Day 47 (140 days to go)
North Melbourne 2015 Season Preview
North Melbourne were perhaps the biggest surprises in 2014: I for one certainly didn't expect them to make a preliminary final. But they are in a good position, and well primed for another top 6 berth in 2015.
On paper, perhaps they aren't the strongest team in the competition, but we all know it's not what's on the paper that counts. Case in point is Big Bad Ben Brown, whose hairstyle and guernsey number combined to make him a fan favourite. And yet they have a number of solid contributors who they can depend on to get the job done.
Scott Thompson is one of the best defenders in the AFL, and he showed this when he kept Buddy Franklin goalless early in the 2014 season. He is the leader down back, and support comes from Grima, McMahon, Atley, McDonald and Wright. The Roos have no concerns at all down back.
What about the engine room? Captain Swallow is courageous, hard-working and ticks all the boxes. Ben Cunnington is seriously underrated: not sure how many would have picked him to win the North B&F! At his best Daniel Wells is a gun, and adds some vital pace. Boomer Harvey just keeps on getting better: his 2014 was outstanding, and he could play for another couple of seasons. Dal Santo has been a great pickup as he enters his twilight years. They are supplied by ruckman Todd Goldstein, who also probably is somewhat underrated by the average fan.
In the forward line, I've already mentioned Brown, but it gets more colourful when you add Black into the mix (yes, I know, that was terrible). But in all seriousness, if he can take his game to the next level, the Roos have two players to build their future forward line around. Drew Petrie is very consistent and one of the most valuable players for the Roos, and another vital player is small forward Lindsay Thomas, whose goal sense is incredible.
What does all this mean? A top 5 finish for mine. They've got just the right balance between youth and experience, and 2015 could be the last season before they require a mini rebuild, but things are looking bright for next season.
Predictions:
B&F: Daniel Wells
Most Brownlow votes: Daniel Wells (15)
Most goals: Aaron Black (42)
Most improved: Luke McDonald
Position: 5th
Tomorrow: Port Adelaide