It’s been a tough first half of the year for North fans with a difficult draw and inconsistent performances causing more than a few headaches.

With the Roos heading off during the mid-season bye weekend to freshen up and reload, there’s plenty to look forward to upon their return.

The luck of the draw

North experienced a nightmare fixture through the first twelve rounds facing all the current eight sides in Fremantle, West Coast, Sydney, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Greater Western Sydney, Adelaide and Richmond.

If the start was all about the challenge, then the run home is all about opportunity with the Kangaroos’ next seven games against bottom eight sides before they take on Fremantle, Bulldogs and Richmond to end the home and away season.

If North can capitalise on its games against Gold Coast, Geelong, Essendon, Brisbane, Carlton, Melbourne and St Kilda, its season will be well and truly back on track.

Making things even better is the fact North plays seven games in Victoria and one in Hobart.

Massive Milestones

When it comes to special celebration games, none are bigger than Brent Harvey’s 400th. The 37-year-old is set to join Michael Tuck, Kevin Bartlett and Dustin Fletcher in the exclusive club in just four more games.

Time for redemption

While Harvey’s 400th might overshadow the occasion, North will be out to get one back against the Lions after last year’s humiliating defeat. That game saw a heated exchange between Harvey and Lions’ captain Tom Rockliff after the final siren.

Friday night lights

North Melbourne was only handed two Friday night matches and the final one will come against the Bombers in Round 16. The Roos defeated Essendon in Round 7, also on a Friday night, and will be hoping to take the four points in front of a big home crowd.

Proving a point

Games against Carlton (Round 18) and Bulldogs (Round 22) will carry extra bite with Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins set to face their old sides.

Fit to return

Daniel Wells can’t come back soon enough and all eyes will be on the progress of the superstar midfielder. All going well, North could get the midfielder back from his Achilles injury at just the right time; with the finals on the horizon.
Nathan Grima is another making is way back from injury and Taylor Garner will be keen to rehabilitate from his broken thumb as soon as possible and stake a claim for another AFL game.

Waiting on a call

With the club’s injury list dwindling, pressure is on for spots in the senior side. One poor performance could bring about change and the likes of Majak Daw, Mason Wood, Ryan Bastinac, Kayne Turner, Kieran Harper, Aaron Mullett, Scott McMahon, Luke McDonald and Dan Currie are all in line for promotion.

The Will to debut

Will Fordham is currently on the rookie list, but is pushing his case for an AFL debut after several standout games in the VFL. With a few Roos out for the season, the club has the space to promote.

Big Awards

It’s been a long time between drinks since North has had a Brownlow contender, but if Todd Goldstein continues his recent form, the ruckman could be right up there in the votes. He’s already in line for All-Australian selection and is a front-runner for the Syd Barker Medal.

Breaking records

Brent Harvey has signalled his intention to play on again in 2016 but there’s still no word from the club about a new contract. If Harvey signs, he’ll be in line to break Michael Tuck’s all-time games record next year.

Special Events

Only weeks before he’s due to break the 400 game mark, Brent Harvey will hold his annual Harvey’s Heroes kids clinic at Arden Street. Close to a thousand children have participated in the exciting day in the past and registrations are already at record levels.

North will end the season in style with its iconic Grand Final Breakfast to be held at a different venue; the Plenary at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Book your tickets to the Blackwoods Grand Final Breakfast

The Syd Barker Medal count will have some added appeal with the club also paying tribute to Brent Harvey for breaking the amazing 400 game milestone.

Book your tickets to the Syd Barker Medal