As North Melbourne prepare to reload for the second stage of its season, NMFC.com.au looks at the leaders in several statistical categories.
Disposals
325: Nick Dal Santo
323: Jack Ziebell
297: Sam Gibson
Consistently winning the ball as always, Dal Santo is on track to average more than 20 disposals per game for the 12th consecutive season. North continue to share the load through the midfield with no player collecting more than 30 disposals until Sam Gibson had 36 touches in Round 8.
Goals
27: Jarrad Waite
25: Brent Harvey
23: Ben Brown
A blistering start to 2016 means Waite is still leading all Roos, but close behind him Harvey – on track for a career high goal tally in his 21st season.
Goal assists
14: Daniel Wells
12: Jarrad Waite
10: Brent Harvey
The return of Wells in 2016 has meant the North forwards have been gifted an elite ball user consistently setting them up in favourable positions close to goal.
Metres gained
485.5: Jack Ziebell
413.4: Aaron Mullett
403.2: Jamie Macmillan
On a per-game average, Ziebell comfortably leads the way – but not far behind is Aaron Mullett, able to provide great run and carry since his return to the defensive line-up.
Clearances
77: Jack Ziebell
70: Ben Cunnington
65: Andrew Swallow
In his first season as sole vice-captain, Ziebell has lifted in a multitude of areas. Averaging five and a half clearances per match, the 25-year-old ranks inside the AFL’s top 20.
Tackles
107: Andrew Swallow
75: Jack Ziebell
62: Daniel Wells
Although the captain has slowed slightly from his all-time record pace of the first half of the season, he’s still on track for a career high mark if North makes this year’s finals series.
Rebound 50s
65: Michael Firrito
60: Robbie Tarrant
40: Jamie Macmillan
Only four players in the entire AFL have had more rebound 50s than the North veteran. In his 14th season, Firrito has been involved in much of his side’s defensive efforts – highlighted by his 12 rebound 50s against Melbourne in Round 3.
Inside 50s
67: Jack Ziebell
57: Sam Gibson
49: Brent Harvey
In addition to leading all teammates in metres gained and clearances, Ziebell has also been the Roo to send the Sherrin inside 50 on the most occasions.
