Anthony, in his second season with North Melbourne, was happy with his own form during the Roos’ win over Hawthorn at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium on Sunday evening.
He also praised the contribution of the whole young on-ball brigade, featuring first year players Ryan Bastinac and Ben Cunnington and second year-player Jack Ziebell.
Anthony, the Roos’ leading possession getter with 24 touches against the Hawks, is only 15 games into his career but looks a willing leader among such a young group.
“Hopefully from here I can start giving young guys in Bastinac and Cunnington a bit of leadership so we can build a young midfield together for this year and years coming forward,” he said.
“We’re young, enthusiastic, have a young coach and I don’t think there’s a better time to be at the club.”
The spirit of Anzac Day was not lost on Anthony, either, with the Roos intent on a fighting performance from the outset.
“The boys just wanted to go out and compete, that was the motto of the day," Anthony said. "We fought out four quarters pretty well and ended up coming out with the four points so we’re pretty happy.”
And even when headed for the first time all night during the final quarter, Anthony said there was enough spirit within the group to keep things positive.
“At times you will be inconsistent but we had self belief that we could always get up and get the four points in the end," he said.
“We competed really well. We have young bodies, but we withstood their pressure, took it and then went forward.”
