and as history will suggest, they would be finals certainty from there. Do I believe we can win at least 2, maybe 3 of the final month? Absolutely. It's those last four games which could really make a difference.

It's a lot to process and a lot to think about and my thoughts are very much up in the air about it all.
While I'm unsure about where the remainder of the season is heading, I am definitely keeping positive - as you always expect the unexpected with North Melbourne.

Just prepare yourselves, this promises to be a bumpy ride.

Go Roos,
Marnie x

"A win that felt like a loss"

I've been a North Melbourne supporter for a very long time now, and in all my years of going to football games I can tell you one thing. I have never walked away from a victory feeling so deflated and disappointed as I felt following round eight.

North defeated the Bombers by 14 points, to equal their best start to a season in the club's history. Yet, at the final siren, there was a standing ovation from Bombers supporters as they cheered their side off the ground, and as for North fans - no one really knew what to think.

Football is a strange, emotion fuelled game and no one summarised it better than Brad Scott; "A win that felt like a loss." Still, we are 8-0 and on top of the ladder.

You didn't even need to be at the game, or watch it for that matter, to see where things went wrong. The stats said it all. 35 first half tackles to 18 in the second: that was the big one. Intensity and desperation came crashing to a halt. Also 2.8 to 8.8 kicked after half time and the Bombers scored 7 behinds in the final term. It wasn't a great display by a side who is supposedly challenging for a top 4 spot.

We're also not playing the same football we played in the first five rounds of the season. Our scoring has come to a stop. In rounds 1-5 we scored over 100 points and in round six we fought a tough battle and it was a well deserved win. In the last 2 weeks though it's something else. We struggled to score against St Kilda and against Essendon we missed so many shots I don't have enough fingers and toes to count them all.

We seemed to put the cue in the rack at half time and that is not how you play a game of football, especially North Melbourne who have a dark history of disappointment and snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. We have all been and seen it with our own eyes too many times. But there were, as always, some positives. McDonald probably played his best game of the year while Tarrant and Thompson had an influence. It was the midfield who couldn't stop an Essendon side who just kept on running... something we definitely didn't do.

So now what? If there's one thing we do know it's that North have a remarkable way of bouncing back after disappointment, and disappointment in the form of a 14 point victory is strange. If North defeat Carlton they will officially have their best start to a season in their history, which is quite remarkable.

If Carlton are going in confident next week, I for one won't blame them. We aren't playing our best football. However, there is one thing you have to agree with and that is aside from all this discussion, North do deserve to be on top of the ladder. After all, they have won the most games so far this season - and that is the ultimate aim of the game.

So when you sit on social media, week after week, the only comments you'll find are, "who has North really beaten?" and "wait until they play a good side like Geelong or Sydney"
This suggests two things:
Firstly, the only victories which matter are ones which come against 'quality' opposition and
Secondly, Geelong and Sydney are the only genuine sides in the comp, leaving us third on the 'quality side' ladder.

As a supporter of the game, the ignorance from other supporters baffles me, because I'll tell you one thing: EVERY WIN MATTERS. Take 2014 as an example, North finished 6th at the end of the Home and Away season, and defeated every side who were placed above them at some point that year (finals included). However, they lost games to Collingwood (round 5), Brisbane (round 15) and Carlton (round 18) - who finished 11th, 13th and 15th respectively. Had we won those three matches, we would have finished fourth. So now you see my point... but I doubt the rest of the AFL world will, they'll just throw another 'who have North really beaten?' back in my face and then go home to sulk about their own side's issues. If our issues are a frustrating victory, then I'll take it any day.

But back to North Melbourne and back to their form - we need to lift. It's not a wonder North supporters were left angered at the final siren, however all we need from here is to move forward and hopefully bounce back in emphatic fashion.

Anyway, it's a lot to think about and a lot of questions will be asked, but the best answer we can give is to keep on winning. If North win in round nine, 2016 will be the best start to a season they've had in their history and no one should make them feel like they haven't deserved it or haven't done anything challenging to get themselves into that position.

But we do need to wake up and maybe that was the call we needed.
Only time will tell, I suppose.
Here's to another week and another win.
Marnie x

Four Weeks in 2016.

It's the end of round four, and North Melbourne are sitting on top of the ladder - the first time since 1998. Yet to lose a game this season, it's the best start the Roos have had since 2005 (five straight). And while it is only the end of round four, why not get excited! So much has happened and there is so much to talk about, so let's get right into it.

Undefeated
Yes it's just round four, and there will always be people trying to rain on our parade, however I reckon just enjoy it while it lasts. North haven't had this kind of start to a season since 2005, when they won their first five matches of the season. But the big one is sitting on top of the ladder. Not even in their premiership season of 99 did the Roos make it to the top of the table in the home and away season. It's big and it's exciting and I am enjoying every minute of it - and so should you!!

The old North Melbourne vs the new North Melbourne
Following the win in round three, Brad Scott made a fantastic point. He said the OLD North Melbourne would've lost that game (against Melbourne in Hobart) - but the new North Melbourne dug deeper and found a way to win. It couldn't be more true: in case you needed a reminder, in 2013 North lost 5 games by less than a goal. And although this hasn't been a talking point for a while, it will always lurk in the back of the mind.

Despite the "new" North Melbourne, there is never old demons too far away. There's that famous phrase, "they should have won that game." Too many times have we fallen short in the dying moments of the game, or been dominated by a side we were definitely capable of beating. It's cost us spots in the top four, home finals and even a September appearance - and it's just making things more difficult for ourselves. Every game matters, which makes our strong start that much more mouthwatering.

The Underdogs
It's a stressful position to be in, yet North seem to thrive it. After falling behind against Adelaide, Melbourne and Fremantle - they seem to produce a miraculous fight back... and love every minute of it. Although it makes for entertaining viewing and quality contests, North cannot really afford to be giving up leads against high quality oppositions (the likes of Hawthorn, Sydney - and that's in no offence to the four sides we have already played). If we've now found consistency from week-to-week, then we need to find it from quarter-to-quarter. As long as we get those four points, however, I don't care where they come from.

Career Best Form
At the end of 2014, Jarrad Waite joined North as a free agent. No one had any idea why, or what the club was doing. 11 months later, Waite lead the Roos to an elimination final victory over Richmond, and backed that up with another super performance against Sydney the week later. After his finals campaign, all agreed he had a successful 2015 season and succeeded as a North Melbourne Footballer. As if anyone could've expected him to get better in 2016. He has had a cracking start to the year. 16 goals in four matches, and sitting equal second on the Coleman leader board. But goal kicking is simply one dimension of Waite's game. His contributions around the ground have not gone unnoticed. Tackling pressure, marking abilities and decision making (most of the time) are making him one of North's most dangerous and important players.

Daniel Wells
Isn't it just superb having him back. Daniel's back and better than ever. He's come in with a new game style and it is full of urgency and intensity. A new defencive attack on the ball saw Wells lay 8 tackles in the round four win over Fremantle - equalling his career high. He has class, he has polish, he has impeccable ball use and makes outstanding decisions. Seeing him back makes you realise how much he was missed.

400 Games +
At the rate he's going, Brent Harvey could play on next season and be the first in history to make it to 450 games. He's a freak, that's all there is to it. Still very capable of doing what needs to be done to get our side over the line. Stepped up when it mattered against Adelaide (three goals in the third quarter), Melbourne (career high six goals) and Freo (final quarter brilliance). He will always be a leader and hero at North Melbourne, but at his age to still be playing the way he can is phenomenal. Deserves to be the games record holder and potentially go on next year to crack 450. Always important and such an outstanding player.  Also did you hear that roar after his tackle and goal against Fremantle. Spine Tingling

Credit where it's due
I feel as though when things are going badly in a game, Sam Gibson is one of the first to be criticised, however when things are going well, he is often left behind. He has been so good in all four games and it's time for people to notice. Firstly, his goal kicking - it's always handy when your midfielders can contribute goals in a game, especially under pressure and from a tight angle. Cue: Sam Gibson's 2 goals against Melbourne. His first goal off one step to start the game off, and his second a set shot from the boundary on a tight angle late in the third to give North a 13 point lead. That's contribution when you want it and that's making an impact. His improvement is evident and is exciting for the team. Speaking of improvements, Jamie Macmillan is another one. He has taken his game up a notch and is a smart user of the football. He makes every possession count, and plays his role well. Both J-Mac and Gibson are enjoying a good start to the season.

Hamstrings
Unfortunately, the season hasn't started great for everyone. New recruit Jed Anderson was playing great footy in his first game as a Roo (Round 1 v Adelaide), until he was taken off the ground in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. He hasn't returned to the lineup since, with scans confirming he'll need at least eight weeks on the sideline. It's a shame because he was looking good when he started. Hopefully he makes a return in the second half of the season.
Promising youngster Taylor Garner joined Anderson on the sidelines, after being forced out of the round four side with hamstring troubles. While coach Brad Scott believed the injury to be a "minor hiccup", there is no word when Garner will return.

Captain Jack
This is the trickiest topic to discuss, which is why I have left it until last. Andrew Swallow was voted by fellow players to remain captain of North in 2016. While I don't think it was the wrong move, talks about our future captain are rapidly coming to a head. Vice Captain Jack Ziebell should be the next captain of North Melbourne - no doubt about it, however the big question is when? Following his best on ground performance against Fremantle, it has sent talks into overdrive. He is a born leader and has stood up a number of times already this season to motivate this side when they need it. I love Andrew Swallow and am a big believer in him as a captain, however, Captain Jack has been making a strong case for himself. I think this tale will tell itself as the season goes on.

Looking Forward
North have a big fortnight ahead - Gold Coast in Queensland, Bulldogs on Friday Night and two six day breaks does not make for easy work, however this is where they will test themselves. If there's ever time to make a statement and give people a reason to take us seriously - the time is now. The first turning point in our season has arrived as we need to make the most of it. Every win matters and every moment counts. How we use it is up to us.

2016 is in our hands. Let's decide our own fate.
Go North.

Marnie x

The Best Things.

Season 2015 is well and truly over. Unfortunately.
And while I struggle to find any genuine positives about the off seasons, there's definitely one.
Now we have the opportunity to relive all the best bits of 2015, while skipping the more forgettable moments. So that's exactly what I've done! I've picked out my eleven favourite things about 2015 and put them all in one spot for you to watch over and over again. You can thank me later.

11. Re Signings and Brent Harvey
All throughout the season, North have continued to deliver in the re-signing department. Potentially the most unforgettable came when the club announced the re-signing of defender Robbie Tarrant. A man who has struggled with injuries season after season, came out in 2015 and had a huge impact in his new position down back... and it certainly got our tongues wagging. However, it also sent the rumour mill into over drive that he would take his new role; his new found form and find himself a new home. With rival clubs showing very very strong interest, it was only adding more fuel to the fire. However, on an afternoon in mid August, North Melbourne broke the news that Tarrant had signed a new four year contract. A welcomed announcement at Kangaroo land.

While their were big signings throughout the season, it was the off season which hosted the major news. At the Syd Barker Medal, it was announced that captain-in-waiting Jack Ziebell had committed himself to the club for six years, while his former roommate Sam Wright had signed on for three. Now that was a superb way to kick off awards night. And last this week, superstar ruckman Todd Goldstein announced his contract extension, keeping him at the Roos until the end of 2019.  And it's not just the players who are signing new contracts. While in Utah, Brad Scott announced his contract extension as coach of North Melbourne until the end of 2018.

While there were announcements big and small, none came bigger than Brent Harvey signing for season 21 in the blue and white. Now, let's just talk about our Boomer for a moment. He is 37 years old and in 2015 he became the fourth man to reach 400 AFL games. In that match against Brisbane he starred, too... and in the elimination final, and in round 21 against Fremantle, and he is continuing to produce some career-best football. While I haven't dedicated an entire spot to Boomer, it's because his name is mentioned pretty much everywhere else on this list... also I don't need to remind everyone of how spectacular he is! Boom is well and truly on track to become the AFL games record holder, with Michael Tuck's 426 games quickly approaching. And in case that news wasn't enough for fans to digest, Drew Petrie crashed Boomer's press conference to announce he too has signed on for another season. What a year it has been.

10. Ben Brown
He came out of the woodwork in 2014 and after his four goals in that elimination final against Essendon and from then on, we all knew big things were coming. His love affair with Essendon continued in 2015, as he kicked another bag of four in our Round 16 clash, while he kicked bags of 3 on five occasions. Brown was the only Roo listed in the '22 under 22' squad, a tremendous effort for the young man. To top it all off, he took home the 'Best Young Player' award on Syd Barker Night. There is a lot to learn and a lot to like. He's undoubtably one to watch.

9. Anthony Stevens on Open Mike

It was the must watch interview that sent the football world into a frenzy. While he celebrated a successful career at North, including two premierships in the 90s, Anthony Stevens will always be remembered for the off field scandal involving his (now) ex-wife and former teammate Wayne Carey. While we sit here over a decade on, these events still tingle in the minds of all involved with the club and even those on the outside. For Wayne Carey, he's moved on to build a life for himself in the media and good on him for getting help and getting himself to where he needs to be - but for Stevo, it's safe to say we have seen or heard much from him since his retirement. The interview was incredible. It was so honest and so raw and it was incredible to see him come such a far way. Speaking about all things from Carey to Pagan to playing in the 1999 grand final. He's a true legend of the club and it's something you cannot go any longer without watching!! (Only the highlights are posted below. See youtube for full interview)

8. Trent Dumont on debut: "The teenager, right now the hero"

There were a lot of good games from a lot of individual players. Jarrad Waite's 7 goals against Brisbane, Todd Goldstein's domination against Essendon and Brent Harvey's 31 possessions against Richmond , but there wasn't a performance as exciting as Trent Dumont in round four. The teenager made his AFL debut against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. No Victorian side had won a game at the ground since 2007 (which was us) and down by 19 points at quarter time wasn't exactly the way we would've wanted to start. While North worked their way back into the game and hit the front, Geelong were firing in the final quarter, with the game well and truly up for grabs. 

Queue Dumont: the sub comes on in the fourth, with the Roos just two points in front. His first touch, a kick out to Waite, perfect. Then he continues running into the 50 and receives it back from Waite, next comes a handball over the top to set up a Ben Brown goal. It's sensational football.

But it doesn't stop there, as Geelong get it quickly out of the centre to the other end and score a major. Next time Dumont has the ball, he's crumbed it off a spoil and kicks his first career goal with the outside of the boot. North went on to claim the victory, and their first win at Geelong in 8 years. While there were others who contributed, and throughout the season we saw many other stand out performances, not many stick out in the mind like this. A debut to remember, and potentially the best sub performance since Ben Speight against the Bulldogs in 2011.

7. Tasmania

Another successful season in Tassie? Check. 

North have built up a sensational following down in Hobart, along with some phenomenal form. The Roos travelled three times to Tasmania in 2015, and came back victorious on all occasions. Since playing their first games at Blundstone in 2012, they have returned 7 wins from 9 games... there's way too much to like about that. In 2016, North will take footy in Tasmania one step further, by playing a Friday Night fixture at the ground in round 11. It's a good thing for footy and a great thing for us. Let's keep on winning.

6. Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins

Day one of the free agency period 2014: North sign Shaun Higgins and Jarrad Waite.

An injury prone midfielder and a tall forward over 30. What????????

It's safe to say there were a lot of questions surrounding North's play for both Higgins and Waite, and while it seemed like a big risk at first, 12 months later, it has certainly paid off.

Waite was the leading goal kicker at the club in 2015 (along with Drew Petrie, 42 goals each) and Higgins next in line with 39. Waite played some big roles in many big games, with the highlight being his role against Richmond in the elimination final. Higgins had an injury-free run, and his spectacular form was rewarded a spot in the All-Australian 40 man squad. Many touting him as the recruit of the season, he was a huge contributor in every game. At seasons end, Higgins finished third in the Syd Barker Medal (just two votes behind 2nd placed Cunnington), and Waite just outside the top 10. What a season it has been for both players, who both hit career best form in 2015. What 2016 will bring? If these two play anything like they did this season, we are sure to be in for a treat. 

5. The Winning Streak

The first half of the year was pure torture. Lose one, win one, lose one, win one... it became a frustrating pattern. The losses were big. Heavy defeats to quality sides - a critical flaw we thought the club shook following last years endeavours. The wins, however, were big too, in both margins and significance. A win against Geelong in Geelong for the first time in 8 years, victors in the elimination final replay and two significant victories in Tasmania (one against a very impressive WCE outfit) just to highlight a few. But it was simply frustrating. This side could not get on a role and many critics were starting to doubt our ability to defend the 2014 finals campaign... Until round 15. After a month on the sidelines Brad Scott was back, Nick Dal Santo was looking better than ever since returning from injury - we faced Geelong at Etihad Stadium for what would be the first of seven consecutive victories. North knocked over Geelong, Essendon, Brisbane, Carlton, Melbourne, St Kilda and Fremantle. While there was still talk about the quality of opposition, to string together seven wins in a row was an impressive venture by anyones standards.

4. Brad Scott

Arguably the lowest point in season 2015 was the loss to Collingwood in round 9. It brought back horrid memories of 2013 and our 'brilliant' ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I won't sit here and relive that game because it's sheer torture for all of us, however what followed days after was a shock to the system. When every North supporter was sitting at home wondering what on earth happens next, Geoff Walsh announced that Brad Scott would miss the next four games as coach, due to emergency back surgery. Out went B Scott and in came Darren Crocker, caretaker coach for 4 games and the bye, however even he could only take North to 2-2. I don't know what happened and how, but I absolutely loved Brad Scott's response when he returned as coach. He knew the game plan wasn't working and that something had to change. Seven wins in a row and a no bullshit approach and attitude to the game. However the wins weren't his only victories. The most notable difference? None other than Ben Jacobs re-invention as a tagger. The career-saving move helped Jacobs find his spot in the side, and helped North shut down some of the most influential game players. And the other, was the way he stood up following his round 23 'resting' decision - while many didn't agree with what he did, they did agree that the 22 men who fronted the field and took on the Tigers played wholeheartedly with effort and went in to win the game. And on top of it all, that first half sure was entertaining (highlighted by Majak Daw, I would say). What Brad did to turn our side around was brilliant, and to make a second consecutive Prelim was beyond anyone's imagination. In 2015, Brad Scott stands behind only Pagan and Barassi as a North Melbourne coach in finals and has extended his contract until the end of 2018- a great way to top of a great year.

3. Round 21: North Melbourne v Fremantle

Without a doubt, the best home and away victory in 2015. Talk about a team effort and talk about a hustle. Fremantle kicked 7 goals in the opening quarter and we allowed them a 24 point lead into the first break. Of course that's when everything started to change. We began to chip away at them quarter by quarter and walked away 11 point victors. It was our 7th consecutive win, it was a victory against the ladder leaders and it was the victory that secured our position in the 2015 final series. It was a huge effort by the whole team. Brent Harvey with 4 goals was outstanding - particularly in the second quarter, Ben Jacobs shut-down job on Nat Fyfe to the point where half the time I forgot Fyfe was actually playing. The ruck battle between Todd Goldstein and Aaron Sandilands was one of the best we have seen for some time and every man on the team played their part in the win. It really was a game won as a whole and the crowd was every bit a part of it. The supporters were roaring and the cheer following Goldstein's goal in the dying seconds were so loud that no one could really hear the final siren - both at the game and on the TV replay. It was every bit a 22 man victory and the best of the H&A season.

2. Todd Goldstein

For the past few seasons, he's been in the mix. A handful of AA squad nominations, a few standout games, a handful of Brownlow votes, but for Todd Goldstein in 2015 - it was beyond anything we had seen before. For years (so it seems) North supporters have been screaming at critics to give this man the recognition he deserves. Yes, he's often made a small step or two however this year Goldstein took his game to new heights, establishing himself as the elite ruckman in the competition. He was ranked the #1 ruckman in the comp, and smashed previous ruck records both in a game (80 v GWS in round 12) and in a season (1058 - the first player to reach 1000 hitouts in a season). He finally made the All-Australian side (just the 2nd NM Ruckman to do so), won The Age's "Footballer of the Year" and placed 10th in the Brownlow Medal. Finally, Goldstein won his first Syd Barker Medal, as North's best player for 2015. He topped the season off by signing a new contract, keeping him a Roo until the end of 2019. After a tremendous year, many standout games, memorable moments and a decorated season, Todd Goldstein, without a doubt, as been North Melbourne's footballer in 2015. He's cemented himself as one of the game's elite, and there should only be more to come in 2016.

 

1. 2015 Final Series

While the scalps taken by Todd Goldstein in 2015 were magnificent, and the winning streak during the season was great, and many individuals had their moments both on and off field, there is nothing more the club wants to see than passion, hunger and success. In 2014, some huge scalps taken against great sides, grounds were conquered across the country and with two finals victories under our belts - the bar was set high for 2015. To say supporters weren't sceptical, and weren't doubtful with an inconsistent opening half to the season, all anyone wanted was us back on track and back into September contention. Following North's 7th consecutive victory over ladder leader's Fremantle, we has secured our spot in September, and the final series sure lived up to it's mouth watering hype.

At the MCG on Sunday Afternoon, 90,000+ fans packed the MCG to see North take on Richmond in the Elimination Final. The two sides had met nine days earlier, when the Tige's belted the Roos under Friday Night lights, but it very quickly became a thing of the past. The crowd were up and about and Richmond got off to a flying start. They took out a 21 point lead TWICE in the game, and were desperate to win their first Elimination final, after falling in 2013 and 2014. However, once North got going, it wasn't meant to be. Brent Harvey was best on ground with 31 disposals, while Ben Jacobs shut down Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, who had just nine possessions for the day. Drew Petrie kicked back to back goals in the 3rd quarter, once again playing a vital cameo role when the side needed him most. Jarrad Waite was the difference up forward with 4 goals, and most of his play at ground level was inspiring. Lindsay Thomas kicked a vital goal in the final term when he came on as sub. Shaun Higgins collided with Tiger Dylan Grimes in a display of sheer courage and determination that was admired by all. Each and every player stepped up and North Melbourne deserved that victory and won the game as a team. It was a euphoric feeling at the MCG on the final siren, bringing back the rush and excitement we had lived the year before.



Speaking of the year before, in week two North flew to Sydney to get revenge following their 71-point humiliation in the Prelim final just 12 months earlier. North Melbourne lined up against an injury-depleted Swans outfit and prevailed winners. Despite a slow start, the Roos prevailed by 26 points. Ziebell, Cunnington, Dal Santo and Higgins got the job done in the midfield, while Waite booted 3 goals in the win. The game was less exciting, there were fewer golden moments, however the feeling was nothing short of extraordinary. North Melbourne were off to their second consecutive preliminary final, and became the first team in history to make it after finishing in 8th position. 

Unfortunately for North Melbourne, they fell short of the big dance once again, this time going down to West Coast in Perth by a bare margin of 25 points. It felt like a much worse loss than that of 2014 because we were so close - much closer than we had been the year before. When I sat at the MCG the following week and watched West Coast unravel within the first 15 minutes of the grand final, all I could wonder what could have been.

While there was a lot to like about 2015, I wanted to keep the focus on exactly what stood out in my mind. But there are always some special mentions - Taylor Garner's hard grit (the kids a good find, rough around the edges. Exciting things to come), Kayne Turner's 3 goals against Richmond in round 23, Luke McDonald's goal against Sydney: the first of his career in a game he only found out he was playing ten minutes earlier, Robbie Tarrant (everything's to love. From his comeback, to his re-signing. So much positives), Drew Petrie and Majak Daw victories on GF day (Drew in the longest kick and Maj in the sprint), Jack Ziebell's 60M goal against Carlton, Robin Nahas soccer off the ground against Melbourne (and the fact that he laughed about it too), Jarrad Waite's 7 against Brisbane,  Nick Dal Santo's comeback from injury (he's like the iron man. The footy he was playing in the second half of the season was outstanding - a true champion), Majak Daw's goal against Richmond in round 23 (that goal was the sole highlight of the game) Michael Firrito winning the clubman award at the B&F (gem of a human), Lachie Hansen's return to football, Everything about Brent Harvey that I haven't mentioned previously, Darren Crocker (just so much appreciation for that man), Sam Wright finally getting some recognition he deserves... OKAY I WILL STOP NOW. 

There is so much 2015 that could be discussed and should be discussed during the off season. 2016 is promising to be a big one and I know that I can't wait for it to begin.

Get excited and get on board for the ride!

Go Roos!

- Marnie x