May
Omitted to North Ballarat, Todd Goldstein responded in the best possible way with a stand-out performance that netted an amazing 64 hit-outs.
kangaroos.com.au took an in-depth look at some clever play by Lindsay Thomas, but it was Andrew Swallow who received the top votes from the coaches against the Gold Coast.
The Eagles were without Nic Naitanui and Josh Kennedy, but proved too good for North at Patersons Stadium. Brad Scott joined the ducking debate after some controversial free kicks went West Coast’s way.
Scott McMahon was the recipient of a cruel blow, struck down with a rare viral condition, but there was positive news for highly-rated youngster Brad McKenzie who was named to debut against the Bulldogs. Goldstein was also recalled, but was soon left to go it alone when his partner-in-crime Hamish McIntosh went down with a knee injury. The bad news compounded by a disappointing loss.
Coach Scott earmarked changes against the Power and that brought about the return of Nathan Grima and Ben Warren. But having dominated in the opening three quarters, a momentary lapse in the final term proved costly. Jay Schulz booted seven as Port Adelaide fought back from a 32-point deficit to win - Scott branded the attitude of his players in the final ten minutes ‘unacceptable’.
The form of Lachie Hansen, Robbie Tarrant and Ben McKinley at VFL level gave the match committee reason to be positive, but Scott piled the pressure on Lindsay Thomas who continued to have his struggles in front of goals. He was a late withdrawal against the Lions.
Hansen’s good form was put to a stop after he was rubbed out at the VFL tribunal for two weeks, but there were still four changes to the North side to play Brisbane. Aaron Black returned to the senior side in style, though a 58-point lead mid-way through the third term was whittled down to just 16 by the final siren.
Ryan Bastinac put pen to a paper on a new deal, while Kieran Harper received a Goal of the Year nomination for his amazing effort from the boundary. Goldstein though was best-on-ground just weeks after taking the step back to the VFL.
Later in the week there were heavy fines handed to several Kangaroos’ following a melee and the news got even worse when McIntosh landed awkwardly at training and was forced to undergo surgery on his knee.
