Upon reflecting on a full year of football, there are countless season defining moments that deserve to be celebrated.
Nick Larkey’s seventh goal against Carlton, Todd Goldstein’s sealer against the Eagles and Cam Zurhaar’s fourth quarter opener against Hawthorn all immediately spring to mind, with all serving as key points in enjoyable victories.
These three moments though, apart from serving as iconic points of the season, all have one thing in common.
The involvement of Aaron Hall in the build-up.
Whether it be a composed handball to a player in space, a driving kick through the middle of the ground, or a long bomb out of traffic, Hall’s effectiveness on the half back flank has been immense this season.
Recruited as an exciting wing or forward player, Hall’s third season as a Kangaroo has been his best in a North jumper, with the move to the backline arguably producing the best season of his career.
Not only setting a new career high for disposals per game (27.9), Hall used the ball more effectively than ever before, also averaging the fewest clangers (0.5 per game) and highest disposal efficiency (75.8 per cent) of his storied career.
It isn’t just his ball usage that has impressed in the back half though. His reading of the game has seen him register a career-high 4.1 intercepts per game, while also averaging 4.5 score involvements.
Hall’s resurgent output over the most recent home and away campaign has put a smile on the face of every North fan who’s had the pleasure of watching him this season, with the 30-year-old being rewarded for his hard work and leadership on the training track.
A role model and teacher to many of North’s young stars, Hall has helped the likes of Tarryn Thomas and Jy Simpkin not only learn, but flourish in 2021.
With the number 43 now locked in for 2022, North fans can look forward to hopefully more of the same from the classy defender next season, and hopefully beyond.
