North Melbourne’s side for Round 1 is becoming tougher to pick as competition for spots heat up.
The JLT Series victory against Hawthorn pushed several more positive question marks to the surface, with just one more match remaining before the season-opener against West Coast on March 26.
The ruck combination
Sunday was North’s first look at how a potential ruck duo of Todd Goldstein and Braydon Preuss could work.
While there were some mitigating factors to take into account (the expanded bench, unlimited interchanges, a JLT Series game), there were also some very positive signs.
Arguably the most exciting story from yesterday’s game, the way Preuss performed in attack.
While the 21-year-old’s strength is his tap work around stoppages, his three goals showed he has plenty of strings to his bow.
One of Preuss’ three goals came from a deft finish on his left foot at ground level, while the other two were from set shots.
It left stand-in senior coach Josh Drummond admitting after the match the third-year Roo had given the coaching staff plenty to think about.
"It's a great problem to have (with selection), that's what we want, that's what the pre-season's for, to give those young guys a chance and he's certainly one who's stepped up."
Forward pressure
Talking to Fox Footy after Sunday’s match, Shaun Higgins made specific note of the team’s pressure, and how it was a focus heading into the match.
The forward pressure was a particular standout; North’s opposition unable to transition the ball quickly from one side of the field to the other.
Hawthorn had a total of 38 rebound 50’s at Arden St – none of which resulted in goals.
Of the forwards, Nathan Hrovat, Kayne Turner and Lindsay Thomas led the way in pressure acts, while Jy Simpkin wasn’t far behind in an impressive first appearance at AFL level.
Delivery inside 50
In 2016, Brent Harvey, Daniel Wells and Nick Dal Santo were in the top six at North for deliveries inside the attacking arc.
With plenty of opportunities for others to step up in setting up play and score assists, Trent Dumont is one who has taken the chance.
A feature of his play is his delivery to leading forwards, and it was on display against Hawthorn.
Dumont’s two goal assists included a lace-out pass to Preuss, and it was part of an impressive 25-disposal effort.
