Coach: Brad Scott (3rd season)
2011 season: 10 wins, 12 losses (9th overall)
Player changes
In: Tom Curran, Luke Delaney, Brad Mckenzie, Cameron Pedersen, Will Sierakowski (from Hawthorn)
Out: Ed Lower, Brayden Norris, Daniel Pratt, Brady Rawlings, Ben Ross
Players to watch:
Lindsay Thomas: Sure to have put in a big preseason. Gave the definition of the kicking 'yips' a whole different meaning last season. It almost be fair to say his left boot caused North to miss out on the finals in 2011. Actually a pretty valuable player despite his goal kicking.
Daniel Wells: Just when everyone had written him off; last year Wells finally produced the sort of season he was drafted for, almost making All-Australian selection. Easily the Kangaroos most polished player. Won't be prevelant early in the season following a complications after off-season surgery. Reduced to non-contact training, not that he was ever a fan of the tough stuff.
Questions to ask North Melbourne supporters:
- Finals or bust this year?
- Who can Scott Thompson fight with now?
Questions not to ask:
- When you buy your membership, do they ask if you want two to beef up the numbers?
- Sure you wouldn't have preferred the Gold Coast? Wouldn't you like to play there instead of Hobart?
Prediction: While undoubtedly tough, honest and hardworking, it's hard to get overly excited about North's playing list and prospects. They always have to scrap and fight to eke out wins, while rarely beating teams above them on the ladder. Not exactly what is required to be a finals contender. Although with two games against both the Suns and Giants, and their last six games at home, they may just get there. 9-12th.
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