After finishing 9th in 2010, expectations for Brad Scott’s North Melbourne were on the up in 2011. Sadly, it didn’t eventuate.

This review is written by Reverend Shinboner a long time fan of North Melbourne and while normally he blogs on Roo Beauty, he helped us by doing a detailed review for Kick2Kick. If you would like to write your teams review, please contact me.

Daniel Wells had the best consistent year of his career so far and was rewarded with an All Australian squad inclusion.

North’s unfortunate pre-season was followed by a horror early fixture – two trips to WA, an ill-timed bye and Collingwood. By Rd 10, North were 2-7, including losses to Richmond and Brisbane. Despite a stronger showing from there on, the team never recovered.

There were some good wins – a stirring victory over the Western Bulldogs, a good old-fashioned thumping of Fremantle, and a cracking win over North’s most hated: Essendon in Rd 13. But the reality is that the Dons were the only top 8 side North knocked over for the season. It’s a monkey that Brad Scott can’t seem to shake off his back.

On the up:

• Daniel Wells played his best season for North, after years on the edge of something special. Worked brilliantly inside and outside, and stood up a number of times when it counted.
• Todd Goldstein shouldered the ruck all season and looked a million dollars (which is roughly what I expect GWS will offer him this time next year). Can tap, can mark, can kick a goal.
• Drew Petrie also was in career best form, taking classic marks week-in week-out. Structurally the most important member of the team.

On the slide:

• Liam Anthony looked average. And soft.
• Lachie Hansen put in a great 2010 and was looking ready to burst onto 2011. Never quite delivered despite working hard and the coach backing him in.
• Daniel Pratt never really stamped his former authority on the field. Looks like a try-hard tough guy these days.

Finds of the season:

• Cam Pedersen was clearly rookied as insurance – a back-up ruckman/swing man. He proved much more valuable and cemented a permanent spot.
• Kieren Harper is all class whenever he touches the ball. Great decision-making and superb finishing. Needs to find it more often, but looks the goods.
• Aaron Mullett debuted late in the season and did enough to excite. Could be the silky half-back that North are looking for.

Issues:

• Injuries to Hamish McIntosh, Levi Greenwood, Ryan Bastinac, Nathan Grima, Matty Campbell. North’s best 22 were never on the park.
• Lindsay Thomas’ goalkicking.
• Execution. Poor skills under pressure.

Season 2011 Snap Shot

Ladder position: 9th; 10W, 12L
Leading goalkicker: Drew Petrie (48)
Leading possession winner: Andrew Swallow (562)
All Australian: Daniel Wells, Andrew Swallow, Drew Petrie, Todd Goldstein
Debutants: Shaun Atley (16 games), Aaron Black (1), Luke Delaney (8), Kieran Harper (14), Aaron Mullett (3), Cameron Pedersen (14), Cameron Richardson (8)

Trade Bait

• Hamish McIntosh remains a very expensive ruck insurance policy – a trade has to be considered.
• Lachie Hansen holds some value, and Sydney have expressed interest
• Robbie Tarrant is a very promising athletic key position player, but North may have enough stocks to cover him. Only on the table if real quality is offered in return.

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