Williamstown v North Melbourne
Saturday, June 8 - 2pm
Downer Oval, Williamstown
Williamstown’s Downer Oval plays host to the Round 10 clash between the home team and North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.
A host of North AFL-listed players will be in action, hoping to prove their case for a call-up.
The squads
Williamstown
B: 10. L. Masters, 21. J. Tippett, 4. B. Myers
HB: 17. J. Charleston, 5. B. Monk, 18. J. Greiser
C: 25. L. Hunt, 9. A. Marcon, 6. S. Martyn
HF: 8. N. Mellington, 26. J. Thorpe, 22. J. Pickess
F: 3. S. Dunell, 16. N. Rodda, 2. B. Kennedy
R: 49. N. Meese, 7. M. Hibberd, 24. W. Wheeler
Int: 37. N. Ebinger, 36. D. Henderson, 23. S. McLarty, 27. B. Morrish, 34. J. Ottavi, 1. J. Pongracic, 32. N. Sing, 15. O. Tate
23P: 46. D. Andrews
In: N. Rodda, D. Henderson, S. McLarty, N. Meese, B. Morrish, N. Sing
Out: N. Buykx, C. Buykx-Smith
North Melbourne
B: 36. J. Crocker, 40. T. Murphy, 79. R. Morrison
HB: 45. R. Murphy, 23. B. McKay, 35. D. Watson
C: 43. A. Hall, 15. P. Ahern, 30. B. Scott
HF: 8. N. Hrovat, 56. B. Whitecross, 53. T. Leonardis
F: 6. T. Garner, 38. T. Xerri, 46. L. Hosie
R: 42. T. Campbell, 37. K. Hayden, 31. C. Taylor
Int: 64. L. Cunningham, 59. N. Holmes, 61. C. Jansen, 54. J. McIvor-Clark, 68. Q. Montanaro, 63. S. Parsons, 72. D. Robinson, 57. A. Morgan
23P: 69. R. Mutch
In: S. Parsons, Q. Montanaro, R. Mutch, C. Jansen, R. Murphy, J. McIvor-Clark
Out: L. McLean, S. Durdin, A. Morgan
Talking points
1. Coming off an impressive win against the previously undefeated Richmond, can the Kangaroos (2-6) back it up with another victory over a finals’ quality side, the Seagulls (5-3)?
North’s form has somewhat mirrored that of the AFL team, with considerate improvement in the last month, following a tough start to the year.
2. The Roos’ forwards were on fire last week, with the Curtis Taylor, Taylor Garner and Lachlan Hosie combining for nine goals between them. Alongside Tristan Xerri and Nathan Hrovat, coach David Loader has plenty of firepower at his disposal to take on Williamstown. Can the attacking threats hit the scoreboard in enemy territory?
3. Williamstown’s home deck is perennially hard to play at, with the strong winds giving the home side, who know the venue, a clear advantage. Will North be able to adapt to the conditions quick enough?
The key players
North Melbourne
Taylor Garner
The dynamic forward enjoyed a strong return to form last week, with three goals and 18 disposals in the victory over Richmond.
His ability with ball in hand is a huge asset, but it’s perhaps his defensive side that sets Garner apart at the level; his ferocious approach makes him one of the more rounded forwards at the club.
Paul Ahern
The good form of his AFL teammates is keeping Ahern out of the senior side just at the moment, but the classy midfielder is doing just about everything right to stake a claim.
Another 33 disposals and 7 tackles last week should have him right in the mix, should his form continue against the Seagulls.
Williamstown
Jack Charleston
Third in the club’s best and fairest last year, the vice-captain is having another strong season.
Considered one of the best defenders at the level running off half-back, he’s been in the best in five of seven games.
Williamstown also regains ruckman Nick Meese.
What the coach said
North Melbourne
“There’s been a real build to what this group’s going to be capable of. The boys have been in a position over the last month where we have been in winnable positions in nearly every game we’ve played in.” - David Loader
