I want to talk about Jasper Pittard.

When North Melbourne finally secured the services of Jared Polec in last season's trade period, Port threw Jasper Pittard in for nothing.

"List clogger" "Can't kick to save his life" "Butchers the ball at every opportunity" "Hack down back" ... and the list of comments goes on and on and on.

Fast forward to the end of round three and he's been a shining light.

Pittard is playing consistently good, efficient football. 

On paper, he's travelling at an average 85 per cent disposal efficiency across the three games. 

In the flesh, he's loving every moment of his second lifeline.

Seems to constantly be in the right spot at the right time. Taking an extra moment to make smarter decisions. Is the first player to run over to his teammates when they've had a good moment.

That isn't the Jasper Pittard we signed up for? 

Despite the many assumptions, Jasper Pittard is not the problem.

Neither is Dom Tyson. He too, has played three solid games and is another one earning his spot in the side. 

But because he's like for like with Ahern, too many are unfairly calling for his head.

Rather call for the likes of Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin (and yes, I know that most of you have) but replacing Tyson with Ahern will still leave an under performing McDonald (for example) in the side

See what I mean?

Yes. Changes need to be made.

Mason Wood, his awful attitude and calf awareness were dumped after round one and until he has a blinder in the VFL, I’m happy to keep him out of the side. 

Paul Ahern needs to play. He won’t be the difference, but he will make a difference. 

Nick Larkey also must play. I do feel for Tom Campbell as his heart is in it. All you have to do is watch his post goal celebration in the last quarter against Brisbane to see how much it means to him. But we need more than effort.. we need a second forward more than we need a second ruckman. And for those watching close enough, you'll know the need for Larkey in the side is greater than any other player at this moment. 

I know we all had a big love for Jarrad Waite and knew the importance of him in our side, but I think many forget how much better Brown played alongside his partner in crime.

At the halfway mark of last season, they were the best forward duo in the competition with 50-odd goals between them. Ben Brown is a low key guy and performs better when the attention is off him, or at least shared with someone else. Right now, that guy is Nick Larkey. 

Brown is struggling without a second forward and our midfielders are struggling just the same.

The starting positions at centre bounces were introduced to increase goal scoring yet we have registered just 32 for the season. The lowest, Adelaide has scored 29. We aren't far off.

Year after year, Brad Scott has struggled to pull the trigger at selection.

And while I think we finally need some action, there is a bigger problem than that at selection table. 

The game plan, or lack of, is the real problem. 

Does anyone actually know what the game plan is? Because I don’t. 

There are plenty of talented players still in the side and unfortunately, I don’t know if one or two changes at selection but no changes to the game plan will solve our problems. 

At the moment, it appears we are going with one extreme or another. 

Either sucking the pace out of the game completely, looking very slow, stagnant and lethargic or we are over possessing the ball by hand and missing easy targets.

When the boys run, they look exciting and can get the ball down the ground at lightening pace but every single time they always seem to go for one too many handballs because the player in possession is lacking confidence in their own decision making or skills.

Players look timid and too scared to take the game on.

What was the point injecting pace into the side through the likes of Polec and Hall if they don't have license to use it?

The other issue is centre clearances. 

We aren't winning them.

The 6-6-6 is making it a lot easier for sides to expose our depleted defence. 

It's been an atrocious start, it really has. And while I call upon Brad Scott to make some statements at selection, I urge him to sort out this game plan and what it is we are actually trying to achieve.

Because whatever it is, it isn't working.

2019 Preview: Time to Kick the Post Bye Curse

Hi everyone and welcome to another footy season.

The off season is always torturous, but in between reliving Jack Ziebell's match winning goal against the Bulldogs (round 14, 2018), sobbing over Jarrad Waite's retirement and cheering our girls in their first ever AFLW season, I seemed to find a way to pass the time.

Before we dive into previewing the 2019 AFL season, I'll touch on what I thought was a successful first season of AFLW for North Melbourne.

To summarise: 5 wins, 2 losses and being denied a finals spot thanks to a ridiculous conference system.

To avoid sounding like a disgruntled North supporter, I won't say more about the conference system other than it was an embarrassment to the league and supporting mediocrity.

Officials seem to be taking one step forward, two steps back with this comp.

But North had some shining lights.

Jess Duffin is the one for me - the woman is an absolute superstar. Stood up in every game.. win or lose. Emma Kearney was sensational as captain and along with Emma King, rounds out my top three standouts in the side.

Such a star studded lineup made it difficult to pick out the best players, but the three mentioned above are my favourites.

I gave the season a big tick. Probably should be playing finals but I won't let that take the shine off the effort and what the team managed to achieve. It was exciting to see the girls out there and to see them genuinely play for each other as a team. It made me even more excited for next season.

Our men could probably take a leaf out of their book.

Speaking of which, let's move on to the season preview.



Ladder Position: 8th
Wins/Loss: 13/9
Syd Barker Medallist: Trent Dumont
Leading Goal Kicker: Ben Brown
Roo Rising Star: Bailey Scott
Player who will define our season: Aaron Hall
3 players on the rise: Paul Ahern, Ed Vickers Willis, Todd Goldstein
3 players under pressure: Mason Wood, Luke McDonald, Kayne Turner

I'm a big believer in this club and honestly, what's the point in supporting a club if you can't believe in them? I'm here for the finals return. There are a couple of key points along the road to success (I'll touch on those later) but I really think we can get there. I think the depth is there and for the first time a very very very long time, we will see genuine competition for spots. Something that we've needed at North for quite a while.

In terms of players, we all know the usual suspects are here to perform. Cunnington and Higgins in the middle, Ziebell with the opportunity to play up forward permanently (which I think he should), two reliable and incredibly talented bookends in Ben Brown and Robbie Tarrant... all these players will perform as they always do.

But I've gone for a few left-of-centre names to discuss because they've all given me something to think about... for the right and wrong reasons.

Trent Dumont is the first. I am well and truly on the bandwagon. We all know Cunnington is criminally underrated outside of Arden Street but I think this guy is set to be the second. His back end of last season, particularly his last six games, were unlike anything we had seen from him before. Just outstanding. Ziebell pushing forward probably gave Dumont more of an opportunity to get involved but he really went to the next level. If that was a preview into his 2019, then he's my tip for the Syd Barker. The man was unstoppable. I suspect we could be in for a treat.

Todd Goldstein is probably an unexpected player to name as 'on the rise' but he's on the up. Like Dumont, the back half of 2018 was superb for Goldy and while he wasn't at his 2015 best, he was certainly looking the goods. Last season the big man spent a lot of time opening up about his mental health struggles in the media - I suspect getting a lot of it out in the open allowed him to move on and focus on his footy. With Brayden Preuss at Melbourne and Majak sidelined, it's up to Goldy to carry the ruck once again. He'll have the help of Tom Campbell but I can't see the pair playing together often.



Paul Ahern is also an exciting prospect for North Melbourne fans. Not afraid to use the term 'gun' here... he is genuinely a great player. If he plays this season even half as good as he did against West Coast in round 19 last year, he'll be more than fine.

And now to the other end of the scale... we really need to talk about Mason Wood. It's not just his jusr a cloud over his career but a lot of where this team is heading relies on him. Ben Brown is at his most dangerous with another firing forward beside him. With Jarrad Waite enjoying retirement, it's now Wood's time to step up... and avoid injuries while he's at it. We know he is brilliant at his best and he is a clutch player - not may players can claim that title - but now he need some consistency in his game and remain in it for a full 120 minutes. 

But it would be unfair to suggest our entire 2019 is resting on Mason's shoulders, because it's not.

The club as a whole has some work to do.

The key to North's success this season is saying goodbye to their post bye struggles.

In the last three seasons, North has won a total of 21 games in the first half of the season and a collective of just nine post bye. It's as if they pack up and call it a day at the bye weekend.

It's not good enough.

Sure, injuries, fatigue and fixturing are all a factor but good sides don't let those things affect them.

They need to get serious about winning games in the second half of the season if they want even a sniff of finals.

Use 2016 as an example.

Won just two games after the bye and lacked confidence and momentum heading into the final series.

Sure, the Roos has secured a finals spot by round 11, but had lost all ability to back it up when it mattered.

If you're looking for motivation, look no further than the season before.

In 2015, the Roos won seven of its last 10 home and away games, including a huge win over minor premiers Fremantle and that momentum pushed them all the way to a preliminary final.

So essentially, it's about balance mixed with peaking at the right time. Roger that.

The other thing worth noting is improvement... and I don't mean our own.

As I said earlier, I am a big believer the Roos are on the rise and I've tipped them for the top eight, but I must make mention of opposition teams.

There are a huge number of teams tipped to march up the ladder in 2019, but there isn't room for all of us.

So in other words, North just has to make sure they are better than the rest of the compeition set to rise.

As for who could will define our season? Can't go past Aaron Hall.

Dom Tyson, Jared Polec and Jaspar Pittard were all handy pick ups over the off season and will inject a lot of speed and class into the line up. Jared Polec was the stand out and you can't deny his talent... but I don't think any of them have the potential that Hall does.

We have been lucky enough to witness the revival of Shaun Higgins since his move across from the Bulldogs at the end of 2014. Back-to-back Syd Barker Medallist, All Australian and a genuine star of the competition.

I think we can get Aaron Hall there and if we do, our season could follow a similar path. I'd just like to point out that this is not to put pressure on a single player and more that the club's journey will hopefully mirror that of the individual player.

OKAY. Second last discussion point: the injury list.

Ben Jacobs is probably the biggest name on there, simply because he's such an important player and there is no certain return time. He has a mystery sinus issue until there's a proper diagnosis and solution, we will keep our fingers crossed for a speedy return. Taylor Garner always has half a foot on the injury list, despite playing in the VFL last weekend and making it through the game. Jed Anderson is there as well, but it appears to be simply precautionary. J-Mac, Sam Wright, Will Walker, Sam Durdin and Tom McKenzie are also floating around on the list.

And finally. Some food for thought.

This off season was one of the most difficult we've faced as a club and as a football league.

Thankfully, we have Majak here with us and on the road to recovery with the entire community behind him. Most people who know Majak weren't aware of the struggles he was facing, or the extent of them until they were brought to light at the end of last season. What I'm trying to say is you don't know what people are facing in their lives... especially not strangers on the internet. In 2019, support this side with passion and stick with them through thick and thin but do so with class and grace, not abuse and hate. It's very easy to be caught up on emotions the game can bring out of you but I urge you to think before you speak, comment and tweet. Opinions can be voiced without colourful language and personal attacks. Represent yourself and this football club with nothing but class.

I look forward to riding this year's rollercoaster with you all.
As always, if you have any questions, tweet me @marniecohen

Dear AFLW, I'm Sorry.

I will be honest - the first two seasons of AFLW just didn't do it for me. I wasn't overly excited about it and while I did watch a match here and there, it wasn't ever something I followed religiously or fawned over.

For many avid AFL fans the choice was simple - watch as a lover of the game and even take a team under your wing... neither of those options were really for me.

It's for that reason I haven't voiced too many opinions on the league. Don't get me wrong, I think women's football is an absolutely fantastic thing and I am so proud that our sport has made it to the point where we can have a professional league for them. But it simply wasn't for me. 

When North won a licence for the 2019 season it was obviously a moment of excitement and pride because the team I love would be represented in both the AFL and AFLW. There was also excitement for a great NMFC team who had worked tirelessly behind the scenes for a very long time to make this dream a reality. However, there was an element of disinterest too. AFLW hadn't done much for me previously so I don't know if it will now.

But it did. And that's why I'm sorry, AFLW.

In the week leading up to round one of 2019, I found myself reading articles and educating myself on the team running out onto North Hobart Oval. (For the record, I'm doing okay but still have a lot to learn...)

At 1pm on Sunday afternoon, my eyes were glued to the screen as I prepared for North's AFLW debut. I watched the game and was a pretty proud Shinboner at the final siren.

Football is a wonderful thing for those who follow it and love it and it was wonderful to watch our girls out there proud to represent the royal blue and white. Even better, bring home a win and go straight to the top of the table.

Jess Duffin is an absolute gem and I'm pretty sure she's my favourite player already. Ash Riddell and Emma King, too played cracking games. Emma Kearney is a fantastic leader and you can tell she felt at home, representing the club she's loved for so long and Mo Hope played with great determination and you could see her love for footy had been rejuvenated.

Don't forget these women play footy for the love of the sport. They don't do a Bernard Tomic and make the effort to play well when they feel like it because the money keeps rolling in. For them this isn't a full time job. They have amazing attitudes and play out of love and passion for the sport. That's admirable and no matter your opinions on the league, you'd be a fool to not at the very least admit that.

Truth be told I still have a few reservations. 

The jumper actually shocked me when I saw it for the first time and it didn't sit well with me. Having this team marketed by Tasmania and in Tasmania as "Tassie's team" makes me feel that a pitch as "North Melbourne Kangaroos" wasn't strong enough in the first place. I assume (and hope I assume right) that this isn't the jumper we play in all season long but it's the jumper worn in Tasmania. I would not be thrilled otherwise. 

Equally, it's a slap in the face for Tasmania. They are partially represented in the AFLW alongside North Melbourne but not good enough or big enough for their own side in the big league. You could argue that allowing a North Melbourne Tasmania side play AFLW is acknowledgement from the bosses that the state needs official representation however not much more is being done about it. As a North MELBOURNE supporter, the joint forces makes me uncomfortable and as someone who believes in Tasmania should have a team of its own, it appears as a bit of an insult. 

But as a North Melbourne supporter, I will love and cheer for another team that's been added to our family. Sure, it was "only Carlton" who we smashed in round one, but that Carlton side has had a lot more practice than us. The girls gelled and put up a united front to make a real impact in their first AFLW outing. I'm excited about this season and the future of our club in both the AFL and AFLW. 

And to the AFLW, a code that previously couldn't capture my interest, today you have captured my heart. Please accept my apology and accept me as your newest supporter.

North Melbourne, It's Time to Step Up

In 2007, North Melbourne faced its biggest off field challenge in the club's history.

Crippling dept, countless doubters and a competition pushing for a relocation to the Gold Coast.

There were a few major factors that arguably saved the club - one being the supporters.

Rallying in numbers, donating money and time all for a result to keep the Roos in Melbourne.

But North Melbourne fans were as vocal on the field as they were off it. Week in, week out fans flocked to watch the Roos play and many saw first hand the rise of the Roos on field that year.

North Melbourne played eight home games in Melbourne that year for an average crowd of 34,362.

Fast forward just over a decade to 2018 and North's average home crowd in Melbourne (from eight games) is a mere 24,738.

That's approximately a 28 per cent drop in attendance over the last 11 years.

To add further insult, the average home crowd at Carrara in that year (11,320) was larger than that at Blundstone this year (10,879).

And for one more stat - North Melbourne played three home games in front of a 40,000+ crowd in 2007 but in 2018 played none.

Crowd attendance across the league is increasing in numbers but unfortunately for North, we are badly bucking the trend.

Sure, on field in 2007 the Roos finished fourth compared to ninth in 2018, however we finished in the bottom four in 2006 and 2017 respectively. So where has everyone gone?

This is not to say North Melbourne supporters don't love their club, aren't loyal or are not supportive. Supporters donated their own money during the 'Keep North at Arden Street' campaign a few months ago. There's now a decent sized, keen group of supporters in Tassie who are going to a few games each season. Supporters are loud and vocal and more than happy to stick it to the media if criticism or identity error comes the clubs way.

But when responsibility falls on supporters to buy memberships, show up to games and physically support the club week in and week out - many go missing.

Yes, there are factors which disadvantage the club. Some very frustrating time slots, home games against expansion teams at Marvel, other commitments on a weekend, lots of supporters interstate...  but why use excuses to play the victim instead of growing stronger? Do you think that's what the likes of Carlton or Melbourne supporters do? No.

When it comes to expansion clubs, the reality is everyone has to play them and if the AFL wants to schedule the games at Marvel instead of Blundstone, Metricon or Olympic Park then the AFL will do just that and it's the supporters responsibility to show up and support.

Not going to games became "Marvel has a weak atmosphere" is probably the worst excuse because I can't imagine there's much atmosphere at home in your living room. If you cared about the club and had the option to go to the game, why wouldn't you?

I'll be the first to admit - when media personnel call the club out on poor crowds I am on google and looking for crowds weaker than ours. But in reality why are we worrying about what other clubs are doing? Do I really care if St Kilda or Carlton play in front of no one? No, not really. The media will call out who they want and the onus is on supporters to show up and shut them up rather than further proving the point.

North Melbourne fans need to get the AFL world talking for all the good reasons. Fans need to turn up to games every week and support the club. We demand the club to preform better on field so why should our performance as fans be excused?

Still disgruntled we didn't relocate to the Gold Coast? Not over the dismissal of Boomer and Co two years on? Then you can't seriously call yourself a die hard or loyal supporter. Don't have a membership to get into games? Ask around, I am sure someone could lend theirs to you.

If you're sitting here, reading this and thinking "but I live interstate" or "I work on weekends" or "I can't make Sunday games because I take the kids to activities" then use common sense and know this obviously doesn't apply to you every single week. But when you're in a position when you can attend the game, then please go and support the club you claim to love so much.

Supporters played the most important role in the clubs survival and revival 11 years ago so why can't they still play the part? If you're sick and tired of hearing 'relocation to Tassie' talks or 'North Melbourne have no supporters' or 'they play in front of no one' then do something about it. Every bum on chair helps and gives the club purpose to stay and play in Melbourne.

If you love the club and want to make a difference then now's your chance.

I know I do. 

You have to lose to win

Heartbreak.

It's a theme that has run deep through the North Melbourne camp over the past five years.

Supporters have watched their side snatch defeat from the jaws of victory time and time again. 

Since 2013, North Melbourne has been involved in 15 games decided by five points or less. They currently sit at 4 wins, 11 losses. Half of those victories have been in 2018 (two point victories over Sydney and Bulldogs) without a loss.

In a season that has been all about exceeding expectations, is this the next piece in the North Melbourne puzzle?

North Melbourne in games decided by 5 points or less (2013-Round 14, 2018) 
2013: 0 Wins, 5 Losses (Geelong, Hawks, Eagles, Crows, Carlton)
2014: 0 Wins, 1 Loss (Brisbane)
2015: ----
2016: 1 Win (Dees), 0 Losses
2017: 1 Win (Dees), 5 Losses (Geelong, Freo x 2, Bulldogs x2)
2018 (so far): 2 Wins (Swans, Bulldogs), 0 Losses

The Roos' inability to get across the line in close contests has been a widely talked about topic over the last few seasons. What could've been top four (2013) and top eight (2017) finishes instead left the club out of finals contention and left to wonder "what if".

While we are yet to learn if North is really on the road to overcoming these mental roadblocks for good, 2018 has been a great starting point... none better than Saturday night's thrilling victory over the Western Bulldogs.

With the previous two encounters between the clubs coming within three points (Good Friday) and one point (Round 14), 2018's clash reached the heights set last season.

The Dogs opened the game brilliantly, playing sensational football in the first half and challenged North to rise to the occasion. The Bulldog's found endless space and took the ball down the field under minimal pressure. They lead at every change, including a three goal lead going into the main break.

The Dog's challenged and the Roos responded, led sensationally by its biggest names.Shaun Higgins was damaging against his former side, amassing a game high 32 touches (22 in the second half) and kicking two third quarter goals to ignite the Roos. Ben Cunnington was vital in the contest, Ben Brown was back to his best booting five goals and captain Jack Ziebell's three goals, including the match winner, inspired his teammates to victory. Todd Goldstein's 42 hit outs were complimented by 20 disposals, seven marks, three tackles and three inside 50's - one of his best and more complete performances of the season to date. 

The leaders stood up and many others played their part. The Roos' unlikely hero came in the form of Majak Daw. While Daw has been playing some good footy since his move down back this season, his game reached a new level against the Dogs - his final quarter arguably the best performance of his career. With three enormous marks, he stood up when the game demanded it of him. He was spoiling, he was tackling and he physically imposed himself on the game, too.

The Roos claimed victory with 20 seconds left on the clock, thanks to a manic passage of play which saw Ben Brown toe poke the ball to Ziebell, who picked it up off the deck and snapped truly to pull his side over the line.

It was Brown's decision making in that moment which won North Melbourne the game. Opposed to Mitch Wallis 45 seconds earlier which could've locked the game away for the Dogs.

From heartbreak in the same fixture last season, to euphoria 12 months later it's a result North fans once only dreamed of seeing. The Roos have now won its last three games that have been decided by less than a goal and is slowly piecing together another piece of its puzzle. It might just be the start, but they're finding ways to win.

For a supporter base that really has seen it all, for once the roller coaster of emotions is travelling at a consistent high.

The roar that erupted at Etihad Stadium in the dying seconds of Saturday night's victory symbolised the heart of the North Melbourne faithful - the belief that the Shinboner Spirit would prevail strongest of them all.