Games: 15
Goals: 3
In a tough year, the continued development of Jed Anderson provided reason to smile for North Melbourne fans.
With Ben Cunnington missing through injury for most of the year, North’s hard-as-nails number 3 took over the mantle as the Roos’ number one inside-midfielder, and did so with aplomb.
Anderson was a shining light in the middle throughout the season, with his 29 AFLCA Coaches Votes placing him second at the club, only behind Todd Goldstein.
By the numbers
Despite the shortened quarters, Anderson averaged career-best numbers in disposals (21 per game), marks (2.7) and inside 50s (3.5), while his tackle (5) and clearance numbers (4.3) were comparable with his best seasons.
His second half of the season was particularly impressive, dipping below 20 disposals just once in Round 11, when an eye-injury kept him out of the second half.
From Round 9 onwards (excluding Round 11), Anderson averaged 25.4 disposals and 5.1 clearances, numbers that put him alongside the elite inside-midfielders in the AFL.
His total of 10 goal assists was the most for the Roos, while he also averaged the most pressure acts (19.7).
The big moment
Anderson arguably saved his best performance for last, putting in a brilliant all-round performance against West Coast.
30 disposals (at 87% efficiency), 5 clearances, 5 inside 50s and a goal helped the Roos give the Eagles a late season scare.
Jed Anderson flushes it with ease from 50!#AFLNorthEagles pic.twitter.com/FMHhm6SSlK
— AFL (@AFL) September 17, 2020
What the fans said
Jed Anderson, AFL’s most improved player in 2020. #facts
— Mitch Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) September 17, 2020
How good was Jed Anderson there!!! Ferocious attacks on the footy!! @NMFCOfficial ????
— Corey McKernan (@CoreyMcKernan) August 1, 2020
