There are a confirmed six new faces in the blue and white this week.
Two – Marley Williams and Nathan Hrovat – will be making their club debut, while the remaining four – Jy Simpkin, Braydon Preuss, Mitch Hibberd and Declan Mountford – will play their first AFL games.
Get to know the six new Roos with these pocket profiles.
#2: Marley Williams
Height: 181cm
Position: Defender
AFL games: 68 for Collingwood
NMFC debut
After crossing over from Collingwood in the 2016 trade period, Williams impressed in his two pre-season matches against Sydney and Hawthorn.
Likely to play on one of the Eagles’ small forwards on Sunday, the 23-year-old will also be leaned upon to provide rebound out of the defensive 50.
#8: Nathan Hrovat
Height: 175cm
Position: Forward/Midfield
AFL games: 30 for Western Bulldogs
NMFC debut
One of North’s best players during the JLT Series, Hrovat already looks comfortable in the blue and white after four years at the Bulldogs.
Recruited to fill a position across half-forward, with occasional stints around the ball, Hrovat ranked inside North’s top three for scoreboard impact in the pre-season.
#21 Jy Simpkin
Height: 182cm
Position: Forward
AFL debut
North’s first selection in the 2016 National Draft, Simpkin spent the early time of his first summer at the club recovering from a broken leg.
Once passed fit, Simpkin played in the JLT Series against both Hawthorn and the GWS Giants, providing plenty of highlight plays.
#31 Braydon Preuss
Height: 206cm
Position: Ruck/Forward
AFL debut
In his third year at North and first on the senior list, Preuss earned headlines during the summer with his physicality, willingness to throw his body around and impressive ruck work.
Preuss will likely share ruck duties with Todd Goldstein against the Eagles while also spending time as a tall forward option.
#39 Mitch Hibberd
Height: 190cm
Position: Half-back/Midfield
AFL debut
A Roos supporter growing up, Hibberd arrived at North in the 2015 National Draft via Clarence in Tasmania.
Able to play both off half-back and on a wing, the 20-year-old can find the ball as evidenced by his 25-disposal effort against the Hawks at Arden St.
#42 Declan Mountford
Height: 181cm
Position: Midfield
AFL debut
The Claremont product had an encouraging first year in 2016, playing a variety of roles in the Werribee midfield.
With exceptional speed, Mountford found his best results playing as a defensive midfielder, performing a number of shut down roles on quality opponents.
