With the season over North Media takes a look back at some of the key performers from the season that was, this time focusing on the midfield. 

Shaun Higgins

Shaun Higgins managed to exceed a brilliant 2017, and in the process established himself as one of the premier midfielders in the competition. 

Coming off a best and fairest season, few would have expected Higgins to take his game to another level in 2018.

But that is exactly what he did.

The silky number four began the season in awesome fashion, with a dominant performance against the Blues an early highlight.

However, Higgins’ early season form was brought to a crashing halt in the Round 5 clash with Hawthorn, as he suffered a heavy concussion.

He picked up where he left off upon his return to the side, and his ability to not only find the ball, but to use it garnered plenty of external attention. 

After his terrific 38-disposal performance against Brisbane, Paul Roos declared Higgins “a top-10 player in the competition”.

Higgins played his 200^th career game in the Round 19 win over the West Coast Eagles in Hobart.

The classy on-baller continued to impress for the remainder of the season, and his stellar year was rewarded with All-Australian selection.

Higgins in his All Australian blazer.

North Melbourne midfield/stoppages coach Jarred Moore had a better view of Higgins’ year than most, and was as impressed as anyone. 

“He had a really good year, building on a best and fairest season,” Stoppage Coach Jarred Moore told North Media.

“He’s a guy that despite his ability, works really hard at improving his game all the time, and he’s a true professional.”

Season highlight

Higgins was sensational in the Round 11 win over the Brisbane Lions, notching up a career-high 38 disposals, 7 inside-50s and a goal.

Higgins during the win over Brisbane.

2018 stats

Games - 20 | Ave disposals - 27.4 | Ave clearances - 2.9 | Ave tackles - 5.2

Ben Cunnington

Cunnington has become one of North’s most reliable players, dominating contests throughout the season.

His consistency has been one of the strongest features of his game in recent years, and this was evident again in 2018.

The tough midfielder played in every game for the Kangaroos, and had more than 20 disposals on all but two occasions. 

Cunnington was key to the Roos’ promising start to the season, and was arguably the best-on-ground in the tight 10-point loss to Richmond in Round 9, breaking the AFL record for contested possessions in the process. 

With midfield partner Higgins attracting plenty of headlines with his brilliant displays, Cunnington was impressing many internally, with Brad Scott suggesting he was in the All-Australian conversation. 

“Being an All-Australian midfielder is difficult because there are so many of them that have had great years,” Scott told FIVEaa in August. 

“He’s unique in what he does, I think that in terms of first possession midfielders in the competition, he’s as good as anyone. 

“I don’t think I’ve seen anyone who is as clean as Ben Cunnington inside throughout my time in footy.”

Moore joined Scott in praising another fantastic season from Cunnington. 

“’Cunners’ had a great year, setting records early on, and playing to his obvious strengths,” he said. 

“He started to get tagged a bit towards the end of the year, which is a credit to him.” 

Season highlight

Cunnington was a force to be reckoned with when the Roos met the Tigers in Round 9. The number 10 was everywhere, breaking the AFL contested posession record, with 32 of his 38 touches coming via the contest. 

Cunnington collects one of his 32 contested posessions against the Tigers.

2018 stats

Games - 22 | Ave disposals - 25.6 | Ave clearances - 6.6 | Ave tackles - 5.1

Trent Dumont

Dumont continued his development into one of the key men in the North midfield, with his ability to go inside and outside becoming a real asset, particularly in the second half of the season. 

Dumont had his most consistent season yet, playing in all 22 games and establishing himself as a crucial part of the North midfield. 

The number 14 started the season well, and was one of North’s best performers in the disappointing loss to the Suns in Round 1. 

Dumont’s form in the later stages of the season would have filled the coaches and fans with plenty of confidence in his ability and potential.

In Rounds 22 and 23, the hard-working midfielder broke his personal best for disposals in consecutive games, finishing the season with the best outing of his career against the Saints.

Moore put Dumont’s excellent season down to his stellar work-rate in the off-season. 

“Trent came back in pre-season in great shape, the fittest he’s ever been, so that really set him up,” Moore said.

“He played in a bit of a new role, and embraced it really well, and he had a fantastic year.

“He had a really solid year, but he stepped it up in the second half and finished really strong, and had easily his best season while I’ve been here. ”

Season highlight

In the final game of the season, Dumont was a clear stand-out, amassing a career-high 38 disposals, as well as 7 marks, 5 tackles and 7 inside-50s.

Trent Dumont enjoyed a career-best game against the Saints.

2018 stats

Games - 22 | Ave disposals - 21.1 | Ave clearances - 2.2 | Ave tackles - 4.0