What to Expect
North Melbourne will be looking to further prove their credentials as a serious contender this year as they come up against the Hawks at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite a slow start against the Cats, the Kangaroos were able to come from behind to claim a 16 point win – their first win at Simonds Stadium since Round 5, 2007.
North built from defence, intercepting Geelong’s long forward entries and damaging them on the rebound, recovering from questionable use of the ball early.
“I thought we missed targets… we can talk about our poor start but really our start was okay in the contest, and around the clearance we were pretty dominant, but we kept turning it over,” coach Brad Scott said post-game.
“But I thought it was a pretty mature performance of our guys to absorb the pressure and absorb the momentum and respond.”
A former Hawk himself, Scott is well aware of the task that awaits his side in Round 5.
“Reigning premiers, coming off a loss, it doesn’t get much harder than that.”
Ruckman Todd Goldstein also looking forward to the challenge of matching it with the best.
“For us, we’re coming up against the reigning premiers… so that in itself is enough of a rivalry for us to want to try and lift our game and perform at our best because we know what they’re going to bring, and they’re a very successful club and we want to emulate that,” he told media on Tuesday.
Players to watch
Key defender Robbie Tarrant played arguably his best game for the club, as he held Tom Hawkins to one goal and consistently cut off Geelong’s forward forays with a team-high nine marks.
Coach Brad Scott praised the 26-year-old’s efforts.
“We couldn’t ask for more at this stage of his development as a defender.
“If he can get some continuity in his footy…he’s going to be a valuable player for us.”
Todd Goldstein also continued his dominant start to the season against Cats – 21 disposals, 42 hitouts and eight clearances earning him a perfect 10 votes from the coaches.
The ruckman pinning his good form on work done after the contest in the ruck.
“I think the part of my game that is the strongest is the follow ups and things like that is stuff that doesn’t matter who I’m up against and that’s been a real focus for myself and my ruck coach Alex Ishchenko.”
The Hawks will also have to keep an eye on Sam Wright after he was amongst North Melbourne’s best, gathering 32 disposals from defence with seven rebound 50’s.
Potential Changes
While North won’t be forced to make any changes to a winning side, Daniel Wells, Luke McDonald and Jamie MacMillan are all a chance to be fit for the clash against Hawthorn.
The trio remain a test and will likely be pressed at training this week before being considered.
Kayne Turner may find himself out of the side if any of the three are brought in, after being subbed out of the game in the third term with 12 disposals to his name.
Lachie Hansen also pressed his case in what was his first competitive hit out for the season with VFL side, Werribee. However the defender may well be held back for another week and given a second run in the reserves.
