Geelong without Boomer.
Well not really, he did come on as the sub in the last quarter and still had an impact. But the move by Brad Scott was an interesting one, but it was successful, as the Roos still took the four points. Here is a man who is 37 years of age and is still getting tagged each week. It's insane - and no one knows how much longer Boomer can keep going. He should play on in 2016, but we can't assess 2017 until we see how next season pans out. It's never a certain process. The move was questioned at first, to hold Boomer as sub (especially with no Thomas, and Nahas a late withdrawal) - but it made sense. This man can't keep carrying the side the way he does. Others need to step up because we got a good preview of football without Boomer in that game. The ballgame was won in the second quarter, with North booting 7 goals to 1... without Boomer. How's that for a new perspective.
In Boomer's absence, Drew Petrie and Andrew Swallow lead the way. Drew kicked three goals while the captain lead strongly the midfield. Both great leaders on-field at the club, to stand in for another. But focusing on Drew Petrie, what happens when he moves on as well? That too could be sooner than expected and then there's yet another gap that we need to fill. Because he's sill one of our most important players. A vital link in the forward structure, and his work rate around the ground is elite.
And Essendon without Petrie.
While I was tossing up Drew's future in football, it was announced that he would miss the game against Essendon. It was the first time in 105 games North lined up without Drew, who was forced to the sidelines due to suspension. Instantly, the forward line felt a little empty without Drew. However this time, Boomer was back: played four quarters and was electric - but there was more. Ben Brown's love affair with Essendon continued, as he booted four goals and worked to fill the hole left by Petrie. And then the best on ground, big man Todd Goldstein, who dominated all around the ground and was seemingly the difference. So, in North's first appearance without Drew for as long as anyone could remember, we got ourselves together and got the win, in another classic victory against Essendon.
Boomer's 400th.
So we had a week with Boomer the sub, and a week without Petrie at all, and somehow we made things work. Fantastic. Then we fly to Brisbane to play the Lions, and Boomer's best on ground while Petrie is on fire with four goals. That may well have been one of Petrie's best performances for the season. It's good news that both of them are still capable of playing some very good ball... however at the ages of 37 and 32, surely we can't keep relying on them to 'carry the side.'
We've seen the lineup without each of them individually, but never both out together: the best example of that combination (sort of) was the elimination final in 2014 against Essendon: Brent Harvey was suspended, and Drew Petrie was fairly quiet until five minutes before the final siren - obviously he kicked the two most crucial goal of the game and he still ended up the match winner, but let's just keep that example around for the purposes of the analysis. The next best players on the ground? Daniel Wells and Nick Dal Santo - they were the key playmakers that night and the stand out players for North: Currently, Wells is back on the sidelines with injury, while Nick Dal Santo should play on for a few more seasons - but he's probably in that older group of players who will have to think about life after footballer sooner than later. So that leaves the fire starter, Ben Brown, who either loves playing against Essendon, or has proved he's capable of rising to the occasion when the situation demands it of him: I'm going to go with option two.
Continuing on with Ben Brown...
He's the only tall forward under 30 getting a game each week. This man is the future of our forward line; he's got a good style and better yet he's got a damn good attitude - giving 100% of himself week in and week out. That's why supporters love him so much, and it pays off because he's playing some good footy this season. Even in an off game he's still giving his all and you can tell he is loving every minute of being out there. That's the sort of example we need to be set on the field.
And there's someone else who has changed his game...
Ben Jacobs - if there's anyone I've been seriously impressed with, it's him. That's not to say there aren't others who haven't shown up, because there are plenty. But Ben Jacobs has changed his game, handed a new tagging role and doing a seriously good job at it. Highlighting his new duties was his shut down role on Essendon's Dyson Heppell. It was a job very well done. Brad Scott has finally found his perfect match. I want to see him play every week if he'll give his all like he has been. His transformation is reflective of his hard work and if he's going to work this hard each week, his spot in the starting 22 is very well deserved.
Speaking of good players...
Todd Goldstein. I don't even have words for this man anymore - he's pretty much solidified his AA spot, there are now talks that he could be a smokey for the Brownlow. He has, without a doubt been North's most important and best player in 2015. This hasn't come as a complete surprise to all those within the club, who have been able to watch his progress and growth over the past 5 or so seasons, but this season he has stood out, taken his game to a new level and everyone is noticing. His game against Essendon in round 16 was the highlight, and Wayne Carey believes it was the best performance by a ruckman he'd seen all season. Against GWS he demloshed the hit outs record and in so many games this season he has been the difference and the talk of the town. The biggest shame is that it's taken so long for externals to realise it, but now that they have, he's thriving.
So how about the run home?
The most important thing that has come from these three consecutive wins is that North, after round 17 are sitting in the eight for the first time this season. It's where we belong and where we want to be come September. The biggest test is now, as North's unpredictability could see us miss out, or see us running red hot into the finals. We had a taste of September last season and god was it sweet that you'd be crazy not to want it again. It's the perfect chance to defend our season in 2014 and to make the most of the run home.
Let's go again, North.
Finals or Bust.
