North premiership centreman John Burns is most looking forward to seeing draftee Sam Durdin wear the Roos’ guernsey this season.
The 18-year-old South Australian was named as an emergency in the club’s first NAB Challenge match and was close to making his first appearance.
Burns, who kicked four first-half goals in the 1975 Grand Final, said he hopes to see Durdin feature in defence this season.
“Every year there’s always someone that comes out of the forest,” Burns told NMFC.com.au in a past player survey.
“I’m just hoping he’s one of them because our backline is where we have to improve.”
The premiership great will also be keeping a close eye on cult figure Ben Brown after some eye-catching performances in his debut season, particularly at the pointy end of the season.
“When you get to a final and play so well and then not so well, and then come back and perform really well gives you an indication he’s got not only football talent but everything else that goes with it in this modern day and age,” he said.
Burns said he is confident veteran Brent Harvey – the competition’s second oldest player – will play on again in 2016.
“He’s amazing, he’s the Black Caviar of football so there’s no doubt that he’ll go on,” he said.
“There’ll always be a role because of the fact that if he drifts back from the midfield (he could) ... stay on a half-forward flank or a forward pocket and still be damaging.”
See Burns’s answers and predictions below. Do you agree? Have your say below and we’ll let him know.
Past player survey – Burns
1. What are your expectations of NMFC in 2015?
I’d be disappointed if they didn’t finish in the top six.
2. Who will be NMFC’s most improved player?
Ryan Bastinac
3. Will Brent Harvey play again in 2016?
Yes
4. What will the six-man forward line set-up be in round one?
Waite, Petrie, Brown, Black, Harvey, Thomas
5. Which NMFC players are you most excited about seeing this season?
Sam Durdin
6. Which player(s) need to make a statement?
Kieran Harper
7. Where will NMFC finish after the home and away season?
5th
8. How many members will NMFC sign up?
40,000
9. Who is NMFC’s most important player in 2015?
Todd Goldstein
10. Who will be the leading NMFC player in the following categories?
- Goals: Black
- Tackles: Cunnington
- Possessions: Dal Santo
- Marks: Goldstein
- Contested possessions: Turner
- Clearances: Dal Santo
11. Complete the following sentence: If NMFC wins the Grand Final, I will:
Take the plunge from a vertical drop ride (eg – The Giant Drop).
