Am I a Shinboner Yet?

I sat at Arden Street during the JLT series, awaiting the start of North Melbourne and Hawthorn. A short time before the opening bounce, my attention was drawn to the screen. So it began, our new membership campaign featuring captain Jack. It highlighted his career from junior football to taking over as captain of North Melbourne. Throughout, re-visiting the theme of what it is to be a shinboner, and if he has lived up to that title.

While North Melbourne have presented successful membership campaigns in the past, none of them moved me, or were as relatable as the one I had just watched. Once it hit the internet later in the week, I watched it a few times again. I actually felt a shiver through my spine - It is easily the best I have ever seen.

Within the North Melbourne Football Club, being named a 'shinboner' is up there with the highest of honours.

Translate the word Shinboner - it highlights ones loyalty and passion for the club, integrity and respect as a person and dedication, grit and hard work on the field.

With Jack Ziebell presenting this simple question to us, the simple answer is yes.
In 2015, prior to the beginning of the Syd Barker Medal, the re-signing of Sam Wright and Jack Ziebell was announced. Wright with a two year contract extension (keeping him at North until the end of 2018) but Ziebell was the talking point. There were already whispers that he would take over as captain in the coming years, and then a five year deal pretty much locked that in place. A Roo until the end of 2021, a Roo for life. In a time where football loyalty is hard to come by, this was outstanding news.

But for now, back to the campaign. It is brilliant and through Jack's growth as a footballer it genuinely captures what it is to be a Shinboner.

I felt the need to blog this, to draw attention to the new era we are about to enter. Once again, there has been a yearly prediction that North will slide, however it's time to toughen up and prove the doubters wrong.

Find your shinboner spirit, and get ready for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

They've Done It

"Hansen goes back as cool as you like, as cool as Larry Emdur. And they've done it."

For the first time under Brad Scott, and for the first time since 2008, North Melbourne had made the finals.

It was a fairly inconsistent start to season 2012, however North bounced back from their mid season bye better than ever, knocking over most teams in their way. As they made a surge towards the top eight, it was round seventeen that would ultimately become the defining match of the season. A nail bitter against Richmond: North walking away four point winners, and four points closer to finals contention. It was this victory that saw North jump back into the eight and they would stay there until September, seeing finals action for the first time in years.

The game was outstanding, it was a well fought battle and both teams gave it their all. You know a North game is good when Bruce is excited about it. It had everything. Tough at the football, plenty of goal kickers, an electric atmosphere - it was mouth watering.

The worst thing about being at this game, was the scoreboard at the MCG. You see, there was a minute left on the clock and the scores were 98-103 in favour of North. There was a ball up right by the Richmond goals, and the footy fell in the lap of Shaun Grigg (thanks to some super Ivan Maric tap work) but the kick missed. It took the scores to 99-103, less than a minute to go. Now whoever operates the scoreboard at the G' either thought Grigg had kicked a goal, or pressed the wrong button because the scoreboard showed up 104-103. So here we all are, well aware that Shaun Grigg has missed and North were still in front but the scoreboard told us otherwise and a wash of panic ran through me like nothing before. At the final siren I went to cheer but I was so confused I has no idea what the actual score was and if we had won the game. I feel like I wasted a bit of post game celebration, because there was rather a sigh of relief when the North song came on rather than excitement. For those wondering, not long after the North song began to play was the scoreboard changed. The final score: 99-103

I think the game saving passage of play was Lindsay Thomas. His entire career he's been criticized for his selfishness, and while he took a turn in his career following that horrid form of 2011, to this day no one will let it rest. With two minutes to play, Richmond were on the rebound out of defense, and Thomas dived over the boot of Luke McGuane to smother the kick and see the ball go out of play. It was brilliant, it was desperate and the defensive element of Lindsay Thomas' game has constantly shone through since that moment. It was inspiring and most definitely a game saver.

But Lindsay wasn't alone in North's bid to take home the win and the four points. With 40 seconds on the clock, Nathan Grima got his hands on the ball and belted a kick in the direction of the North goals: it landed lace out in front of Daniel Wells who just took the ball and ran. Another smart move and another fight to keep the game in North's hands. When Drew Petrie couldn't mark the Daniel Wells' kick into the 50, Richmond managed to re bound the ball up to the centre square. When Ellis miss judged a kick to Bachar Houli, Leigh Adams dived on the ball and fisted it away along the ground. Despite a history of shoulder troubles and numerous reconstructions, Adams put himself on the line to clear the ball. "Terrific stuff," as Dennis called it. It sure was: that final minute of play was absolutely outstanding.

I have touched on this game in a previous article, when I wrote about Drew Petrie being a match winner - this was one of his finest. Five goals in the final quarter (As a team, North kicked 6 goals in the final term) and seven for the game. He monstered the opposition: grabbed everything that came in his direction and kicked a bag. You always knew that at his best, Drew was unstoppable and this was no exception. This performance would stand out as one of his finest individual performances, and really shine a light on him as the match winner.

I have watched a lot of football over the years - from my TV to the MCG and this is up there amongst my favourites because IT WAS JUST SO GOOD. It is a game I can watch over and over again and never get sick of. It boasted an incredible entertainment factor and the result was just perfection. It wasn't quite up there with the emotions of a final, and it doesn't hit home quite like some of the classics through the 90s, or those amazing comebacks from the days of Dean Laidley.
But it was damn good.

The heart, the significance and the way it played out. After watching so many replays over the off season, this was on high repeat. One of my favourite games of all time... in fact, I may go watch that final quarter just one more time.

The Match Winner.

MATCH WINNER

"A player whose skill enables his or her team to win matches."

People outside of North Melbourne seem to focus on the inconsistency of Drew Petrie later in his career, however, everyone at North Melbourne (and anyone who was well educated) knew how important every element of his game was - week in, week out.

Drew Petrie's abilities went well beyond kicking big bags in front of goal: his contestant marking was outstanding, his tackling was superb, he would draw multiple defenders into a contest just to give another man the opportunity to score in front of goal, he could be thrown down back late in the game or into the ruck to mix things up a little. A true team player, and a real star.

But what made Drew Petrie so special, is he was a match winner. There are plenty of good players in the AFL, who play consistently week in and week out, and who do great things, but they just don't have a big influence - their solo efforts aren't enough to inspire a team to victory, or better yet, grab the victory with their two bare hands. But you see, this is Drew Petrie's best asset, what makes him such a brilliant footballer, and what lead North Melbourne to some memorable victories.

I love Drew Petrie. I will always love Drew Petrie.
He will always be remembered as a North Melbourne great, and rightly so.
He was our match winner.

The Tiger Trifecta
It seems as though our Drew thoroughly enjoyed his encounters against the Tiges, where he stared on multiple occasions. Bags of 4, 6 and 7 goals were just the cherry on a very rich cake, as Petrie stood out in marking contests, tackling pressure and just pure brilliance.

Elimination Final v Richmond 2015
Drew made a habit of playing little cameo roles during North's finals campaigns later in his career. His performance against the Tigers in 2015 was no exception. Drew had a big influence in the third quarter - a mark and goal with two and a half minutes left of play to put North 3 points up. A second goal came thirty seconds later that took the margin out to nine points. In a game that had Richmond up by 21 points twice, Petrie's two goals couldn't have been more timely. The Roos went on to win the game, and onto the second week of the finals.

Round 12 v Richmond, 2014
I remember this game so clearly, as it was easily one of the best I've ever been to. A Sunday night at Etihad Stadium, fans were treated to a cracking game on the Queen's Birthday long weekend. It was a game of two halves. Richmond took a six goal lead into half time, and North ran out 28 point winners. At half time, Rex Hunt called on Petrie to fire up, and give the Roos some inspiration. If anyone would do it, it would be Drew... and he did. Big marks and crashing packs, along with four goals (three which came in the third quarter comeback), he was everywhere that night and North recorded a big win.

Round 17 v Richmond, 2012
The second half of 2012 was certainly one to remember. Ten victories from 12 games, and North made their way into the finals for the first time since 2008 and the first time under coach Brad Scott. There were some good wins and good contests during that time period, but none came as exciting and as brilliant as the round 17 clash with Richmond. In a tight contest all day, the game was ultimately won by Petrie. Inspiring North in the final quarter, he completed dominated play and kicked five goals in the final term and led his team to the four point win. Undoubtably the pioneer in the heart stopping victory.

The Battle of Brian Lake: Round 16, 2014
It will forever be the night remembered for Brian Lake's "choker hold" on Petrie which resulted in a four week suspension, however it was a huge night for North Melbourne. A 20 point victory against the reigning premiers saw the Roos continue their stellar season, and take it to yet another new height. Petrie, once again, had a monster influence. He kicked five goals, crunched some brilliant tackles and took a screamer at the back of the pack, proving his match winning abilities once again.

Glenn Archer's 300th: Round 13, 2007
SIX goals in the opening quarter against the Bulldogs, and seven the match. It's a performance many still talk about a decade on. North Melbourne had a rather successful 2007 - the only season since Dennis Pagan they managed to finish the home and away season in the top 4. Drew did everything - he was crashing packs, taking strong marks and made Glenn Archer's 300th one to remember (although everyone will remember it for Drew's individual brilliance). Amazingly, Petrie had been held goalless for the previous month, perhaps making his efforts extra remarkable. Despite the solo efforts, he only walked away with 2 Brownlow votes... Boomer was granted the 3.

Note: From my research, I believe the record is 8 goals kicked by an individual in one quarter.

The Match Winner: Elimination Final v Essendon, 2014
What more do you even say about this game, and these goals that hasn't already been said. I wasn't old enough to attend the 96' and 99' Grand Finals and that's why this is the best game of football I've ever been to. That feeling of euphoria that I felt on the final siren is something I haven't forgotten, and I still get chills watching the replay.

"They don't remember what you did in the first three quarters and 25 minutes.. they remember what you did in the last five"

Drew Petrie's two goals won that game for North Melbourne. Frank the tank with five minutes to play and the sealer followed 30 seconds later. The thing is, if anyone was going to win the game for us, and inspire the victory - it was always going to be Drew Petrie. While Ben Brown sparked the comeback, and Daniel Wells on fire through the midfield, it was always going to be Drew Petrie, the match winner. Whenever you think about, or talk about this game, those goals are always the first that come to mind.

I have always been a Drew Petrie fan, even in his slight decline later in his career at North. But sitting here and writing this now, it really makes me appreciate who he was (and still can be) as a player. His abilities to influence a game came in all different shapes and sizes, and he was an inspiring figure for years at the club. While he has moved West, and is looking to the next stage of his AFL career, he'll go down in history as a North Melbourne great, and our match winner.

One to remember, or one to forget?

"It'll be an empty feeling for North Melbourne... what might have been" - Dennis Cometti, Round 23 2013

Yes, what might have been.

2013 will be remembered as a painful year for North Melbourne, however for a season that left such a sting on supporters, I haven't seen a highlights reel quite like it. 

I was absent for most of 2013 - with a working holiday planned in the US, I missed the home and away season that followed after round 10. I thought the only pain I'd be experiencing would be withdrawals from my beloved sport, however those at home were going through a much greater emotional rollercoaster.

Over the past month or two, I decided to familiarise myself with season 2013. There's a lot I needed to catch up on, quite I bit I wish I missed, and plenty of shining lights along the way. I know the timing of this is quite odd. Three seasons on and I've finally got around to finishing up the year that was 2013. However, it left me similar confusion to what I felt at the end of this season - a bitter sweet sensation, and a true understanding of the highs and lows of AFL.

North Melbourne finished 10th that season, with ten wins, twelves losses and the 7th best percentage in the league. It wasn't quite what most expected from the club in season 2013. On the back of a manic finish to 2012, finals were most certainly on the agenda.

The biggest losing margin was 39 points, and there were five games decided by less than a goal... North losing each one of them. There were six games won by 9 goals or more, with one win exceeding three figures. A strange year indeed.

That quote from Denis Cometti came at the close of Collingwood v North Melbourne in round 23 at the MCG. More than 50,000 came out to witness one of the Roos best wins for the year. That win had a bit of everything. Multiple lead changes, plenty standout players and a great contest that went down to the wire. And that game was played like many others in that season, however North didn't get the four points on many of those occasions.

The most soul crushing moment of my football career came in Round 9, 2013. I have cried at the end of three football matches, and this was the second one. (For those wondering, the first was following a one point loss to Freo in 2003, and the other was at the 2016 Grand Final when Luke Beveridge called Bob Murphy onto the stage to receive 'his' medal). This game still haunts me (and many of you reading this, I am sure) to this day. It was horrific and sometimes I still can't believe what went on that day at Etihad Stadium.  Up by five goals with five and a half minutes to play - how could anyone let that slip. You can't forget that the week before, North lost the game against West Coast in Perth thanks to a mark and goal from Nic Nat after the siren. So while we had nine days to recover from that, no one would've thought that the worse was still to come. That one point loss to Adelaide was the lowest point of the season, and brought more questions than answers.

While North were stringing together loss after loss, it didn't stop their competitive spirit. Okay there were games that really should've been won. Against Adelaide, West Coast and Geelong to name a few. But on other occasions North played so well and their biggest downfall were that they simply couldn't get the job done. Take Round 5 against Hawthorn - that was an absolutely cracking game and both sides could barely be separated all day. I don't know if they physically could've done anything more to get the win. They were brilliant that day, and they were pretty good against Carlton as well. Once again, the result simply didn't go their way.

But there were plenty results that did go North's way. In game 350, Boomer starred in a 68 point victory over St Kilda. Majak Daw booted six majors in a 9 goal win against the Bulldogs, while everyone joined in the party at the MCG in round 18, when North belted the Dees by 122 points. Nathan Grima kicked his first goal in the 45 point win against Essendon, and the Roos stunned their pals Richmond by 62 points on a cold July afternoon... You see what I mean by plenty of highlights.

There were individuals who shone throughout the season too. Scott Thompson was named All Australian Defender at the end of 2013, taking down the elite forwards of the competition. Daniel Wells celebrated 250 games and enjoyed some consistency in his football. The pair's brilliant best was on display, and they each took home a 2013 Syd Barker Medal. Lindsay Thomas had a cracking start to the season, and ended with 51 goals for the year. Forwards Drew Petrie, Aaron Black and Robbie Tarrant were a force to be reckoned with. Boomer returned from a six week suspension in round 7, and finished the year in style.

In a year that had so much, North gained little for their efforts and hard work. Failing to place in the 2013 final series, not much credit was given in their direction. As I reflect on the year that was, it saddens me a little as to what may have been. After the outstanding 2014 that followed, it makes you wonder what might have been had North made that 2013 final series.

While we can't change the past, we can now look ahead to the future, and abandon the memories we have held close to us for so long. It's an exciting road ahead, but we can never truly appreciate what's the come, if we can't remember what we lived through.

I hope you enjoyed our trip down memory lane, as another year comes to a close.
I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas, and a happy, safe new year.
See you in 2017,
Marnie.

The Trade Period.

Every season it feels like the Trade Period is dragged on forever. That's probably because rumours begin to pop-up mid season and everyone gets so carried away with the potentials and the trading. Enough to give you a headache and heartache all at the same time.

But we've reached the end, so it's time to evaluate and discuss.

Overall, North's trade period is like the best episode of "Bargain Hunters" in 2016. What they brought in was really good. We are so used to a quiet North Melbourne over the trade period, so it was nice to see a bit of action from the Roos, and even nicer with what we walked away with.

To Summarise:
IN - Ahern, Hrovat, Williams, Pick 32, 92, 2017 3rd and 4th round picks
OUT - Wells, Black, Pick 69, 105, 2017 3rd and 4th round picks

And now... in Depth:

Andrew Swallow and the Gold Coast Suns
Swallow stood down as captain of North Melbourne and three days later someone on the internet constructed a five club mega trade involving Spitta going to the Gold Coast. I think the worst part about this rumour was the attitude of some supporters who were on board with idea of off loading him. I personally prefer the idea of him regaining his best form, without the captaincy pressures. Despite the rumours, Swallow stayed put. He's set to regain his best form and be a big part of 2017.

IN: Compensation Pick 32
OUT: Daniel Wells to Collingwood
The fact that Wells delayed his re-signing, and then decided not to comment on his future until after the Syd Barker Medal pretty must confirmed that Wells would be straight out the door. It's a really upsetting decision that he made, especially after how the club has really carried him over the years. He did some great things for North but, as we always say, no man is bigger than the club. He's on a mighty salary at the Pies so for their sake you hope his injuries hold up. For our sake, well... let's just see how we go.

Todd Goldstein and WA Today
This story burst onto the scene and created such havoc in social media land. It left the building just as quickly.

Perth paper 'WA Today' reported that ruckman Todd Goldstein wanted out of North, and that he had a medical at the West Coast Eagles. The rumour spilled out shortly after Hawthorn superstar Sam Mitchell made the move west. Funny part about this story is that Goldy HADN'T EVEN BEEN TO PERTH IN THE OFF SEASON (honestly were did this story even come from)

The reason behind his move? Some not so friendly rumours regarding himself and ex-wife Kristy. No need to re-visit that one, though.

The rumours about Goldy heading West were quickly shut down by both parties. Eagles footy manager Craig Vozzo gave everyone a flat out no, with many North-affiliated journalists keeping North fans calm.

... I wonder if WA Today found out how his medical actually went?

IN: Paul Ahern from GWS
OUT: Pick 69 to GWS
October 17 saw luckless Giant Paul Ahern find a new home at North Melbourne. The former number 7 draft pick was brought in at a bargain price of pick 69, and despite his knee troubles, it was hardly a major risk to take. Ahern probably won't play in 2017, as plenty rehab is required but if he comes good the kid is set to be a gun. Really looking forward to seeing him in action for North in the coming seasons. Sending out pick 69 wasn't a big loss, or a massive risk - so big tick here.

Drew Petrie
I'll be honest, I'm really devastated he didn't find a new home. Just weeks after North's shock veteran's cull, it was rumoured that West Coast would approach Petrie as a potential replacement for Nic Nat in 2017. But as soon as the trade period hit, word on Drew went quiet, and he was eventually overlooked as West Coast went with Nathan Vardy instead. He can still be taken in the delisted free agency draft, and there are still rumours surround the Eagles. Only time will tell.

IN: Nathan Hrovat, 2017 3rd and 4th round pick from Bulldogs
OUT: 2017 3rd and 4th round pick to Bulldogs
Brilliant. Just brilliant.
Word came in late on Wednesday night that North looked likely to secure Hrovat over Carlton. Basically got him for free, as the Dogs agreed to exchange 2017 picks with North. Boomer mentored him in his draft year and gave raving reviews.

Many experts touting this as the 'Bargain Trade' of 2016 and I couldn't agree more. He's great talent who couldn't find his way into a super talented team. Assume he'll be thrown straight into the side come 2017, bring it on.

IN: Pick 92 from Geelong
OUT: Aaron Black to Geelong
The most disappointing part of this deal is that Aaron Black didn't work for North Melbourne. He's a huge talent when he's on, and 2013/2014 were real breakout seasons for him. Unfortunately, he just couldn't re-find that form. He was given plenty of chances and failed to live up to the standard he set for himself. Then add Brown, Waite, Wood and Majak into the equation... the move was to come eventually. I'd like to see him back at his best, however I am just really unsure. Good luck to him

IN: Marley Williams from Collingwood
OUT: Pick 105 to Collingwood
The surprise package for me, but we gave up next to nothing, so no complaints.
Need to fix his kicking and potentially his attitude - but North clearly have a plan for him down the track so I'd believe them with their take.

The Only Downside
We failed to take part in any big trades. I am really happy with what North did and I think the outcome was positive rather than negative, however we didn't bring in any massive names. Will be interesting to see how we work with what we've got, however all signs pointing positive at this point.

The Draft
We hold picks 11, 32, 33, 87 and 92 - not a bad hand, particularly in the first three picks.

I think we did well. Despite the departure of Wells early, the trade period ended on a positive note for North. Now we look to the draft and even further ahead to 2017. Bring in more talent and rebuild this team back up.

Time to get right behind our team, push us into 2017 success and beyond.
Marnie