North Melbourne has young talent across all lines at the moment, but nowhere more so than its midfield.

The likes of Jy Simpkin and Luke Davies-Uniacke were joined in the middle of the ground last season by Will Phillips, Tarryn Thomas and Jaidyn Stephenson among others, and that list of youth has only grown heading into the 2022 season. 

Players to watch

Jason Horne-Francis
The hype around Horne-Francis has only been fuelled by his performances in North Melbourne’s pre-season hit-outs so far.

While it may be remiss to name him as a part of this young and emerging midfield given coach David Noble has said he’ll play in the forward line this year, Horne-Francis' performances against Melbourne and the Swans show he can mix it in the middle of the park.

Against the Dees he finished with 17 disposals and a team-high six tackles, including a belter on Demon Christian Salem, and squared up promisingly to the likes of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca. He showed his forward prowess against the Swans, finishing with two goals and two behinds, but also spent much of the game in the middle, contesting with the likes of Josh Kennedy and Isaac Heeney.

Whether he plays in the midfield or forward line, it’s going to be an exciting season watching the club’s first ever No.1 draft pick in action.

Jy Simpkin
The club’s co-vice captain took his game to new heights in 2021 as he won his first Syd Barker Medal, and Ben Cunnington's absence heading into this season means Simpkin’s teammates will be looking to him to once again lead from the front this season.

Simpkin showed great signs of versatility and growth when stationed on the wing last season, and excelled in finding the uncontested ball - something he has struggled with somewhat in the past.

Time will tell if he take the next leap forward this season, and perhaps begin to find his name mentioned in conversations about the competition's elite.

Hugh Greenwood
Something of an unexpected arrival in the off-season, Greenwood's leadership, experience and pure contested quality will not only improve North's midfield now, but help set up some of the club’s young players for the future.

Even though he missed the end of 2021 through injury, Greenwood ranked first across the competition in tackles per game (8.6) and eighth in stoppage clearances per game (3.9) in the competition.

Moving to North for, among other reasons, potential future coaching opportunities, his knowledge of the game has been on full show this pre-season. His grit, determination and class was on show against the Demons, when he recorded 18 disposals (11 contested), six tackles and a game-high nine clearances.

Against the Swans in the AAMI Community Series, he showed why his size and strength also make him a strong marking target when he pushes forward. He finished 19 touches, one goal and a team-high six clearances.

Callum Coleman-Jones
Coming in to compete with Todd Goldstein, Tristan Xerri and Jacob Edwards for a spot as a ruck/forward in the senior side, Coleman-Jones’ move to North Melbourne may also see him spend more time in the middle of the ground.

David Noble has said he foresees a 50/50 split in rucking duties for whichever pair of talls is selected, opening the opportunity for Coleman-Jones to prove himself in a hybrid role.

Still just 22, Coleman-Jones struggled to break into a strong Richmond side and played just nine games in four years at the Tigers, with eight of those coming in 2021.

With 11 goals from his eight games last year, 'CJ' has also proved he can hit the scoreboard when required. North fans will be well aware of his quality, after he pushed forward to kick two goals against the Kangaroos in Round 21. 

Tristan Xerri
After flirting with St Kilda in October's Trade Period, Xerri returned to Arden Street ahead of his fifth season of AFL football.

Seemingly competing with new arrival Coleman-Jones for the second ruck spot, Xerri has put together a strong pre-season which has seen him launch into contention for a Round 1 start, with David Noble and the coaching staff impressed with his application.

After missing the pre-season clash with the Demons, Xerri was among North’s best on ground against Sydney, finishing with 17 disposals, six tackles and a game-high 29 hit-outs.

A dominant ruck at VFL level, Xerri has been forced forward for much of his AFL career thanks to Todd Goldstein's effectiveness at North. However, with the veteran Goldstein mooted to play much of his football as a key forward this year, Xerri could get the opportunity in the middle of the park that has eluded him to date.

A breakout contender?

Before being sidelined with pubic overload halfway through last season, Tom Powell lit up his debut campaign. The young midfielder was somehow denied a nomination for NAB Rising Star despite consistently being amongst North’s best players early in the year.

While no player wants to spend long on the sidelines, Powell has used his time out of the team to hit the gym, and heading into his second season his body looks far more ready to withstand the rigours of AFL football.

He spent some time forward last season and kicked North’s first goal of the year on debut, but he’s certainly a full-time midfielder in the future. Hopefully he can maintain his fitness in 2022 and North fans can see the best of the young South Australian.

Can history repeat?

As a number three draft pick, there was pressure on Will Phillips to come in and immediately perform in 2021. While he impressed at times, the lack of football in his Covid-affected draft year showed.

Playing 14 senior games for the year, Phillips spent much of his time in the forward line as he adapted to the pace and power of AFL level, but when provided the opportunity in the middle of the park in the VFL, he absolutely dominated.

He averaged just under 11 disposals and three tackles in a first season that had echoes of a young Ben Cunnington.

Cunnington, the number five pick in 2009, played 18 games in his first season. In his first campaign at senior level, the now star on-baller averaged 13.8 disposals and 4.7 tackles per game playing primarily in the midfield.

Cunnington's incredible evolution at senior level showed natural midfielders who rely on their strength and power through the contest can take some time to develop. Phillips' natural ability, desire to improve and application on the training track are certainly present, it's just up to him to translate that to senior level, much as Cunnington did at the start of his career.

The big question

With so many young and exciting players capable of running through the middle of the ground, fans have been left wondering: what will North’s first-choice midfield be this season?

Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Hugh Greenwood all seem certain to attend plenty of centre bounces this season, but throw in the likes of Tom Powell, Will Phillips and Jed Anderson, all natural inside midfielders, and the Kangaroos' best structure becomes less clear.

Tarryn Thomas starred in the middle of the ground last season, while the likes of Jaidyn Stephenson, Charlie Lazzaro, Josh Goater, Jason Horne-Francis are all capable of making contributions through the centre of the ground.

Should Ben Cunnington recover from illness and make an appearance this season, he’ll provide another high-quality midfield option.

The most promising part about this selection headache for North supporters? Seven of the 13 names mentioned are younger than 24, and only Cunnington has celebrated his 30th birthday. This midfield can grow and mature together.

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