Best and fairest: Myles Sewell (also Liston Trophy)
Senior Coach: Gerard Fitzgerald
Arrivals and departures:
IN: Matt Tyler (Brisbane Lions), Oliver Tate (North Ballarat Rebels), Ben Peters (North Ballarat Rebels), Nathan Couch (HFL Terrang Mortlake), Chris Giampolo (North Ballarat Rebels), Tim Fitzgerald (VAFA University Blues)
OUT: Jacob Spolding, Tom Roach (WAFL Swan Districts), Tristan Cartledge, Paul McMahon, Jackson Hall, Dean Chester, Brett Goodes (QAFL NT Thunder), Michael Searl
North Melbourne Aligned Players:
Matt Campbell
Liam Anthony
Ryan Bastinac
Warren Benjamin
Aaron Black
Ben Cunnington
Luke Delaney
Aaron Edwards
Cruize Garlett
David Hale
Leigh Harding
Corey Jones
Ed Lower
Brayden Norris
Drew Petrie
Daniel Pratt
Josh Smith
Lindsay Thomas
Gavin Urquhart
Daniel Wells
Marcus White
Andrew Swallow
Fixture:
The Roosters won’t have too much time to settle in to the season with a round two grand final rematch with the Northern Bullants.
Having their first three games at home is an advantage as it could help set up another dominant season.
Trips to Williamstown and Port Melbourne will be tough with both teams possessing strong records at home.
For North Melbourne fans, the round four and 15 clashes against the Werribee Tigers will be worth watching with plenty of youngsters set to feature.
Key Players:
North Ballarat has lost several of its established stars including hard working defender Michael Searl, ruckman Tristan Cartledge and key position tall Brett Goodes.
Myles Sewell, one of the competition’s premier on-ballers, will again be part of a strong midfield that usually boasts a North Melbourne influence.
Matt Tyler is new to the side after a stint with the Brisbane Lions and he’ll provide ruck strength working with Orren Stephenson, who has become one of the VFL’s premier big men.
The Year Ahead:
North Ballarat has claimed back- to-back premierships but it’s hard to see a three-peat.
Despite the influx of talent from the TAC Cup and other leagues, it may take a while for these players to fit into what has traditionally been a strong senior line-up.
Making the finals is definitely a realistic target for the Roosters, but how far they will progress remains to be seen.
