North Melbourne presents itself as an enigma within the AFL, a puzzle seemingly resistant to resolution despite significant league support. Even with the heralded arrival of Alastair Clarkson in late 2022, their performance remains distressingly stagnant, marked by a string of losses and a disheartening average losing margin of 51.4 points as of the tenth week of the 2024 season.
Hopes buoyed by preseason promise, particularly the advent of ‘Northball’—a dynamic, high-scoring strategy—have faded into disappointment. The anticipated offensive prowess has failed to materialize, with North Melbourne ranking at the bottom of the league in scoring efficiency, shots per inside-50, and scoring from defensive setups. However, their offensive struggles pale in comparison to their defensive woes, having conceded over 100 points in every game this season.
Defensively, they falter in one-on-one contests and concede a concerning number of free kicks per game. The departure of Ben McKay has left a void, with replacements Toby Pink and Bigoa Nyuon struggling to make a significant impact. On a brighter note, Charlie Comben has emerged as a standout amidst the defensive struggles.
Off-field distractions, including issues with Clarkson and Tarryn Thomas, further compound the team’s challenges. While Clarkson’s tactics face scrutiny, it’s evident that North Melbourne’s roster lacks depth and quality in crucial positions, compounded by past missteps in free-agent acquisitions. Thus, the road ahead for the Kangaroos appears fraught with obstacles, with no immediate solutions in sight.
DEVASTATING GUT-KICKS, AFL GIFTS & RETURNS ON INVESTMENT
The Kangaroos bear striking similarities to St Kilda, leaving fans uncertain as to which club would resent the comparison more. Both have experienced repeated disappointments in player acquisitions, with coveted signings slipping through their fingers.
In late 2017, North Melbourne came tantalizingly close to securing Dustin Martin from Richmond with a reported $11 million deal over seven years, a move that could have drastically transformed the club. However, Martin’s decision to remain with the Tigers dashed hopes for Kangaroos supporters, as he went on to achieve significant success.
Similarly, Josh Kelly of GWS, known for his skillful playmaking, was another target that could have changed the fortunes of the Roos. Despite a substantial offer, Kelly opted to stay with his current club, denying North Melbourne a significant boost.
In subsequent years, the Kangaroos received support from the AFL in the form of draft picks, aiding their rebuilding efforts. However, acquisitions like Griffin Logue and Darcy Tucker from Fremantle haven’t yielded the desired impact, with injuries and performance inconsistencies hindering their contributions.
The pursuit of high-profile players like Jordan De Goey in 2018 further highlights the club’s ambitious recruitment strategy. Despite offering lucrative deals, the rejection of such offers can leave a lasting impact on the psyche of the club and its players.
Recent recruits Zac Fisher and Dylan Stephens have yet to make a substantial impact, though Fisher’s performance against Essendon showed promise. Additionally, key defensive signings have struggled to fill the void left by departures, leaving the team vulnerable at the back.
However, there are bright spots, with young talents like Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma showing potential. Despite challenges, the emergence of promising rookies provides hope for the Kangaroos’ future.
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