North Melbourne’s players enjoyed a weekend off due to the bye, but it didn’t stop the media having their say on the club’s fortunes so far and for the remainder of the year.
Some pointed out the positives of the Roos’ first 12 games.
Herald Sun
“The Kangaroos have been effective when going inside 50 this season. They have generated a score from 49.3 per cent of their inside 50s — ranked third — scoring a major from 25.9 per cent of these entries — ranked fifth. When kicking the ball inside 50, North Melbourne has generated a mark 22.6 per cent of the time — ranked fourth.
AFL.com.au
“North has played all seven of 2014's other finalists, so 6-6 is a reasonable return. The Roos also impressed in their wins over legitimate finals contenders such as Geelong, Richmond, West Coast and Greater Western Sydney.” - Nick Bowen
But questions remain as to whether North can be a significant force in September, like it was in 2014.
AFL.com.au
“The Roos were widely touted as possible premiership contenders in the pre-season, but comprehensive losses to Hawthorn and Fremantle showed they remain a long way off the pace.
“North's inability to stop opposition momentum runs – highlighted most damningly in its losses to Adelaide and Collingwood – remains a concern.
“Long-term injuries to Nick Dal Santo and Daniel Wells have also hurt, while coach Brad Scott has been sidelined since round nine after back surgery.” – Nick Bowen
Herald Sun
“North Melbourne has been one of the easiest sides in the competition to move the ball against this season, conceding an inside 50 from 25.7 per cent of all its opposition’s defensive 50 chains — ranked 17th. They have conceded an inside 50 from 45.4 per cent of their defensive midfield chains — ranked 16th. The Kangaroos have been easy to score against from a stoppage, ranking 17th for conceding a score from an opposition clearance.”
Individuals came in for praise though, especially Todd Goldstein who is widely tipped to become an All-Australian if he can continue his current form.
AFL.com.au
“(Goldstein) Started with a rocket and has maintained his form to sit No.2 in the AFL for hit-outs (average of 40.3 – a career high). Rucks one-out, covers the ground well and is influential at ground level, separating him from the pack this season.” – Nathan Schmook
ABC
“Todd Goldstein is enjoying his best ever season and has been the most consistent and well-rounded big men so far in 2015, and deserves to be rewarded with the number one spot in this team (mid-year All-Australian).” – Dean Bilton
The Age
“(Aaron) Sandilands only gets a gong on the interchange bench, squeezed out of the No.1 spot by North Melbourne's Todd Goldstein who, rucking virtually on his own, has been superb all year for the Roos.” – Rohan Connolly
The good form of the Kangaroos’ midfield brigade hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Herald Sun
“Andrew Swallow is building towards a monster performance, while Jack Ziebell and Brent Harvey continue to drive the Kangaroos offence.
“Keep an eye on Jamie Macmillan in the second half of the season, the back flanker-turned-wingman could be one of the sharp improvers in the second half of the season.” – Gilbert Gardiner
AFL.com.au
“When North recruited (Shaun) Higgins as a free agent last year it hoped he would add class and flexibility to its best 22. The former Western Bulldog has delivered in spades this year, quickly establishing himself as a key member of the team.” – Nick Bowen
A hard-working defender has also had an impressive season.
Herald Sun
“Sam Wright has been an important link player for the Kangaroos, leading the club for rebound 50s and ranking third for metres gained. He is averaging a career-high 20 disposals per game at an efficiency of 83 per cent — ranked second of the top-100 ball winners in the competition.”
North’s form coming off the bye is vital to keeping its season on track.
Herald Sun
“It’s a matter of now or never for the Kangaroos who resume from the bye with a 6-6 record. The draw is favourable and there should be no excuses in the run to September.” – Gilbert Gardiner
