With the likes of Will Phillips and Tom Powell building their first seasons at AFL level, along with young superstars like Jy Simpkin and Jaidyn Stephenson, the exciting youth running through North’s midfield is well documented.
With Jed Anderson currently unavailable, Ben Cunnington is the veteran head in the middle of the park. The experienced campaigner leading the charge through midfield with his young teammates in tow.
The number-10 was back to his best against Geelong as he racked up 29 disposals, 7 clearances and a goal, as well as laying his 1000th career tackle.
While Cunnington is still impressing on the field, David Noble says the opportunity to guide this young group through the early stages of their careers has been grasped with both hands by the midfield general.
“What I’ve seen since I’ve arrived is his ability to mentor our young guys coming through,” Noble said.
“He’s really passionate about that young group coming through and leaving his mark on those guys, teaching them the craft of midfield, identifying times in the game and around the contest about where to position and where to place [yourself].
“We haven’t got big bodies on Powell, Phillips and Lazzaro just yet, but he’s been fantastic for us in his education of the players.”
The hallmark of any good team is the ability to come together and perform as a unit. A good team of players often trumps a team of good players.
Noble says the team nature of his side’s performance is indicative of the future direction North will take over the course of the season.
“I thought we played as a team really well. We had a plan and we want to play a brand of footy that scores,” he said.
“I don’t like highlighting individuals … [but] I thought Kayne Turner did a great job on (Joel) Selwood, he’s a hard player to play on. I thought Todd (Goldstein) lead us really well … Ben Cunnington had his best game upon return.
“For the young guys to have experience on a plan that we set is really good.”
The on-field improvement of North’s group so far in this young season is tangible, and the first win of the season isn’t far away according to Noble.
He says his side’s increased levels of maturity when dealing with adversity on the field is cause for excitement and praise.
“We want to keep stepping forward, we don’t just want to pat ourselves on the back for effort. We want results so we have to continue to chase those steps forward,” Noble said.
“What I was pleased with today, I thought when we were challenged we really held our ground … I was really proud of the way the boys hung in there for that sustained period of time.
“We were able to band together and make the game scrappy from time to time which is not how we want to play, but sometimes you just have to. I think that’s the key learning for today.”
