There were plenty of positive signs for North in its first competitive match of 2017 on Sunday.
With players adjusting to new positions and a host of youngsters showing what they’re capable of, it was an encouraging start to the year.
Atley’s midfield move
After some brief cameos in previous years, it appears the 24-year-old will spend a lot more time in the centre.
Shaun Atley’s first outing in the middle was a definite success, ending with 24 disposals in 77 per cent time on ground. His pace adds another dimension to the group, and it allows him to get his hands on the ball a lot more than he did playing off half-back.
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In his 132 regular season matches, he has managed more than Sunday’s 24 disposals on just six occasions. More performances like the one at Coffs Harbour will undoubtedly see that number rise quickly.
Higgins up the field
After the departure of Nick Dal Santo and Daniel Wells, it leaves an opening in the midfield for a player whose disposal can be utilised going inside the forward 50.
Shaun Higgins’ first two seasons at Arden Street has mainly seen the veteran used as a half-forward, but based on Sunday’s evidence he’ll be in line for more midfield time.
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In Higgins’ nine games last season, he was only in at 17 centre bounces. Against the Swans alone, he was at 10. He also led the Roos with six inside 50’s – a number he has only exceeded once during the home and away season since his move to the club.
Young defenders
With Scott Thompson and Robbie Tarrant sitting out, North fans were able to see the likes of Sam Durdin and Ed Vickers-Willis in the defensive 50.
Vickers-Willis was close to an AFL debut in the latter stages of 2016, and he showed why with his game against the Swans. His work in several one-on-one contests stood out, along with his ability to read the play – eight of his 19 disposals were from intercepts, along with three marks in the same fashion.
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Durdin had spent the majority of his time at North in the forward line before this pre-season, but wasn’t completely unfamiliar to a defensive role after his junior career. He was another who was able to cut off numerous Swans attacks. His six spoils were a team-high, while six intercept possessions were only behind Vickers-Willis.
New Roos
Five of the Roos who arrived at the club last post-season were on show at Coffs Harbour; Nathan Hrovat, Marley Williams, Matt Taylor, Declan Watson and Nick Larkey.
Hrovat was arguably the one who stood out the most, his seven final quarter disposals and two goals in the term important in the end result.
Williams was steady down back with his defensive responsibilities, while Taylor came in for praise from Leigh Tudor after his work late with the game on the line.
Watson was another in the new-look defensive line, while Larkey spent his time up forward as a key target in the tricky conditions.
