Star North Melbourne forward Ben Brown says the depth of attacking talent will take the Roos’ forward line to greater heights in 2020.
“There’s a really exciting feeling around our forward group,” Brown told North Media.
“We are hoping to improve ourselves offensively and be really dangerous forward of the ball.”
As well as the likes of Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar and Tarryn Thomas continuing their development in 2020, Brown says that the next crop of forwards are pushing their case for selection.
“Lachie Hosie and Jack Mahony haven’t played a game yet, but they are pushing really hard for those small forward spots,” he said.
“I was running around trying to keep up with Charlie Comben today. He’s got a serious set of wheels on him, and he’s going to be one to watch as his development goes from strength to strength.
“It can only make us better when we’ve got these guys pushing us for a game.”
It’s not just the younger brigade catching Brown’s eye in pre-season, with Taylor Garner enjoying a continued run after injury troubles in recent years.
“Taylor Garner has had a good run of things in the last few weeks, and hopefully he can continue that into the season.
“He’s been unlucky with injuries the last few years and to see him running around is really exciting.”
Brown himself is enjoying his first full pre-season, and is hoping to reap the benefits.
“It’s been fantastic to get a full pre-season out,” Brown said.
“It’s the first one I think I’ve been able to get a proper run at.
“It’s been strange in a way to be doing all the drills. It gives you another opportunity to improve.”
The key-forward has struck a strong relationship with assistant coach Jade Rawlings, who he believes has improved his game already.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work with Jade Rawlings in particular.
“I’ve loved his inclusion into the coaching panel, and I’ve learnt so much from him already.
“I’m always looking to improve, and he’s helped me do that with some of my forward craft.”
Match simulation has been the theme of training in recent weeks, and the number 50 has enjoyed being challenged by the Roos’ defenders.
“The key defenders have been really hard to play against,” he added.
“The guys coming through have surprised me with their development.
“Ben McKay and Sam Durdin have really pushed on, and I’ve been impressed with their physicality. Jared Rivers has worked really with them on that.
“Josh Walker has been really exciting to add to our mix. He’s a strong body and experienced, and he will add a lot to our team.”
And it’s not just on the track that the defenders are helping Brown improve his game.
"We all know what Robbie Tarrant can do.
“He’s so good to play against because he gives you a contest every time. He’s such a hard trainer and he pushes you to get better as a player.
“He’ll sit in on sessions with me after training when I watch vision and let me know what I could have done better. It’s so good to get that kind of insight from a key defender.”
