Despite some key injuries over the course of the campaign, no line within the North Melbourne side improved as much as the defence in 2021.

Jack Ziebell and Aaron Hall added poise and class to North’s back half, Kayne Turner re-invented himself as a gritty tagging defender, while Ben McKay’s game improved as the season progressed.

However due to some key outgoings, possible role changes and exciting recruits, the Kangaroos’ defence in 2022 has the potential to look vastly different in 2022.

Players to watch

Aidan Corr
Despite signing for the club ahead of the 2021 season, Corr is practically a new recruit for the Kangaroos after overcoming the toe infection that limited him to just two games in his debut campaign at the club.

Elected into the leadership group by his peers ahead of the new season, Corr is rated highly both on and off the field at Arden St.

After almost a whole year on the sidelines the former Giant will be champing at the bit to make an impact on the field in 2022. It’s up to him to make the most of the opportunities he should be afforded as part of North’s back six.

Ben McKay
After a 2021 season that saw him play every game and finish sixth in the Syd Barker Medal, McKay's qualities are no longer a secret.

With Aidan Corr unavailable after Round 2 and now-Tiger Robbie Tarrant missing for the first half of the year, McKay embraced the pressure that came with becoming his side’s go-to defender to take on the opposition’s big targets.

Strong performances against the likes of Geelong’s Tom Hawkins, Richmond’s Tom Lynch and West Coast’s Josh Kennedy put him in the spotlight, and the mixture of returning players and added experience for both him and his teammates bodes well for another improved campaign for the big number 23.

Josh Goater
A versatile prospect entering his first senior campaign, Goater’s form playing in the back half of the ground saw him shoot up the draft boards ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.

An inside midfielder by trade, Goater averaged 24 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency for the Calder Cannons in his draft year, and his 190cm frame and strong athletic ability sees him enter the AFL system already capable of competing against older, stronger bodies.

National Recruiting Manager Mark Finnigan says the club sees Goater as a rebounding defender in the early days of his AFL career, and he impressed in that role during last week’s practice match against Melbourne despite limited opportunity on the day.

With Aaron Hall currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, Goater is putting his hand up for a potential Round 1 call-up against the Hawks.

Jack Ziebell
While Ziebell has always been a skilful and composed footballer, few could have predicted just how well he would adapt to his first season in defence.

Ranking in the top five players in the competition for rebound 50s and kicks per game, and in the top 20 for effective disposals and metres gained per game, Ziebell’s influence in the back half of the ground was pivotal to the Roos' ability to shift the ball forward.

Finishing the season with a third-place finish in the Syd Barker Medal and a new two-year deal, Ziebell will once again lead this young and exciting North side and will offer the calmness, composure and professionalism that only comes with experience at the top level.

A breakout contender?

After just 22 games in his first four years, Aiden Bonar is primed for a breakout year should he avoid injury in 2022.

Playing 10 games last season, Bonar was placed in the top three of the Syd Barker Medal after the first six rounds, in which he was deployed to lock down the opposition’s most skilful and athletic forwards.

An ankle injury suffered in Round 8 against Collingwood sidelined him for most of the second half of the season, and the former Giant only returned to the side in the final three weeks.

Currently recovering from a wrist injury, Bonar will hopefully be able to hit the ground running once he returns to fitness. At his best he’s proven to be a capable tall/medium sized defender, and should he find the consistency he’s craved over the early part of his career, the former No.11 draft pick could deliver on that promise and more.

>> Check out the Kangaroos' 2022 AFL fixture here and sync the fixture to your calendar

Return of the L-Mac?

After a career-best 2020 that ended with a Syd Barker Medal, Luke McDonald’s role in the side was drastically altered for the 2021 season.

Traditionally a half-back flanker, McDonald was shifted to play higher up the ground on the wing after coach David Noble's arrival, to good effect.

Noble, however, is seemingly looking back to move forward this campaign, confirming the co-vice captain is set to return to the position in which he rapidly became a fan favourite in his first 100 or so games.

What this means for North’s midfield and wing positions remains to be seen, but McDonald’s grit, courage and application will be a welcome re-addition to the backline.

More 2022 AFL Season Guides: Midfielders | Forwards| Full season preview