Undefeated
Yes it's just round four, and there will always be people trying to rain on our parade, however I reckon just enjoy it while it lasts. North haven't had this kind of start to a season since 2005, when they won their first five matches of the season. But the big one is sitting on top of the ladder. Not even in their premiership season of 99 did the Roos make it to the top of the table in the home and away season. It's big and it's exciting and I am enjoying every minute of it - and so should you!!
The old North Melbourne vs the new North Melbourne
Following the win in round three, Brad Scott made a fantastic point. He said the OLD North Melbourne would've lost that game (against Melbourne in Hobart) - but the new North Melbourne dug deeper and found a way to win. It couldn't be more true: in case you needed a reminder, in 2013 North lost 5 games by less than a goal. And although this hasn't been a talking point for a while, it will always lurk in the back of the mind.
Despite the "new" North Melbourne, there is never old demons too far away. There's that famous phrase, "they should have won that game." Too many times have we fallen short in the dying moments of the game, or been dominated by a side we were definitely capable of beating. It's cost us spots in the top four, home finals and even a September appearance - and it's just making things more difficult for ourselves. Every game matters, which makes our strong start that much more mouthwatering.
The Underdogs
It's a stressful position to be in, yet North seem to thrive it. After falling behind against Adelaide, Melbourne and Fremantle - they seem to produce a miraculous fight back... and love every minute of it. Although it makes for entertaining viewing and quality contests, North cannot really afford to be giving up leads against high quality oppositions (the likes of Hawthorn, Sydney - and that's in no offence to the four sides we have already played). If we've now found consistency from week-to-week, then we need to find it from quarter-to-quarter. As long as we get those four points, however, I don't care where they come from.
Career Best Form
At the end of 2014, Jarrad Waite joined North as a free agent. No one had any idea why, or what the club was doing. 11 months later, Waite lead the Roos to an elimination final victory over Richmond, and backed that up with another super performance against Sydney the week later. After his finals campaign, all agreed he had a successful 2015 season and succeeded as a North Melbourne Footballer. As if anyone could've expected him to get better in 2016. He has had a cracking start to the year. 16 goals in four matches, and sitting equal second on the Coleman leader board. But goal kicking is simply one dimension of Waite's game. His contributions around the ground have not gone unnoticed. Tackling pressure, marking abilities and decision making (most of the time) are making him one of North's most dangerous and important players.
Daniel Wells
Isn't it just superb having him back. Daniel's back and better than ever. He's come in with a new game style and it is full of urgency and intensity. A new defencive attack on the ball saw Wells lay 8 tackles in the round four win over Fremantle - equalling his career high. He has class, he has polish, he has impeccable ball use and makes outstanding decisions. Seeing him back makes you realise how much he was missed.
400 Games +
At the rate he's going, Brent Harvey could play on next season and be the first in history to make it to 450 games. He's a freak, that's all there is to it. Still very capable of doing what needs to be done to get our side over the line. Stepped up when it mattered against Adelaide (three goals in the third quarter), Melbourne (career high six goals) and Freo (final quarter brilliance). He will always be a leader and hero at North Melbourne, but at his age to still be playing the way he can is phenomenal. Deserves to be the games record holder and potentially go on next year to crack 450. Always important and such an outstanding player. Also did you hear that roar after his tackle and goal against Fremantle. Spine Tingling
Credit where it's due
I feel as though when things are going badly in a game, Sam Gibson is one of the first to be criticised, however when things are going well, he is often left behind. He has been so good in all four games and it's time for people to notice. Firstly, his goal kicking - it's always handy when your midfielders can contribute goals in a game, especially under pressure and from a tight angle. Cue: Sam Gibson's 2 goals against Melbourne. His first goal off one step to start the game off, and his second a set shot from the boundary on a tight angle late in the third to give North a 13 point lead. That's contribution when you want it and that's making an impact. His improvement is evident and is exciting for the team. Speaking of improvements, Jamie Macmillan is another one. He has taken his game up a notch and is a smart user of the football. He makes every possession count, and plays his role well. Both J-Mac and Gibson are enjoying a good start to the season.
Hamstrings
Unfortunately, the season hasn't started great for everyone. New recruit Jed Anderson was playing great footy in his first game as a Roo (Round 1 v Adelaide), until he was taken off the ground in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. He hasn't returned to the lineup since, with scans confirming he'll need at least eight weeks on the sideline. It's a shame because he was looking good when he started. Hopefully he makes a return in the second half of the season.
Promising youngster Taylor Garner joined Anderson on the sidelines, after being forced out of the round four side with hamstring troubles. While coach Brad Scott believed the injury to be a "minor hiccup", there is no word when Garner will return.
Captain Jack
This is the trickiest topic to discuss, which is why I have left it until last. Andrew Swallow was voted by fellow players to remain captain of North in 2016. While I don't think it was the wrong move, talks about our future captain are rapidly coming to a head. Vice Captain Jack Ziebell should be the next captain of North Melbourne - no doubt about it, however the big question is when? Following his best on ground performance against Fremantle, it has sent talks into overdrive. He is a born leader and has stood up a number of times already this season to motivate this side when they need it. I love Andrew Swallow and am a big believer in him as a captain, however, Captain Jack has been making a strong case for himself. I think this tale will tell itself as the season goes on.
Looking Forward
North have a big fortnight ahead - Gold Coast in Queensland, Bulldogs on Friday Night and two six day breaks does not make for easy work, however this is where they will test themselves. If there's ever time to make a statement and give people a reason to take us seriously - the time is now. The first turning point in our season has arrived as we need to make the most of it. Every win matters and every moment counts. How we use it is up to us.
2016 is in our hands. Let's decide our own fate.
Go North.
Marnie x
