Past North player Leigh Colbert believes defender Robbie Tarrant can turn his fortunes on the field around and will be crucial to the Roos’ flag hopes.
The former North and Geelong champion said the 25-year-old backman has the potential to secure a permanent position in the starting line-up, provided he can overcome his horror injury run.
Colbert said he hopes Tarrant can seize his opportunity in the Roos’ defensive half this year and add to his 39-game AFL tally.
“I don’t know if it’s necessarily about a statement but I’d just love to see Tarrant get a free run at it,” Colbert told NMFC.com.au in a past player survey.
“If they get him on the field, I guarantee them a top-four (finish).
“If he gets a free run body-wise, he can certainly hold down centre half-back and that’ll just mean the Firrito’s of the world can play on more guys his size.”
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Vice-captain Jack Ziebell is another player who can play an important role after an injury-interrupted 2014 campaign, according to Colbert.
“I think Ziebell to play a full season and be healthy and fit for the year will just mean those peripheral guys get a lot of ball because of him,” he said.
Colbert, who played a total of 209 games (105 for Geelong and 104 for North), believes Hawthorn and the Sydney Swans are “still a grade ahead” of the competition.
See Colbert’s answers and predictions below. Do you agree? Have your say below and we’ll let him know.
Past player survey – Colbert
1. What are your expectations of NMFC in 2015?
I expect the Roos to finish in the top four.
2. Who will be NMFC’s most improved player?
Shaun Higgins
3. Will Brent Harvey play again in 2016?
Yes
4. What will the six-man forward line set-up be in round one?
Petrie, Black, Harvey, Waite, Thomas, Higgins
5. Which NMFC players are you most excited about seeing this season?
Kayne Turner, Jamie Macmillan and Shaun Atley
6. Which player(s) need to make a statement?
Robbie Tarrant
7. Where will NMFC finish after the home and away season?
3rd or 4th
8. How many members will NMFC sign up?
40,000-plus
9. Who is NMFC’s most important player in 2015?
Jack Ziebell
10. Who will be the leading NMFC player in the following categories?
- Goals: Petrie
- Tackles: Cunnington
- Possessions: Dal Santo
- Marks: Petrie
- Contested possessions: Cunnington
- Clearances: Ziebell
11. Complete the following sentence: If NMFC wins the Grand Final, I will:
Celebrate with the team for a week and go on their end-of-season footy trip.
