Round 1 2020 v St Kilda: All heart.

If there's one thing you never want to do, it's challenge the heart of your football club.

Especially North Melbourne.

We've been to hell and back in our time and have always come out the other side, stronger and more united than ever before.

At half time in Sunday's round one game against St Kilda, we found ourselves in hell.

29 points down going into the main break, down to one rotation on the bench and skills so poor it would have been enough to turn off any American watching on for the first time. 

St Kilda were too quick, too slick and we had no answers. 

Even our best ball users were fumbling the ball.

You know you're in trouble when Shaun Higgins is running at 40 per cent disposal efficiency and Jared Polec shanks a sitter, right in front of goal.

There was a lot of work to do.

But we were ready for the fight and came out on top.

The team dug deep and found effort and belief.

And with that came heart that inspired a memorable two-point win.

It was just the second time in 11 years that North Melbourne fans around the world celebrated a season opening victory.

And it could be the last victory we see for a while, with the AFL season suspended indefinitely from the end of round one.  

There is a lot of praise to be directed at the players and I'll get to that, but I want to talk about Rhyce Shaw first.

His ability to make the required changes at half time to win back total control of the game and lead the team to victory was brilliant coaching and even better leadership.

North didn't just work their way back into the game after half time but they completely dominated.

St Kilda scored just one goal in the second half which came from a free kick. The ball barely left North's attacking 50 and when it did, opposition players were under such pressure that these 'clearing kicks' were often rushed and resulted in a turn over. 

It was complete suffocation.

And it wasn't just the tactical changes he made as coach, but also the emotional ones.

He moved to coach from the bench in the second half and spoke directly to his players as much as possible. He's a people person, he's all about relationship building. Clearly wanted a more direct line to the players so he made it happen. That emotional care is something us, as a club, loved about him from the very beginning and he went above and beyond to provide that to our players during the game and to the Australian public in his post match press conference.

Just re watching Rhyce Shaw’s post game press conference and I’m almost in tears.

Look at the way he opens the presser. Wow, just wow. What an exceptional man and leader.

Couldn’t be prouder to have him represent our team and our sport 💙 @NMFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/v3Qo7arrs8

— marnie cohen (@marniecohen) March 22, 2020

Rhyce delayed the start of his press conference on Sunday to address the Australian public during these difficult times and to throw support behind all those struggling around the country. We often have to remind ourselves that there are things going on around us that are bigger than footy and Shaw's decision to deliver such a simple, kind message to those watching post game was just outstanding. It's leadership at its finest and I couldn't be happier that this is the man representing our club.

Now back to the game...

For Rhyce Shaw to change up the game (and post game) like he did, for the managers on the bench to ensure we could run out the game with just one rotation on the bench and for our players, from the oldest to the least experienced to all stand up and record an incredible victory?

That's heart.

As for the players? Every individual stood up and had his moment.

Aaron Hall's classy snap in the third quarter. Cam Zurhaar's huge hit on Zack Jones. Ben Brown's clean pick up off the deck in a crowded 50 to get the ball to Nick Larkey which resulted in a goal. Polec & J-Mac's smother on Ryder's shot from the goal square in the dying seconds of the game. All match-defining moments.

But let's focus on two players in particular: one old and one new.

At the end of 2019, there were rumours circling Todd Goldstein's future at North Melbourne. There was growing interest from Geelong in the ruckman, who were rumoured to have offered him a four-year deal.

But he stayed true to North Melbourne, turning his back on Geelong's offer and remaining a Roo for life. And we should be thanking our lucky stars he did.

Sure, he may be 31 years of age but Goldy is one of the most reliable and durable big men in the game.

On Sunday, he kept us in it in the first half and led from the front in the second.

He had 27 hit outs, more than St Kilda's ruckmen Ryder and Marshall combined, 14 touches (10 contested) at 86 per cent efficiency, seven clearances and a goal. They may not seem like massive numbers but boy were they influential.

Goldstein also played 99 of a possible 103 minutes of the game - almost all in the ruck. His endurance is phenomenal, even at 31!! He was a joy to watch on Sunday afternoon and once again, make his mark as one of the most important players in our side.

19-year old Curtis Taylor was as much of a joy up forward.

He's a live wire, with his energy and creativity exactly what the team needed .

Taylor kicked his first career goal, to go with 10 touches (seven contested), three marks and a couple of tackles. He looked exciting when he had the ball in his hands. He makes us excited about the future. We may be waiting a while to see him play again, but I am already looking forward to it.

When captain Ziebell went of with a knee injury early in the third quarter, the usual suspects came to life in his place.

Match winner Ben Cunnington was once again a force to be reckoned with. Shaun Higgins was equally brilliant alongside him. Robbie Tarrant, Jamie MacMillan and Shaun Atley all stood tall in the dying minutes of the game to hold on to victory.

And it meant the world to them.

I've never seen a post game celebration like we saw on Sunday.

Too good!

What a win and what a song 💙 #JoinInTheChorus pic.twitter.com/DAkdW21DOU

— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) March 22, 2020

Just like the North Melbourne Football Club, it was all heart.

We've been to hell and back many times before and the competition, as a whole may be on its way again.

But we'll stick together and come out bigger and better on the other side.

We always do.

It's the Shinboner way.

What will North Melbourne make of its 2019 season?

We are seven rounds into season 2019 and already North Melbourne supporters have experienced the highest highs and deepest lows. 

For the second time in three years, North Melbourne is siting two wins and five losses, but the mood is dangerously different.

In 2017, North Melbourne were prepared for a year of war.

It was tough, but they were hardly disgraced. 

Five losses to start the season: three under a goal and all five very hardworking, honest performances.

They finally hit their straps in round six with a come from behind win against the Gold Coast and in round seven, watched the unthinkable happen as they ended an unbeaten run to Adelaide's season, belting them by nearly 10 goals.

The team was spirited, emotions were running high and there was belief in the inner sanctum that the best was yet to come for this group.

Fast forward 24 months and the mood isn't quite the same.

Angst and dissatisfaction has built amongst the North Melbourne faithful with every loss notched up in 2019.

The biggest frustration lies at selection.

Week in, week out fans are screaming for younger players to step up to the plate and be given an opportunity without much movement from the selection panel.

It is possible the fans and those inside the club view different things of this season.

Some changes have been necessary.

I have said from week one the biggest change needs to be bringing Larkey into the side to support Brown.

Since his inclusion in round six, the pair have been working wonderfully together.

Against Port Adelaide, Brown was well held by Tom Clurey but Larkey stood up, kicking three goals.

The following week, Larkey was lively around the ground and while he didn't hit the score board, Brown kicked four.

They are working perfectly in unison which makes your wonder why the move wasn't made sooner.

Unfortunately, Larkey's story isn't unique and many players have gone without a solid opportunity.

But that comes back to the original point - have the fans already canned 2019 and are prepared for some trial and error? And does the limited change suggest the perception of our season differ from that behind closed doors? 

Luke McDonald critics will think so.

I admit, I have been hard on McDonald this season simply because I know he can do better.

And if a spell in the VFL brings that out in him, then so be it.

So be the case for all players - hold them accountable for continuous under performing.

Because for a side that has so called "depth" there is rarely accountability for a string of poor individual performances.

When there is, it works wonders. 

Like it did for Jy Simpkin.

Missed the game against Port Adelaide and amassed 33 touches in the VFL. He took a bit of confidence in his game when returning against Carlton and looked like a footballer reborn.

28 disposals at just over 81 DE, three clearances, two tackles and two goals in what was his best game for North Melbourne.

He was one of 22 players who stood up and contributed to an enormous 58 point win over Carlton.

Yes, the win was fantastic and it was powerful but if North Melbourne could not make a statement against an undermanned Carlton side that went in without a large chunk of its best players then the entire club - staff and supporters alike - would have gone into meltdown.

But let's talk about the win, because it's just what the doctor ordered.

Finally, the young players bore fruit. And by that, I mean for once, they were the difference instead of stepping up alongside the usual contributors.

Yes, Cunnington was brilliant but Higgins, while he saw a lot of the ball, wasn't at his best.

It was Dumont, Garner, Zurharr, Thomas, Simpkin and Turner who made the difference.

Taylor Garner did not look like a man who has missed as much football as he has.

Perhaps his long stint out of the game meant supporters forgot what they were missing.

But it was gold.

And at times this season, Jack Ziebell has been challenged as a leader.

He was lousy on Good Friday, with a whole six touches and no one made any sort of effort to pull him back into the frame.

So for him to step up, go to Cripps and nut out what was a very even contest was a sensational captains move. And Captain Jack came out on top.

As good as the win was, it appears glorified by the promise Carlton have shown this season compared to the last.

There has been more to read from the losses.

The worst of the lot on Good Friday, not just because of the final margin but because what the game means to this club and the ridiculous threat that falls over the fixture because the AFL is more interested in maximising profit to lock anything in.

I hope the club did enough to secure it for a fourth time next season but anything can happen really.

So now, as early as round seven there is a fork in the road for North Melbourne and 2019.

We've already seen a lot of good and a lot of bad.

The club is capable of playing well and having a red hot go and they're also capable of letting go.

So the choice is in their hands, really and what they want to make of this season.

Is the eight still in sights? Do we plan for the future? Which kids get a run?

What does the rest of 2019 look like for North Melbourne?

That is up to them.

And for us to stick by them for the ride.

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.