If you missed the honourable mentions and part one, catch up via the links below.
Intro and honourable mentions
Part 1
#15: Lindsay Thomas
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Time at North: 2007-
Games: 130*
Goals: 204*
Admittedly a controversial choice, even in Thomas’ more maligned times he still consistently hit the scoreboard. With the exception of his first season (2007), Thomas has averaged more than a goal a game every year, and at least three scoring shots a game since 2009.
Inside the top 25 on the all-time goal kicking leader board at North, Thomas is indisputably one of the best small forwards in the competition at the current time. It’s a progression of the work he’s put in, going from someone written off externally, to being viewed as an integral part of North’s forward 50.
Where Thomas beat Rocca (ranked #16) was his versatility. Not only is he a lethal threat in front of goals but he also distributes and sets up teammates. Since Thomas’ debut in 2007, only Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey have notched up more score assists at the club.
#14: Daniel Harris
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Time at North: 2001-2009
Games: 149
Goals: 44
Follow Daniel Harris on Twitter
North’s number one inside midfielder for the middle stretch of the 2000’s, Harris was an indispensable part of the best 22.
From the start of 2004 to the end of 2008, Harris played 113 of a possible 115 games. In a side that featured Adam Simpson, Daniel Wells, Brent Harvey, Shannon Grant and Brady Rawlings, Harris comfortably led the side in clearances, hardball gets, tackles and contested possessions.
The feat was made even more impressive by the fact he rarely played more than 80 per cent game time and still managed to amass those impressive numbers.
The sustained period of excellence is what kept Harris above Thomas. Thomas’ best is probably better than Harris’, but the length of time for each swings in favour of the former number four.
#13: Leigh Colbert
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Time at North: 2000-2005
Games: 104
Goals: 14
Acquired in a controversial trade with Geelong in the 1999 post-season, the former Cats’ captain came to North and was a part of a memorable moment in the club’s history.
Colbert ruptured his pancreas in Round 11 of 2003 against Richmond (also known as the Jason McCartney game). After nearly dying, he made his comeback just nine games later – his wound not fully healed – knowing that another hit to the affected area could be fatal.
It was no apparent concern for the fearless defender, who continued to throw himself around and put himself in perilous situations. Glenn Archer summed it up best when he said it was ‘probably the most courageous thing I’ve seen on the football field.’ It was incredibly high praise from a man whose name is synonymous with courageous acts.
However don’t let it take away from his skills with the ball in hand. In many ways, his ability to play as a second or third tall defender while floating across to take intercept marks is replicated in the likes of Josh Gibson, Harry Taylor and Lachlan Hansen in today’s game.
Almost 30 per cent of Colbert’s marks in his North career were intercepts from opposition kicks – a higher number than Hansen in 2013 as a comparison.
However, as inspiring as Colbert was, the man directly ahead of him in the rankings has two honours to take the #12 spot.
#12: Scott Thompson
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Time at North: 2008-
Games: 112*
Goals: 5*
The reigning All-Australian full-back and Syd Barker Medalist, Thompson was elevated to North’s leadership group in 2013.
It reflects his status as a first-choice defender since the beginning of 2009 and his graduation into an elite full back of the competition over the last two years.
Part of what makes Thompson such a good defender is his ability to rebound. Since 2009 Thompson comfortably leads the club in rebound 50’s – from the full-back, no less. This isn’t from a half-back flanker.
Thompson’s Syd Barker Medal and All-Australian honours proved the deciding factor in a higher spot than Colbert. Comparing two defenders is an easier task than two players from different areas of the field. However it wasn’t enough to displace a club great from #11.
#11: David King
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Time at North: 2000-2004 (Debut: 1994)
Games from 2000: 109
Goals from 2000: 102
Follow David King on Twitter
While the majority of King’s career came before the start of 2000, his consistency meant the latter stages of his career were just as good as the early years.
From 2000 to 2004, King missed just five games while twice kicking more than 20 goals in a year playing off half back and the wing.
With a knack for a highlight passage of play, King’s line-breaking run and carry was an irreplaceable part of the side in the first half of the 2000’s.
King was also able to play as a small/medium defender if the situation warranted it and still provide rebound, showcasing his versatility. Even in his last season he still led the club in rebound 50’s and was third in inside 50’s, a combination which is extremely tough to accomplish.
If this list was undertaken at the end of 2014, King would not hold his spot over Thompson barring injury or a freak drop in form by the number 16. But for the time being, King maintains his number 11 spot due to the consistency he showed for a longer period of time.
The story so far
Honourable mentions: Leigh Harding, David Hale, Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Nathan Thompson.
20 – Troy Makepeace
19 – Jess Sinclair
18 – Todd Goldstein
17 – Anthony Stevens
16 – Saverio Rocca
15 – Lindsay Thomas
14 – Daniel Harris
13 – Leigh Colbert
12 – Scott Thompson
11 – David King
Tomorrow: 6-10
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