When David Noble was appointed as North Melbourne’s new senior coach, much was said about his holistic stance on player development. 

With his approach giving equal measure to the development of the athlete on the field and the person off it, Noble’s style of coaching and player-management looks to be the future of sport.

The North coach has formed a positive bond with a number of his players, but perhaps none more so than first-year player Tom Powell.

“’Nobes’ has been really good for me … he’s really big on pushing your family and off-field lifestyle balance … so you have that release away from footy,” the youngster told The Advocate.

“That’s something that really does resonate with me … to be given an opportunity to pursue my off-field focuses has been really good.

“He’s really relaxed around the club, you can have a laugh with him and he gives the boys a bit of stick sometimes. It’s good to be able to have a bit of banter with the coach … I think it’s healthy.”

Despite North continuing to search for its first win of the season, there has been obvious and tangible development on the field as a young group of players improves week-after-week.

“The feeling around the club has been great and it’s a good learning curve for us. We’re all improving … I’m sure it will be better for us in the long term to have to go through a bit of hardship and push through a bit of adversity,” Powell said.

“As footy players and professional athletes we hate losing, and while ‘Nobes’ has said it’s great we’re improving each week, we still want to win.

“It’s something I’d love to get a taste of, I’d love nothing more than to get a win at the moment … that’ll make the win all the more-sweeter when we get it.”

North’s only draft pick to have been an ever-present in the AFL side this season, to say Powell is finding his feet at the top level of the game is an understatement.

With a NAB Rising Star nomination almost certainly on the horizon, his ability to find the football at under 18s level has translated well to the AFL, with the 19-year-old averaging 18.9 disposals a game, as well as kicking three goals.

Powell says the step up in quality has been challenging, but has quickly adapted his game to be able to play against stronger and more athletic opponents.

“It’s obviously been a massive step up from any footy I’ve played previously … I didn’t play SANFL or VFL footy, so there are a few things I need to pick up on being a smaller body until I put on some size,” he said.

“I just try to focus on what I can control because there are always going to be great footballers you come up against, I just want to do my best and play my role for the team.

“I’m really enjoying playing and I’ve love nothing more to get a win. The boys are really positive and the culture is really good here at the club.”