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

Season 2016: The Final Chapters

"To the members who have said they won't re-sign, remember the Shinboner Spirit. Our club needs your support more than ever."

It's often emotional having the AFL season come to an end. I often find myself going slightly insane by the end of October, shaking in a corner by mid November, and desperately hunting for my 1996 grand final replay by early December. Footy is a cruel addiction.

However, it doesn't quite feel as though the season has actually finished, as we've dived head first into a hectic off season. The Brownlow, Grand Final and Syd Barker Medal have all come and gone, while Trade Week has well and truly kicked off. There is so much to talk about, so let's get straight into it.



The Brownlow
I enjoyed the Brownlow this season, for the same reason I loved the last. I love Patrick Dangerfield and I think he is all class and like Nat Fyfe the season before, amazed me more than I thought he could. Spoke like a true gem that he is and such a deserving winner.

Anyway, onto North Melbourne. Without a doubt, the highlight came at Mark of the Year. Majak had pretty much cleaned up 'Mark of the Year' at every individual radio and TV station, so there were no surprises seeing him with the official award as well. It was a great leap, and can't be spoken about enough. On a Friday Night stage against Collingwood, it iced a great win that evening. Although Maj took home Mark of the Year, he failed to poll any votes in the Brownlow tally. The clubs' best was Daniel Wells, who had a brilliant 2016. However, I think the more important focus came from second and third place. Start with Todd Goldstein on 11 votes - it still shows he is one of our best and most valuable players. He still kicked 20 goals and had a season average of 36.5 hit outs (career average 32.2).. actually, his stats are up in just about everything. Certainly looking forward to a big 2017 from him, and from 3rd placed Jarrad Waite. I think his importance in the side can sometimes be underestimated. 29 goals from 14 games and his influence around the ground cannot be ignored. He'll be fit and ready to go around again in 2017 and I am certainly looking forward to it. He's a contributor, and you can't ignore his first half of the season - he looked even better than 2015 (and that was a huge improvement). I can't wait to have him back in action next year.

The Grand Final
There isn't much I can say about this, except for wow. I was at the Grand Final and the atmosphere and the way the game played out was unlike anything I'd seen before. The Dogs created history in front of my eyes and when I sit back and reflect on what I saw, it was a very promising and comforting sign. I'll remind you of the Dog's 2014 off season: the captain went to the Giants, then went the coach two days later. Cooney and Higgins were soon to follow and CEO Simon Garlick joined them. They recovered in the best possible fashion and all of Australia united behind them on that precious day in October. What a story, and what a story we can learn from. It's time to let go of the anger and unite behind our beloved football team as we begin our next journey to success. Time to get on board ladies and gentleman, because the future is looking exceptionally bright.

Syd Barker Medal
Speaking of a bright future, Robbie Tarrant has finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. After an outstanding season, he was (un-surprisingly) awarded the 2016 Syd Barker Medal. He was a standout for the Roos in 2016, as his backline re-invention now looks complete. An All-Australian nomination just confirmed his great year, and there was plenty to celebrate for the humbled winner.

It was an outstanding night, with emotions running on high - I can't remember the last time I cried so much. There couldn't have been too many dry eyes around the room and for viewers at home across the country. The night began with the announcement that Andrew Swallow would be stepping down as captain of the club. I think he's done a really great job in the role - just because he isn't talked about as much, doesn't mean his impact and influence is any less. He was also voted by his teammates to continue on as captain in 2016; that in itself speaks volumes. When he's on, Swallow's clearance and tackling is first class, and one of the best in the league. His form comes first, and I am sure captain in waiting, and Syd Barker Medal runner-up Jack Ziebell will do a mighty job at leading the club forward in 2017 and beyond.

Just touching on the final tally before we get into the emotional stuff: Tarrant first, Ziebell a close second and Gibson not far behind in third. Gibson is an important one because I think he doesn't get enough credit where it's due. Probably his best season for the club, he's now played 108 consecutive games and I think he's a solid contributor. Couldn't argue with that third spot.

Each departing veteran addressed the crowd and it sent the tear ducts into overdrive. Nick Dal Santo, Michael Firrito, an emotional Drew Petrie and club legend Brent Harvey for the final time. It was difficult to watch, but it was Brent Harvey's retirement that was a bittersweet end to his speech.

"I'd like to tell everyone in this room tonight that my decision NOT to pull on another team's jumper is why I'd like to announce my retirement from AFL Football"

I am, once again it tears just watching the final 90 seconds of his address. I think it's finally sunk in that Boomer, along with Drew, Spud and Dal, will not be playing for North Melbourne in 2017 and beyond. As a supporter, I was overcome with emotion knowing Brent Harvey will have played 432 games for North Melbourne and none more - both happy and sad. I will struggle to watch that speech again simply because I know it brings me to tears every single time, but they're tears of pride.

Finally, the NM Life Memberships. In case Boomer didn't make me cry enough, then Lindsay was there to drag more tears out of me. I love that man and the love he has for the club and everyone around him. Such a heart warming speech he made, and when he teared up over Boomer I knew I was in trouble. Lachie Hansen addressed the crowd really well, I've always liked him and his good nature and his real appreciation for football and life. Then there was Peter Scanlon - what an incredible man and what amazing contributions he has made to our football club. The way JB spoke about him sent shivers down my spine. The money he has generously donated to the club, his continuous support through some of our darkest times, the influence he's had on so many people around him and his selflessness was spoken about in the highest regard. I was blown away after learning about his contribution and it is people like him that make this club so great.

Trade Week
And so here we are, at the end of day two of Trade Week. The only confirmed move so far was Daniel Wells to Collingwood and pick 32 given to the Roos as compensation. At the end of his 14th season, the midfielder has decided to move on from the club. That's the nature of football I'm afraid, any player could walk out the door. It is sad, however the future is so so bright. We have thrown around so many new names this season, while some of our best are yet to return and have an influence in 2017.

It's now time to accept the off season and get ready for 2017.
If anyone needs me, I'll be celebrating Glenn Freeborn's second quarter blitz in the 96' GF.
- Marnie