Could've, Should've ... Didn't.

How ironic that Port Adelaide gave up a lead in their final game of the home and away season. It allowed Carlton a 1 point victory, and crushed any chances North Melbourne had of scraping into the 2013 final series.

North were on the rise in 2013, looking to make rebound after being on the receiving end of a 100+ point drumming in Perth in their first finals appearance since 2008. With arguably the most difficult draw in the league, it was a wonder how this young side would approach the season. And all started well for North, despite not actually winning a game until round 4, the close margins were suggesting a capable side that would really present a challenge to the top contenders of the game.

Fast forward to the end of 2013. North Melbourne finished 10th, behind an ineligible Essendon. Let's break it down:

10 wins , 0 draws , 12 losses

Of the 10 wins..
Half had margins of 10+ goals
Three had margins of less than two goals

Of the 12 losses..
Five had margins of less than 1 goal
Three had margins between 1 and 2 goals
Of the 4 matches remaining, only two matches had margins beyond 6 goals

Had North won 1 extra game, they would've finished 8th (due to Essendon's disqualification)
Had North won 3 extra games, they would've finished 7th
Had North won 5 extra games, they would've finished 6th, and been rewarded a home final

North had a percentage of 119.53 . If the ladder were placed in order of highest to lowest percentage, North would have finished 6th.


When you look at the stats above, it hurts. Taking a real good look at what happened over the season and realising what could've been, and ultimately what should have been - but didn't happen. Season 2013 for North allowed supporters to define what is a good side, and what is a great side.

A great side is one that wins the close battles against quality opposition, and holds a reputation of a quality side. A good side is a side that comes close to these great sides, but unfortunately isn't quite there yet, and may not have the ability to defeat a great side. North Melbourne in 2013 were a good side, yet showed the potential of great side, which was highlighted by the 10 point victory against Geelong in round 19. Unfortunately, the club failed to reach it's full potential... therefore missing out on the finals.

Of their 10 victories, 4 came against sides who finished in the top 8. Another, against Essendon, who finished above North (yet out of the 8 due to disqualification.) The 5 victories against sides who finished above North is the most since Scott's takeover (for interest, North defeated just 3 sides who finished above them in 2012). So that itself, is a positive, and is evidence of how much closer North are to the top sides then they had been in previous years. And there were the standout seasons for various players, none bigger than Daniel Wells, Todd Goldstein, Lindsay Thomas and Scott Thompson, who were all nominated in the 40 man All Australian Squad (and for Scott Thompson, made the final 22) and arguably had the best seasons of their careers. And the evolution of Aaron Black and Aaron Mullet, along with Jack Ziebell, Shaun Atley, Ryan Bastinac seem to be making huge improvements in their games before our eyes. Veteran and Club Legend Boomer Harvey played his 350th game, and proved no signs of slowing down. Having another outstanding season, he proved both instrumental on and off field, and will play on in 2014.

But with the good came the bad, and by seasons end, the club's inability to win games had supporters fed up. Following North's final game of the season, a breathtaking victory against Collingwood, Brad Scott's comments couldn't have been more true. Unfortunately for North this season, "Every stat you look at looks pretty good...except for wins" (Scott) And while the season finished better than it started, the close losses during the first half is what killed the finals dream for North. After the club's electrifying comeback in the 2nd half of last season, anything seemed possible for 2013, and while there's a general agreement on improvement, it simply wasn't enough to get North into September.

Back in May, I published an article, KEEPING THE FAITH , a simple and emotion fuelled response to North's struggles to finish games.  If I'm honest, my feelings have barely changed. Here's why:
When you look at the 5 matches North lost by less than a goal, there are specific moments where anyone can pin point the poor decision made. The club's inability to make good decisions under pressure ultimately cost them a real chance to play September.
In 2012, North's 'grand final' came once they beat Collingwood in Round 21. Their football wasn't the same for the rest of the season. Were it genuinely possible for the club to even come close to West Coast in that elimination final? I'd like to think so... but in reality, the chances were probably very slim, and during the first week of the final series, I sat and watched my club's 2012 credibility crumble in front of my eyes over a thumping in the West.
But here, in 2013, the club paced themselves. Yes more victories did come in the second half, but the season wasn't relying on a miracle string of victories like we all saw the previous year. Rather, the season was relying on the close victories, the games which saw North come close to defeating the likes of Hawthorn, Geelong and Carlton - these games North should have won!! Was there always going to be a late challenge? OF COURSE THERE WAS! But the great side would have overcome the challenges to stand victors come the final siren. There you have it: That's the difference. That is how North Melbourne missed the finals, and instead of taking that step to become a great side, were simply a good side. No one said there was anything wrong with being a good, honest working sides... but no one said those sides make finals.

So where to from here? As the season ended on a high, it seems things can only go up. The improvement in North's game over the past few years should begin to pay off. 2013 seemed a field to test drive new players and new game plans, and hopefully 2014 will be brighter. If we can't have faith in our own club and believe in their abilities... who else will? It's up to us, the supporters of the club we love, to continue to love and support through the off season, and into 2014. Where our good club, will do great things.

Marnie x

A Tall Tale

By the end of 2012, it seemed North Melbourne had found the perfect 3-tall forward line stretch to crush anything an opposition defence threw at them.
With Drew Petrie the main target, Robbie Tarrant and Lachie Hansen took their positions as the second and third forwards. Between the 3 of them, they'd manage to stretch the opposition back line, with the third forward, more than likely, having a significant height advantage over their opponent, a match up the side could really work with.

Petrie, Hansen and Tarrant shared 101 goals between them last season, and options a plenty for North, who had a rich selection of players to mix through the forward set up. However, surprise came during Trade Week, as ruckman Hamish McIntosh, utility Cam Pedersen and forward Aaron Edwards all found new homes.

In 2013, Lindsay Thomas has regained form, and his 23 goals in the opening six rounds is the most by any small forward since the early 2000's. Drew Petrie's inconsistent start the season was unable to be supported by Tarrant and Hansen, as they were forced out of the side at different stages, due to injury. Their injuries have made way for youngsters Majak Daw and Aaron Black, who have impressed with their performances so far.

Drew Petrie.
A class performer who led the way up forward for North Melbourne in 2012. His creative marking, and accurate kicking makes him an exciting player to watch. He was simply unstoppable in 2012, his outstanding season labelling him as one of the best forwards in the competition. The dominance led to opposition attempting to stop him in away way possible, which included double teaming, although he rarely went a game without having an influence. However 2013 has been a different story for the spearhead, his inconsistency resulting in a lesser impact on the scoreboard and the games. Yet when on song, he's still one of the best, and North's #1 go-to man.

Lachie Hansen.
The big man in previous years has been shifted from the back line to the forward line, coaches struggling to find him a position which worked. His solid marking a crucial element of his game. It seemed to have finally clicked for Lachie Hansen last season, his first game in round 13 against Adelaide, and the Roos were on the rise. His solid contribution up forward assisted leading man Drew Petrie, and his improvement was evident. However it seems the excitement was short lived, retreating back to his inconsistent ways in 2013, frustrating supporters. He was forced out of the side after round 4 due to injury, and his return date is unknown.

Robbie Tarrant.
Unfortunately for Robbie Tarrant, his chances were limited early in his career due to four shoulder reconstructions. But when the opportunities did arise, he made the most of them. He played rounds 1, 5 and 6 of 2012, before making his spot permanent following the bye in round 11. He kicked bags of 4 on three separate occasions, and added an exciting element to the forward line. His 2013 started well with 5 goals in the first three matches, however he was sidelined through injury prior to round four.

Majak Daw and Aaron Black.
The two young forwards were brought into the side, and were expected to rise to their duties within the 3-man stretch when needed. Majak Daw on debut kicked the opening goal, and has created a strong, versatile option up forward. He also has allowed for the element of a second ruckman, his athleticism and ruck ability, making him a perfect second-hand man to Todd Goldstein. Aaron Black has added excitement, and a new dimension up forward. With great work rate around the play, as well as in front of goals, proving him eager to contribute in as many ways he can. The form of both young forwards has been refreshing, and exciting to watch, their experience growing with each match they play.

Waiting in the wings too is Daniel Currie, who showed a lot of promise during the NAB Cup pre-season competition. The continuous debate on which players are right for the three-man spread is one which can be viewed from many angles. Providing the work rate is up, each player can contribute and unique aspect to the forward line, as well as damaging effect on the scoreboard.

Who do you think should be apart of North's 3-man spread up forward? Have your say now via Facebook or Twitter .
Until next time,
Go Roos!
 - Marnie x