Three top 40 draft picks, three rounds, three AFL debuts. With Will Phillips set to join Tom Powell and Charlie Lazzaro in North Melbourne’s class of new Shinboners, the club’s approach to the 2020 NAB AFL Draft is paying early dividends.
As Shinboner number 1034, Phillips is the latest youngster to be afforded the opportunity to begin carving out his own legacy in the royal blue and white stripes.
The man who presented Phillips with his jumper, Brent Harvey, knows a few things about playing in the royal blue and white, and the AFL games record holder is backing the Roos' new number 29 to impress.
“Will's attitude is based on improving … he’s earned this opportunity,” Harvey told North Media.
“He’s over the moon (to be playing) ... he’s worked really hard and had a great game at VFL level which propels him into senior selection.
“He makes good decisions and he’s a tough little bugger … bringing him in changes the balance of our team which is great.”
Midfield coach Jordan Russell has worked extensively with Phillips since he was drafted.
“The fact that Will has had to wait an extra couple of weeks for his opportunity, I think it’s a great thing for him,” Russell said.
“He’s super appreciative of his chance to debut … he’s dedicated, super keen and competitive.
“He’s clean with his hands and at ground level … powering out of stoppages and contests is a real highlight of his game.”
While Phillips threatens to have a huge impact at stoppages, fans have already seen how good young gun Tom Powell is around the contest.
Powell’s ability to find the football has also transitioned well to AFL level, and the young midfielder has earned plaudits from all corners thanks not only to his ball-winning, but also his smarts around the goals.
Harvey said the number 24's rapid ascent to the AFL side is down to his incredible decision-making and dedication to his craft.
“The way he’s (Powell) come in and trained, he looks like a pro already,” the club legend said.
“He’s still only young but he looks like he’s playing well above his age … he finds people with the football in ways other players just can’t.
“His decision-making is as good as I’ve seen in a draftee for a long time. I think we’ve got a player on our hands here.”
Jordan Russell said Powell’s openness to learning and feedback would hold him in good stead for the future.
“His ability to take structural stuff and feedback and implement it straight away has been second to none,” Russell said.
“He’s been so coachable and he’s picked up everything we’ve thrown his way.
“Every week I think we’ll see more and more of him. He’s going really well and he’s a great kid.”
Like Powell, Charlie Lazzaro also made his debut in round one, however his opportunity came as the medical substitute.
Taken at pick 36, the midfielder was selected after Phillips and Powell, but has made an impact in quick time.
“He’s (Lazzaro) a bubbly young boy who brings a lot of energy, and his work-rate is second to none,” Harvey said.
“If you couple a good work-rate with that level of desire to improve, the improvement comes at a rapid rate. That’s what Charlie’s done.
“He’s not the biggest guy … but he works super hard … and then he surprises everyone.”
Lazzaro has come into North Melbourne as a naturally versatile player, with the ability to impact the game from almost anywhere on the ground.
“These days you can’t afford to be pigeonholed into one position … you can’t keep up with the rotations,” Russell added.
“Charlie is so energetic and eager to learn any position, and that’s enabled him to rise up the ranks pretty quickly.
“His performance on the weekend shows he can find the footy and use it pretty well … across the midfield, wing and half-forward.”
