North Melbourne Kangaroos - Drew Petrie - All-Australian

Congratulations Dish!

During the week Drew Petrie was named on the interchange bench for the All-Australian team for the first time in his career.

I'm going to look at how the 2nd round draft pick from Ballarat recovered from 3 separate broken foot injuries in 2010 to reach career best form.

During the early 00's under Coach Dean Laidley, Petrie was literally Mr Fix It and roamed from forward to defence to the ruck and back again as the team needed him. This was great for plugging up holes but it gave Petrie no continuity in 1 position and also disguised how well he was doing. He would get 10+ hit outs, 2 goals and several telling marks in defence. If he had played the same position for the game his dominance would have been easier to see however it was diluted around the ground like a weak coffee.

So under 2nd year coach Brad Scott, Petrie has been given the focal forward position as his for the midfield to target on their inside 50's. Petrie was always going to take time finding his feet (pun intended) and missing the 1st game of the season against the Eagles to a dubious suspension didn't help.

The Roos were smashed the following week by Collingwood so it's no surprise the supply to the forward line was limited and so was Petrie's influence. It was 2 weeks later against Richmond that Petrie gave us a glimpse of what he was capable of being the main forward target. He kicked 6 goals from 17 kicks, 8 marks, 4 hit outs and an impressive 4 inside 50's. Although the Roos lost it wasn't due to lack of effort and output for Petrie. Petrie showed that when the supply was quality he is a hard man to match up on and this made most of the teams double up or even triple up making Petries 48 goals for the year all the more impressive.

Petries season just simmered along nicely with him kicking 3 or more goals in 9 out of 24 games (Over a 3rd) including 5 agianst the Bulldogs in arguably the Roos best win of the year and 4 in the last game of the year again against the Tigers. Petrie kicked 5 goals 5 in the Bulldogs game and probably should have kicked 7-8 goals but there's no denying he able to get his hands on the ball. In 5 separate games he registered 20 or more possessions and in 9 games he pulled down 8 or more marks in a game.

Speaking of getting his hands on the ball Petrie was able to use his 197cm/103kg frame to pull down several hangers and if he wasn't in a position to take the mark he invariably busted the pack open bringing the ball to ground allowing the other North forwards the chance to score. I'm not sure if it's a record but Petrie was nominated for the Hungry Jack's Mark of the Year on 6 separate occasions. Yep that's over a quarter of the games Petrie played for the season. This also includes 3 of the last 5 games he played.

One interesting fact I stumbled upon was that in the 5 games Petrie kicked 4 or more goals they won 4 only losing the game to the Tigers in round 5 in the last minute. And in the 9 games Petrie kicked 3+ goals they won 6 losing 3. The losses include a 1 point shock loss to the Swans, the Tigers loss and a Geelong pumping where Petrie was almost a lone force for the whole game.

Massive bucket of win for Petrie, well done!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Round 24 Review - Season Finale

Unfortunately this was going to be the season finale before the game had started. The Roos blew any chance of playing into September with yet another disappointing loss the week before against the Saints.

Round 24 v Richmond Tigers @Etihad Stadium

Richmond Tigers 3.2 9.7 10.10 13.13 91
North Melbourne Kangaroos 5.3 7.7 12.11 15.14 104


The Kangaroos blew a good chance at getting their first win in Round 5 against the Tigers but capitulated in the last quarter and fell to a 0-4 record. Losses like this were the story of the Roos year and I'm sure plenty of the boys in Royal Blue saw this as a chance for redemption regardless of the ladder positions.

The Tigers, Kangaroos and Demons were seen as similar team at the start of the season in the sense they were coming out of a rebuilding phase with a core group of quality young players. A win for the Tigers would also have seen bragging rights go to the Yellow and Black on the ladder and a 9th placed finish.

A strong start to the Roos saw a 2 goal lead however they again gave the opposition a sniff with a patented burst of goals in a short period in the 2nd quarter. Instead it was the Tigers who were in the lead by 2 goals at half-time.

Whatever it was that Brad Scott said in the dressing rooms it needs to be said again next year. The spirit and hunger for the ball was evident fro the first hitout and it showed on the scoreboard with a 5 goal to 1 quarter. There were also several chances for the Ross for exted the lead including 4 points for the quarter.

The Roos did enough in the last quarter to finish of this season horribilis with a win by 13 points.

Drew Petrie continued his fine form in front of goal with 4 and yet another contender for mark of the year in the goal square with 2 minutes to go. For a guy who had 3 separate broken foot injuries the previous year, to kick 48 goals is a fantastic achievement. However I would say his conversion wasn't as tight as it could have been kicking 41 behinds meaning Petrie really should have kicked 50+ even close to 60 wouldn't have been out of the question.

Boomer Harvey seemed to run around the paddock without the burden of the captaincy or result on his way to an evergreen 31 possies, 8 marks, 2 goals with 4 goal contributed and 7 inside 50's. With Andrew Swallo steppin up his output this season, a changeover for him into the top leader role seems perfect. Boomer hasn't lost any pace or hunger so barring a debilitating soft tissue injury could easily play on for 2-3 more seasons and just enjoy his footy.

Brady Rawlings honourably retired earlier and finished his career on a high note both for the season and his last game. He was again pivotal throughout the year and collected plenty of possessions including 27 in his last year.

Todd Goldstein registered 29 hitouts finishing the season in 2nd overall for the all-time hit outs in a season list. It's no surprise he has been selected in the All-Australian squad of 40 along with teammates, Daniel Wells, Andrew Swallow and Drew Petrie. Considering top 8 Essendon didn't have a single player selected this is quite a tale of how well the Roos played despite their win-loss record.

Lindsay Thomas also played arguably his best all-round game for the season with 20 possies, 5 marks, 2 goals 2, 8 tackles and an impressive 11 inside 50's.

Although he Roos failed to make a real impact when playing top 8 teams despite several close losses, they will take some pride in the finish to year win.

As they say int he biz, there is always next year!

Until then hail to the 4 squad!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Todd Goldstein - #2 Hit Out All-Time Record

The North Melbourne Kangaroos and Todd Goldstein have both finished the season with bitter sweet records. The Kangas beat middle of the road rival Richmond Tigers in the last game of the season to finish top of the bottom 8. And Todd Goldstein recorded 29 hitouts to finish outright 2nd on the All-Time hit out charts with 741 for the year. I had my doubts on Goldstein making the allocated 27 when former All-Australian Hamish McIntosh was named for his 1st game of the year, giving the Roos 2 legitimate ruckmen. This proved unfounded as Goldstein further pushes his case for all-australian contention and will be bitterly unlucky not to make the team (He's a lock to make the squad of 40 but may miss out of the 22 on the basis they may only pick 1 specialist ruckman).

Hopefully Goldstein can use an uninterrupted pre-season to further build his fitness base and prove 2011 was not a figment of my imagination. The kangaroos were one of the youngest teams in the league in this year and will be collectively looking at a vast improvement over the summer and will need an on the ball (sic) Goldstein to be feeding his hungry young joeys the ball at any given opportunity for them to make the transition into the top echelon of teams.

But as it stands the 2011 season is over for the Roos and Goldstein has recorded the most hit outs in a single season second only to the phenomenal performance by another Rooboy Gary Dempsey in 1982 with the seemingly insurmountable 878.

Home and away hit-out tallies


878 - Gary Dempsey - 1982 (North Melbourne)
741 - Todd Goldstein - 2011 (North Melbourne)*
738 - Gary Dempsey - 1983 (North Melbourne)
711 - Mark Lee - 1984 (Richmond)
703 - Simon Madden - 1983 (Essendon)
688 - Gary Dempsey - 1981 (North Melbourne)
686 - Aaron Sandilands - 2010 (Fremantle)
682 - Darren Jolly - 2009 (Sydney)
659 - Aaron Sandilands - 2009 (Fremantle)
649 - Mark Lee - 1983 (Richmond)
646 - Aaron Sandilands - 2008 (Fremantle)
643 - Mark Jamar - 2010 (Melbourne)
628 - Peter Everitt - 2004 (Hawthorn)
623 - Rod Blake - 1980 (Geelong)
619 - Justin Madden - 1982 (Essendon)
611 - Mark Lee - 1981 (Richmond)
611 - Simon Madden - 1984 (Essendon)
607 - Matthew Allan - 1999 (Carlton)

Until then hail to the trifecta!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Round 23 Review

Disappointing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here was the lay of the land pre kick off. If the boys from Arden Street could beat the Saints and then beat the Tigers in a probable win they would be playing finals.

Round 23 - Vs St Kilda Saints @Etihad

St Kilda Saints 4.4 9.9 15.16 19.21 135
North Melbourne Kangaroos 2.5 7.7 9.7 10.10 70

The 1st quarter started with North getting all the inside 50's for little return and the Saints scoring on a couple of horrendous turnovers and using the wide open spaces for easy goals. 2 goals 5 for the quarter was always going to hurt the Royal Blue who need to punish the Saints early and keep it up. Well a semi-inspired spurt to start the second quarter was premature as the team went flaccid and let the Saints score the bulk of the goals for the remainder of the match. Nick Reiwoldt and Stephen 'tiprat' Milne combined for 9 goals as the forward entry for the Roos reminded me of my fumbling advances in my high school days that inevitably ended in rejection. This time the rejections were by the defence not cute girls not interested in a pimply faced dork. Todd Goldstein finished with 33 hitouts to finish #3 on the all-time hit out list with 1 week to go. He needs a gettable 27 to finish the year 2nd overall.
 

Andrew Swallow has his 2nd consecutive 30+ possie game finishing with 34, 9 marks and 9 tackles to be the best in Blue. Jack Ziebell continued his impressive end to the season with 28 possies, 19 kicks, 7 marks, 4 tackles and 4 inside 50's. Scott Thompson also continued his rich vein of form with 26 possies out of defence. There is little more to say about yet another blown opportunity on the big stage. Here's hoping the Roos finish of the season next week against the Tiger with a promising performance that can lead into a strong pre-season.
 

Roo Rating: 2 / 10
 
Daniel Wells
 

Wells was in and out of the game and when it was there to be won he was amongst the rest with an insipid performance. He racked up an average 18 possessions, 4 tackles, 5 inside 50's and a nice long range goal. Any chance of All-Australian selection has gone in the same direction as his teams prospects. Out of contention. Let's hope another uninterrupted pre-season can see Wells play his best year to date in 2012.
 
Wells Rating: 5 / 10
 
Until then hail to David's brother!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Todd Goldstein #3 All-Time Ruck list

Although North crashed to their most disappointing loss this year to St Kilda Todd Goldstein remained remained on track to finish the year 2nd overall in the all-time hit out hit list. He won his position in my opinion getting 33 hit outs to Ben McEvoy's 20 and 4 possessions less. Todd needs 27 hit outs next week against Richmond to finish the year trailing only Gary Dempsey's mammoth effort of 878 and sit in 2nd spot.

In round 5 this year against Richmond Goldstein accrued 31 hit outs and 9 tackles opposed to Angus Graham so a replication or thereabouts will see achieve 2nd.

Home and away hit-out tallies


878 - Gary Dempsey - 1982 (North Melbourne)
738 - Gary Dempsey - 1983 (North Melbourne)
712 - Todd Goldstein - 2011 (North Melbourne)* (20 games)
711 - Mark Lee - 1984 (Richmond)
703 - Simon Madden - 1983 (Essendon)
688 - Gary Dempsey - 1981 (North Melbourne)
686 - Aaron Sandilands - 2010 (Fremantle)
682 - Darren Jolly - 2009 (Sydney)
659 - Aaron Sandilands - 2009 (Fremantle)
649 - Mark Lee - 1983 (Richmond)
646 - Aaron Sandilands - 2008 (Fremantle)
643 - Mark Jamar - 2010 (Melbourne)
628 - Peter Everitt - 2004 (Hawthorn)
623 - Rod Blake - 1980 (Geelong)
619 - Justin Madden - 1982 (Essendon)
611 - Mark Lee - 1981 (Richmond)
611 - Simon Madden - 1984 (Essendon)
607 - Matthew Allan - 1999 (Carlton)

Until then hail to the Canonis!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Must Win Saturday Night Game!

With 2 weeks to go North Melbourne sit 6 points out of the 8. That is 1 and a half (draw) wins for those of you who aren't used to the simple scoring systems of the Australian Football League. A win is worth 4 points, a draw is 2 points, a goal is 6 points on the scoreboard and a behind is 1 point. Yes that's right if you miss the target but are pretty close you get rewarded.

Well now that you've caught up, the Kangaroos need to win both of their last 2 games to be a chance to play finals. Their first opportunity comes this Saturday against St Kilda. This will be their biggest challenge then they finish off the regular season against Richmond which should (sic) be an easier offering. Like a virgin (which I'm assuming Jack Riewoldt is!) sacrificed into the volcano (which is Eddie McGuire).

North Melbourne accounted well for themselves in their last meeting in round 15 falling just 9 points short after kicking 1 goal 4 in the last quarter and keeping the Saints scoreless. The Roos have been a much more successful playing an up tempo game since then culminating in the 98 point drilling of the Fremantle Dockers last Saturday night. What most bouys me most (apart from my unusually high fat %) is the fact it was such a team game. 10 players had 20+ possessions, another 8 had 15 -19 and every player registered 10 or more apart from Jack Ziebell who received a bruised lung early (he still tried to play for almost a quarter before coming off, what a hard man he is. At 20 give him 2 pre-seasons and the AFL will have to introduce a new Ziebell rule for his crunching tackle sand shirt fronts). Another promising sign was the debut of Aaron Mullett who looked at home with 17 possies, 3 tackles and 4 inside 50's. He was also cleaned up and jumped to feet adding to the strong mind strong bodies of the new age Roos. Former All-Australian Hamish McIntosh has also recovered from Achilles issues to push for selection. Brad Scott will never drop AA contender Todd Goldstein so will he play 2 feature ruckmen who can go forward and kick goals?

Where the game will be won:

Total Disposals: 11th in the AFL - Dal Santo (StK), 14 - Swallow (NMFC)
Goals: 6 - Milne (StK), 11 - Petrie (NMFC), 18 - Edwards (NMFC)
Tackles: 7 - Jones (StK), 9 - Swallow (NMFC)
Hit Outs: 1 - Goldstein (NMFC), 7 - McEvoy (StK)
Inside 50's: 11 - Wells (NMFC), 14 - Swallow (NMFC)
Total score for: 1932 - NMFC, 1670 - StK
Total score against: 1541 - StK, 1856 - NMFC

Most does it mean? Both teams are about average in total disposals and tackles. North kick a lot of their goals with their 3 tall forwards, Petrie (42 goals), Edwards (32) and super mature aged rookie of the year Cameron Pederson (17 from 13 games) (who since solidifying his position in the team has kicked at least a goal 8 of the last 9 weeks, the one week off being the slapping by Collingwood where the team kicked only 3 goals total.) and evergreen Brent Harvey's 29. Whereas St Kilda have dangerous small forward/serial pest Stephen Milne (48 goals) with Nick Riewoldt kicking 30 and Adam Schneider (another small forward) kicking 23.

Goldstein should have the advantage over St Kilda's Ben McEvoy in the ruck and if he gives the Roos midfield first use of the ball they need to spread and run up a score. North have scored 250 more points and St Kilda have been winning by keeping the score down. So North are more likely to win a high (100+) scoring game where the Saints will win if they keep the score down.

Both teams matched up pretty well earlier in the year so this is likely to be an intriguing clash for the non-involved spectator and a real white knuckle encounter for us Roos and Saints supporters.

Until then hail to the high hat!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Todd Goldstein - Hit Out Record

Last night Todd Goldstein single handedly battled against twin towers Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke. Although the towers got their share of hit outs Goldstein still managed 20 of his own to go alone with 16 possessions and 2 goals.

While his 20 hit outs didn't move him up all-time hit out list, it has him right behind the next 3. Next week against St Kilda Goldstein needs 10 more to jump from 8th spot to 5th an 24 to make 4th spot. Considering last time Goldstein played the Saints he amassed an extremely healthy 47 hit outs and constricted #1 ruckman Ben McEvoy to 25. Either way barring an injury or suspension Goldstein is highly likely to reached the top 3 position after the final 2 regular season games have been played out.

Home and away hit-out tallies


878 - Gary Dempsey - 1982 (North Melbourne)
738 - Gary Dempsey - 1983 (North Melbourne)
711 - Mark Lee - 1984 (Richmond)
703 - Simon Madden - 1983 (Essendon)
688 - Gary Dempsey - 1981 (North Melbourne)
686 - Aaron Sandilands - 2010 (Fremantle)
682 - Darren Jolly - 2009 (Sydney)
679 - Todd Goldstein - 2011 (North Melbourne)* (19 games)
659 - Aaron Sandilands - 2009 (Fremantle)
649 - Mark Lee - 1983 (Richmond)
646 - Aaron Sandilands - 2008 (Fremantle)
643 - Mark Jamar - 2010 (Melbourne)
628 - Peter Everitt - 2004 (Hawthorn)
623 - Rod Blake - 1980 (Geelong)
619 - Justin Madden - 1982 (Essendon)
611 - Mark Lee - 1981 (Richmond)
611 - Simon Madden - 1984 (Essendon)
607 - Matthew Allan - 1999 (Carlton)

Until then hail to the palm down!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Round 22 Review

Round 22 @ Etihad Stadium vs Fremantle Dockers

North Melbourne Kangaroos 6.1 10.7 16.10 21.17 143



Fremantle Dockers 3.1 3.4 5.7 6.9 45

With both teams sitting in 9th and 10 spot with a slim chance of slipping into the top 8 this is literally a make or break game. Loser = out and the winner can keep their marginal hopes alive. Sure the Dockers have had their share of injuries and more but they came into this game as full strength as they have all year including skipper Pavlich and perennial All-Australian ruckman Aaron Sandilands. This was always going to be a good challenge for the young and hungry Roos as they had battled valiantly bust lost their previous two games against top 4 teams.
 
Fremantle scored the opening goal in the first 45 seconds but the Roos didn't shirk winning the first quarter with 6 goals to 3. Andrew Swallow was getting lots of it including important contested stuff. Cam Pederson chipped in with 2 important goals while Petrie was having a quiet one.
 
In the second quarter what became apparent was the stiffling defence and the midfield making it hard to Fremantle to get any quality inside 50's. Scott 'Hunter' Thompson and Michael 'Spud' Firrito were particularly stingy! The Roos won the quarter kicking 4 goal to none and opened up the margin like a pinata.
 
This is where I was worried the Roos would take their foot off the throttle and either win by a slim margin or heaven forbid lose. Instead they stepped on toes and necks winning the quarter 6 goals to 2 and putting the result out of reach.
 
The Roos kicked 5 goals 7 to 1 and if not for slight inaccuracy in front of goal would have won by 100+ points instead having to settle for a 98 point victory.
 

What was most interesting was the absence of Drew Petrie on the score sheet and the evenness of the contributors across the ground. Andrew Swallow was best a field with 30 possessions including 16 contested, 7 inside 50's and 7 tackles. Aaron Edwards and Cam Pederson finished with 3 goals a piece and Todd Goldstein battle 2 200+cm giants alone and finished with 20 hit outs, 16 possessions, 4 inside 50's and 2 goals. 10 players registered 20+ possession games on the way to achieving the greatest winning margin for the Kangaroos since 2003.
 
Stats of interest: The Kangaroos scored 10 goals from marks and 10 from general play. Fremantle were 4 and 1. Fremantle also fielded more than player with 100 or more games under their belt. 7 to 5. It must also be noted that match winner Matthew Pavlich left the game for the Dolce and Cabbana red vest which did not help the Dockers. However one of our most important midfielders for the last 2 months Jack Ziebell was hurt in a heavy collision very early in the game and left also before being able to even register 1 possession. Not a straight swap but please don't use injury to argue a 98 point pounding.
 
Roo Rating: 9 1/2 / 10
 
Daniel Wells
 

Daniel did have some quiet patches but stood up when it counted finishing with 25 possies, 2 goals and a stunning 10 inside 50's. A far cry from Wellsey's best but after a couple of quiet weeks this is what he needed to remind All-Australian selectors he can play.
 
Wells Rating: 8 / 10
 
St Kilda are playing Sydney as I type this and 'we' play St Kilda next Saturday Night. These 2 games are crucial for the Kangaroos to get a sniff at the panties of the voluptuous siren I call Mistress Finals.
 
Until then hail to the Purple People Eater!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Todd Goldstein moves up the All-Time ruck ladder

Back on the 3rd of August I discussed who was in the running for All-Australian Ruckman for 2011. During the discussion I mentioned that Todd Goldstein was currently sitting in 14th spot on the all-time hit-out tally. He was averaging 36 hit-outs a game and on Sunday against Hawthorn he had 37. This moves him up to #8 on the list equal with Aaron Sandilands from 2009. With another 36 in 2 weeks time against St Kilda (after the bye) he'll move up to #5 on the all-time list with 695.

Home and away hit-out tallies


878 - Gary Dempsey - 1982 (North Melbourne)
738 - Gary Dempsey - 1983 (North Melbourne)
711 - Mark Lee - 1984 (Richmond)
703 - Simon Madden - 1983 (Essendon)
688 - Gary Dempsey - 1981 (North Melbourne)
686 - Aaron Sandilands - 2010 (Fremantle)
682 - Darren Jolly - 2009 (Sydney)
659 - Todd Goldstein - 2011 (North Melbourne)* (18 games)
659 - Aaron Sandilands - 2009 (Fremantle)
649 - Mark Lee - 1983 (Richmond)
646 - Aaron Sandilands - 2008 (Fremantle)
643 - Mark Jamar - 2010 (Melbourne)
628 - Peter Everitt - 2004 (Hawthorn)
623 - Rod Blake - 1980 (Geelong)
619 - Justin Madden - 1982 (Essendon)
611 - Mark Lee - 1981 (Richmond)
611 - Simon Madden - 1984 (Essendon)
607 - Matthew Allan - 1999 (Carlton)

With 3 games to go it will be interesting to see if Goldstein can finish up in 2nd position (he needs to average 26 for the last 3 games) as Gary Dempsey's #1 spot is out of reach.

Until then hail to the 22!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Round 20 Review v Hawthorn Hawks

Well what can I say another go against a top 4 team and another loss. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a thumping, the Roos were even briefly ahead with 4 minutes to go. But.... they faded and the old guard for the Hawks came through and again showed us that the Roos are still off the mark. Not much in my mind but still can't seem to win the games when they're in the balance. The Kangaroos have won 2 games by okay teams and through responding to the opposition surge that inevitably came. Round 13 vs Essendon and round 17 vs Western Bulldogs showed a glimpse of some semblance of ticked for the boys in Royal Blue. The rest of the games were a mix of downhill skiing against inferior opposition, getting blasted by Collingwood or Geelong or most frustratingly being in the game for 3 quarters or so before rolling over and giving the game away. This was particularly prevalent against West Coast (Rd1) by 4 points, Richmond (Rd 5) 9pts, Brisbane (Rd 9) 14pts, Sydney (Rd 10)1pt, St Kilda (Rd 15) 9pts, Carlton (Rd 19) 18pts, and on Sunday against Hawthorn (Rd 20)17 pts.

Yes that's correct we have been either even or ahead at some point in the last quarters and lost on 7 occasions. Just because I'm drinking scotch and researching doesn't make me wrong! If the Roos could have pulled 2 of those losses into victories they'd be playing finals this year and getting valuable experience into a core group of 30 - 100 gamers. Considering the Roos held considerable leads at some point in some of those games makes it even more disappointing. All the Kangaroos can do now is take the bye week off and regroup, hope for Essendon to lose to the Bulldogs and win their last 3 games. If results fall the way so that the Roos make it, great. If not, they probably didn't deserve it!

Round 20 @Aurora Stadium vs Hawthorn Hawks

Hawthorn Hawks 2.1 6.6 9.8 15.13 103



North Melbourne Kangaroos 3.7 5.7 9.7 13.8 86

Again North squandered early chances kicking 3 goals 7 behinds and failing to take ascendancy, with a strong breeze in their favour no less. Hawthorn kicked a little better in the second quarter taking a 5 point lead into the main break. Jack Ziebell was again strong in the engine room while Daniel Wells and Andrew Swallow seemed affected by the supposed flu they had. Todd Goldstein again held his own in the ruck. The Roos pulled the deficit back to 1 point at the 3 quarter break. Hawthorn were going to be kicking with the wind in the last so it was always going to be a tough ask. The most disappointing part of the loss was the fact that the Roos took ascendancy and kicked 4 quick goals, all to forward pocket speedster Matty 'Flash' Campbell, he finished with 5 goals for the match. His last goal giving the Roos a 4 point lead with 4 minutes to go. Things started to unravel from there, Lance Franklin finally decided to play and the Hawks kicked away with the last 3 goals of the game. Scott McMahon was great off half back with a team high 29 disposals, 8 marks and 6 tackles. Jack Ziebell was clearly Norths best with 27 disposals including 17 contested and 16 clearances and a goal. Todd Goldstein finished with 37 hit outs to go with his league leading tally. In the end the Hawks midfield stepped it up a gear when it was needed and proved they are about 5 ladder positions ahead of the Arden St boys. Rumour has it that several North player came down with flu like symptoms and diaargha and Lachlan Hansen actually had to pull out just before kick off.
 
Roo Rating: 7/10
 
Daniel Wells
 
Daniel apparently was suffering from mild flu symptoms and even though he finished with 19 touches and 5 tackles he only showed glimpses of brilliance including a much needed long range goal in atrocious Tasmanian conditions.
 
Wells Rating: 5/10
 
Until then hail to

All-Australian Ruckman - 2011

Dean Cox vs Todd Goldstein

Thanks to injuries to perennial AA Aaron Sandilands, Mark Jamar and Darren Jolly, Cox and Goldstein are clearly the two best ruckmen in the comp for 2011.

I'd be inclined to say both will make the squad and 1 or 2 of them will make the team of 22 at the end of the year. A 2 ruck team hasn't been in vogue for a few years with the exception of last year (Sandilands & Jamar) and with the sub rule it is probably even more unlikely.

If one of these players misses out on the honour of making the team it will be a shame as they are definitely in the top 22 players in the comp but the position they play is quite a specialised one. It's a bit like a quarterback in American Football. Only 1 takes the field at a time. Yes I know several teams play with 2 ruckmen!

Yes I am very aware raw stats don't tell all of the picture but if we look at more than the basics we can make an educated decision on who has had a better.

NOTE: Watching games and seeing the impact the player has made on the game is more important that just stat hawking. For example a mark, kick and goal is great. But Dean Cox did it in the dying minutes to win the game last week!

So let's look at some comparative stats.

Cox gets a lot more of the ball 100 times more and twice as many marks. Goldstein leads in tackles 75 to 31 and hitouts 622 to 543. Goals and assists are comparable.

Based on this I'd say Cox has been the most valuable ruckman in the comp as he has had quite a few more possessions and he uses it well too. The gap is slightly bridged in the amount of hit outs Goldstein has and the exceptionally high tackle count for a ruckman, this means he stops the opposition run and he's already there for the stoppage for a likely hitout.

While Cox is having a slightly superior season overall Goldstein is having an incredible season in hitouts. This has been helped by the injury for former #1 Kangaroo ruckman Hamish McIntosh and left Goldstein to shoulder the role alone with Cam Pederson and Drew Petrie pinch hitting when needed. Todd Goldstein missed the 1st game of the season  (ironically against Cox's West Coast) but still sits at #14 in the all-time hitout tally (see table below) and if he averages 29 for the remainder of the year will finish 2nd on that list. 29 will not be out of the realms of possibility as Goldstein is averaging 36 a game in the 17 he has played.

Home and away hit-out tallies

878 - Gary Dempsey - 1982 (North Melbourne)
738 - Gary Dempsey - 1983 (North Melbourne)
711 - Mark Lee - 1984 (Richmond)
703 - Simon Madden - 1983 (Essendon)
688 - Gary Dempsey - 1981 (North Melbourne)
686 - Aaron Sandilands - 2010 (Fremantle)
682 - Darren Jolly - 2009 (Sydney)
659 - Aaron Sandilands - 2009 (Fremantle)
649 - Mark Lee - 1983 (Richmond)
646 - Aaron Sandilands - 2008 (Fremantle)
643 - Mark Jamar - 2010 (Melbourne)
628 - Peter Everitt - 2004 (Hawthorn)
623 - Rod Blake - 1980 (Geelong)
622 - Todd Goldstein - 2011* (17 games)
619 - Justin Madden - 1982 (Essendon)
611 - Mark Lee - 1981 (Richmond)
611 - Simon Madden - 1984 (Essendon)
607 - Matthew Allan - 1999 (Carlton)
 
So where do I sit in All-Australian contention? Based on form up to date, Cox is slightly ahead but Goldstein would be very stiff if he doesn't make the team.
 
Until then hail to the tap tap tapparoo!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Round 19 Review

In the Kangaroos only Friday night game of the year they were pitted against top 4 Carlton in a true of test of their place in the pecking order. 3 heavy losses to Collingwood (twice) and Geelong only enhanced the view that they were a fair pace of the mark.

The Kangaroos have been able to match it with teams out of the 8 and 2 disappointing losses to Sydney (1 point) and St Kilda (9 points) prove they are comfortable in he middle of the ladder. The middle of the ladder however could be seen as ranging from 7th to 11th and you only get to play finals if you finish 8th or higher. So where abouts do the Kangaroos sit in the 'middle pack'? Well losses to Sydney (6th), St Kilda(7th), West Coast (5th) and Fremantle (8th) make it appear they are just off the mark at the moment but a closer inspection shows the Roos were a chance in those games losing them by 1, 9, 4 and 29 points respectively. Sure I here you say, the good teams wins the close games (see Geelong) but it also points out that the Roos aren't that far off either.

The last 4 games of the year against Hawthorn (4th), Fremantle(8th), St Kilda(7th) and Richmond(13th) will give a good indication as 3 are top 8 sides and Richmond sitting in 13th spot. The Roos should win the last game if they want to be seen as improving and heading in the right direction. A home game against an injury riddled Fremantle, a visit to Tasmania against the Hawks and a rematch against the Saints will show the Roos where they're at. 3 wins out of 4 could see them playing finals and 4 would give them a likely chance.

But I'm getting ahead of myself let's look back at Friday night. If we must.

Round 19 vs Carlton Blues @ES

North Melbourne Kangaroos 3.2 6.2 7.6 9.8 62



Carlton Blues 1.4 3.9 6.12 11.14 80

I was quietly confident about the match up with several key position players missing through injury and our ability to match up well against the Blues. 5 scoring shots a piece but wayward kicking from Carlton saw the Roos go into the first break 10 points up. The usual players for both teams were laying well.
 
Again wayward kicking saw the Blues go into the main break 11 down after kicking 3 goals 9. Carlton clearly had the better of the 3rd quarter restricting the Roos to 1 goal 4 and clawing back the deficit so that both teams were tied at the last break.
 
The going was tough at the start of the last quarter and the Kangaroos squandered a couple of gettable chances particularly marks inside 50 to Drew Petrie and Lachie Hansen. Carlton capitalised on these mistakes and took their chances in a 5 minute spurt kicking 3 quick goals, the ascendancy and as it turns out the game. Andrew Swallow toiled hard all day and tried his heart out in the last but in the end there were too many travellers and the Roos were over run by a fit Carlton side led admirably by skipper and new dad Chris Judd who was instrumental in the last quarter. Bryce Gibbs also shone in a different role in attack kicking 4 important goals in a low scoring match. Swallow ended with a game high 32 possessions, 5 I50's a goal and 9 tackles. Ziebell continued his consistent form with 22 touches and 10 tackles. Goldstein as always played his role with 36 hit outs and 5 tackles.
 
Roo Rating: 7 1/2 / 10
 
Daniel Wells
 
Wells had by far his quietest night with 5 tackles and 13 possessions. Most disturbing was the fact he went missing in the last when he was most needed and this game alone could be his unravelling for an All-Australian selection. Overall a disappointing performance by Daniel.
 
Wells Rating: 3  / 10
 
Let's hope Wells and his Roo mates can bounce back next Sunday @Aurora Stadium, Launceston.
 
Until then hail to FNF!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Must Win Friday Night Game!

The Kangaroos take on 4th placed Carlton in arguably their most important match so far.

The Roos have been able to account for most teams below them on the ladder and have also been blown out of the park against the top 2 teams. This is a chance to prove to the AFL public that they belong and can match it with the big boys. The Kangaroos currently sit in 10th position a half a game out of the 8 and play Hawthorn next week in another test before a bye. A win tonight and a Fremantle loss to Hawthorn would see the Roos enter the 8 and finals talk for the first time all year. After losing the first 4 games of the year and dropping several winnable games the Roos have won 6 of their last 8 and apart from being gangbanged by Collingwood have been playing good uncompromising footy with loads of contested footy to accompany clearances and inside 50's. If not for inaccurate kicking in front of the big sticks, the Roos would have an even better %.

Where the game will be won!

Let's look at the raw team stats (Totals):

Clearances:  2nd Carlton - 3rd Kangaroos
Contested Possessions: 3rd Carlton - 4th Kangaroos
Inside 50: 3rd Kangaroos - 5th Carlton
1%ers: 3rd Kangaroos - 6th Carlton
Contested Marks: 5th Kangaroos - 11th Carlton
Hit Outs: 2nd Kangaroos - 3rd Carlton
Goals: 3rd Carlton - 6th Kangaroos
Tackles: 2nd Carlton - 8th Kangaroos

Is there a clear winner? The only thing clear here is both teas are doing well in all of these statistical areas.


How about players in the top 10 (Total)
Clearances: 3rd Judd (C); 4th Swallow(NM); 9th Murphy (C)
Contested Possessions: E4th Swallow (NM) Judd(C); 6th Murphy (C)
Inside 50: 4th Simpson (C); 6th Wells (NM); 9th Murphy (C); 10th Judd(C)
1%ers: 2nd Thompson (NM)
Contested Marks: 3rd Petrie (NM)
Hit Outs: 1st Goldstein (NM)595; 6th Warrnock (C) 373 - 222 diference
Goals: 4th Walker (C); 7th Petrie (NM); E8th Betts (C), Garlett (C)
Tackles: 8th Swallow

Any clearer? The match winners will be Judd, Murphy and the Carlton small forwards vs Swallow, Wells, Goldstein and the Petrie up forward.

Whoever can win the clearances and contested possession should result in more inside 50's and scoring shots. If it's North Melbourne they need to kick above .500 and they're a red hot chance.

Check in in a couple of days for the review.

Until then hail to the clearance!

North Melbourne Kangaroos - Top 3 individual performances

There are 2 performances that stand out as 2 of the best for the whole league but choosing the third best was a little tougher. Having a high number in one or more statistical areas doesn't necessarily make it a great performance. Brady Rawlings often picks up 30+ possessions but they aren't as damaging to the opposition as 30 possessions from a more skillful player like Daniel Wells. Shear possessions and marks don't tell the same story as taking into account whether they were contested or a number of uncontested half-back time wasters.

So these are in order and I'm going to start with #1.

#1 Individual Performance (so far)

Andrew Swallow

Round 11 vs Adelaide Crows

I rate Andrew's game against the Crows as the most complete and influential by any player wearing the Royal Blue this year.

Swallow started the game hot winning 2 clearances and kicking a goal in the first 90 seconds. By quarter-time he had 17 disposals, 14 contested possessions, and 10 clearances to his name. Swallow single handedly won the team the quarter and although he didn't replicate these dizzying stat for the 3 subsequent quarters he still played a great game and ending up with some near records on the way. His 39 possessions were used at an astonishingly high 84% effectiveness. He laid 5 tackles, picked u 17 clearances and kicked 2 goals. He also took 3 uncharacteristic bounces as he was obviously aware he was playing a blinder. His most impressive stat was his 27 contested possessions that was 1 off the all-time record. This stat shows that Swallow wasn't on the end of easy kicks and he went and got the ball himself.

#2 Individual Performance

Jack Ziebell

Round 17 - Western Bulldogs

You could excuse Ziebell his relatively slow start to the season as his is coming off 2 broken legs and hip surgery and he's only 20. Coach Brad Scott subbed him out of most games at the start of the season as his fitness slowly built up and Ziebell has started to repay the faith picking up 20+ possies in 7 out of the last 9 games.

It was on the Sunday afternoon against the Bulldogs that Ziebell played his breakout game picking up 41 valuable possessions. His 28 kicks were more than any Bulldog could manage in possessions for the match. Ziebell entered the league with a mature body and show this by shrugging many tackles as well as laying 6 of his own. He was able to pick up 20 contested possessions and executed 8 valuable clearances. His confidence building during the season and reaching a crescendo as he attacked the ball and took the game on as evident by his 8 inside 50's an a goal.

Ziebell still needs to build a bigger fitness base as an uninterrupted pre-season will help with this but his game is even more magnificent in the reality that Ziebell was only on he ground for 68% of the game time. Imagine what he'll be able to do when he can play a regular midfield role at about 85% GT?

#3 Individual Performances

Todd Goldstein

Round 14 vs Port Adelaide

Picking the 3rd IP was difficult as a few players has very good games and Daniel Wells was unlucky as was Drew Petrie but Goldstein needs to be rewarded for his ultra consistent season thus far that could/should result in an All-Australian selection.

Goldstein set the tone early and finished the game with a staggering 53 hit outs (His second 53HO game for the year) and his attack on the footy a marvel for a player who stands 201cm and 103kgs. He picked up 13 handy possessions including 4 rebounds out of 50 and a goal. When he didn't have the ball on a string he laid 6 tackles.

I'd love to be able to update this post with another stand out performance before the season is over particularly a finals game.

Until then hail to Spitta!