Intro and honourable mentions
Part 1
Part 2
#10: Corey Jones
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Time at North: 2001-2010
Games: 157
Goals: 216
The high half-forward role is a crucial part of North Melbourne’s structure and it’s not a stretch to say a large part of it is due to Corey Jones’ career.
While Jones played 10 years, he made his mark on the club between 2003 and 2008. In that time he led the club in goals while also being in the top 10 in disposals. The left footer was also a barometer. On the 10 occasions he kicked more than three goals between 2003 and 2008, North won eight and lost only two.
Perhaps Jones’ best season was 2007, kicking 46 goals in the absence of Nathan Thompson. As he struggled in the qualifying final, it was no coincidence North struggled to find an avenue forward.
Then when he was ruled out of the semi and preliminary finals, North failed to crack 100 in either game. It was the biggest indicator of how much he was relied upon in his prime.
#9: Michael Firrito
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Time at North: 2003-
Games: 210*
Goals: 28*
The current number 11, Firrito was the first player entrusted with wearing the famous jumper after the retirement of Glenn Archer at the end of 2007.
A first choice player for almost all of the last decade, Brad Scott has repeatedly spoken about how Firrito epitomises what it means to be a Kangaroo. Repeatedly battling against bigger opponents, the veteran held down the defensive 50 admirably through the middle part of the 2000’s.
Awarded life membership at the end of 2013, Firrito spoke about the culture of the club and how it makes North special. Firrito himself has been one of the main men in preserving said culture and passing it down to the next generation of players, a crucial role which sometimes gets overlooked.
While Firrito doesn’t have the accolades from individual awards next to his name, being a 200+ game player, life member and one of the most respected men at Aegis Park speaks for himself.
#8: Andrew Swallow
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Time at North: 2006-
Games: 146*
Goals: 67*
Three time Syd Barker Medalist, club captain and one of only seven Roos to play more than 100 consecutive games. It’s quite a resume Swallow has put together, pretty much since 2009.
Most are familiar now with Swallow’s story who spent almost the entire 2008 season in the VFL. He wasn’t supposed to play in the 2009 season opener, but was a late inclusion and never looked back.
The last time Swallow had less than 10 possessions in a game was in Round 16, 2009. It’s a streak of 90 games, still unbroken as 2014 ticks closer. With double digit Brownlow votes in each of the last four seasons, his career total of 58 has the number nine well on the way to becoming one of a select group with 100 or more votes.
If this same poll was conducted in two to three years time, there’s every chance Swallow would be entrenched in the top five. However there was another three time club champion preventing his rise up the top 20.
#7: Brady Rawlings
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Time at North: 2000-2011 (Debut: 1999)
Games from 2000: 232
Goals from 2000: 58
A strong candidate for the most underrated player in North Melbourne’s history, Rawlings was universally respected by everyone at Aegis Park.
Club champion in 2004, 2006 and 2010, Rawlings was able to play a defensive role in any part of the ground. He started his career doing so slightly forward of centre, but slowly moved further back as the years rolled on.
Never possessing the prettiest style, Rawlings always got the job done. One of his signature games was in 2011 against Fremantle. Assigned the job of tagging Stephen Hill, Rawlings restricted the left footer to just seven disposals while collecting 39 himself, a herculean effort.
Perhaps Rawlings’ most selfless gesture was to step aside at the end of 2011. Despite most likely being able to play for at least another 12 months, the veteran wanted the young talent beneath him to blossom and allowed them the chance.
#6: Glenn Archer
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Time at North: 2000-2007 (Debut: 1992)
Games from 2000: 149
Goals from 2000: 41
It could be a surprise to see Archer so low; he’d be in everyone's top 10’s for all time, so number six from 2000 onwards will cause some consternation.
All of Archer’s positives are well known, so this space will largely be dedicated to explaining why he isn’t inside the top five.
Of Archer’s eight seasons from 2000, he missed 35 total games, an average of more than four a year. While he was still playing at a high level, it was a slight decrease from the 1990’s.
In his later years, Archer had a few more quieter games than in his prime, spending less time on the ground. However, even with all that, Archer still lived up to his reputation as the Shinboner of the Century, earning his number six spot.
The story so far
Honourable mentions: Leigh Harding, David Hale, Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Nathan Thompson.
20 – Troy Makepeace
19 – Jess Sinclair
18 – Todd Goldstein
17 – Anthony Stevens
16 – Saverio Rocca
15 – Lindsay Thomas
14 – Daniel Harris
13 – Leigh Colbert
12 – Scott Thompson
11 – David King
10 – Corey Jones
9 – Michael Firrito
8 – Andrew Swallow
7 – Brady Rawlings
6 – Glenn Archer
Tomorrow: 1-5
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