AFLW North Melbourne Football Club AFLW - Season 2023 [GF: North vs Brisbane @ Ikon Park, Sunday 3 December @ 2:30pm - NM 27 - 44 BL]

[DEVO]

How can North Melbourne improve in 2024. I thought it was pretty obvious and so did GB.

How your club can improve in 2024

Increase forward efficiency
It's tricky to pinpoint a gap in North Melbourne after its most successful season, narrowly falling at the very last hurdle. The problem that has haunted the side for a couple of years, however, has persisted, albeit improvement has certainly been made.
With a strong defence and a powerful midfield, the area the Kangaroos have continued to break down has been that midfield-forward connection and, ultimately, the ability to turn inside 50 entries into scores.
Improved accuracy meant the side's goal efficiency (goals per inside 50) increased, but on the whole North Melbourne generated fewer shots on goal per inside 50 throughout 2023. Much of this was masked not only by the club's conversion of 43 per cent, but also its competition-leading 37.5 inside 50s per game.
Cleaning up that efficiency once in attack is the last piece of the puzzle in North Melbourne's journey to a maiden premiership.

Emma Kearney looks dejected after losing the Grand Final on December 3, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

 

[DEVO]

Your club's best 21: Who's in, who's out, who's new

Your club's best 21: Who's in, who's out, who's new​

Gemma Bastiani has compiled her predicted starting 21 for each team ahead of the 2024 season
By Gemma Bastiani

B: Jas Ferguson, Sarah Wright
HB: Emma Kearney, Libby Birch, Erika O'Shea
C: Taylah Gatt, Mia King, Lulu Pullar
HF: Jenna Bruton, Kate Shierlaw, Alice O'Loughlin
F: Emma King, Tahlia Randall
FOLL: Kim Rennie, Jas Garner, Ash Riddell
I/C: Isabella Eddey, Nicole Bresnehan, Amy Smith, Vikki Wall, Niamh Martin
Depth: Lucy Burke, Tess Craven, Elizabeth McGrath, Zoe Savarirayan, Eliza Shannon, Ella Slocombe, Georgia Stubs, Ruby Tripodi
Note: North Melbourne has one list spot left to fill

The assumption that Vikki Wall will return to AFLW this year will see her slot back into North Melbourne's attack, while the recruitment of dual premiership player Libby Birch unfortunately squeezes Eliza Shannon out of the backline. Tess Craven will be unlucky to miss out, despite a strong finals series, given the impact of Taylah Gatt and Lulu Pullar, while both Bella Eddey and Jenna Bruton can also reliably play the role. Ruby Tripodi and Zoe Savarirayan offer forward depth, while draftee Ella Slocombe is likely to need a strong forward presence if she is to break into the side, given the strength of the Kangaroos' midfield.

Vikki Wall celebrates a goal during North Melbourne's clash against Collingwood in round nine, S7, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

 

[The Nostradamus]

^tripodi in for smith otherwise that looks right

 

[Colby Cheer Squad]

That's some kind of team. Plenty of competition for spots.

 

[shinboner magic]

Shannon unlucky not to be in side

 

[DEVO]

^tripodi in for smith otherwise that looks right

I think Tripodi in for Martin. Smith is the only mid on the bench with forwards Eddey, Wall and Martin.

 

[The Nostradamus]

I think Tripodi in for Martin. Smith is the only mid on the bench with forwards Eddey, Wall and Martin.

Tripodi can play mid and that’s her more natural postion
Which is why I have her in for smith as she’s the cleaner ball user than Amy

And with the added benefit of being a forward rotation if needed

and play Bruton more mid instead of half forward allowing wall half forward spot

So you’d have Pullar and gatt on the wings
Then the mid centre rotation of king, garner, bruton, Tripodi and riddell (the latter 3 might also have a rotation on the wing)

 

[DEVO]

Tripodi can play mid and that’s her more natural postion
Which is why I have her in for smith as she’s the cleaner ball user than Amy

And with the added benefit of being a forward rotation if needed

and play Bruton more mid instead of half forward allowing wall half forward spot

So you’d have Pullar and gatt on the wings
Then the mid centre rotation of king, garner, bruton, Tripodi and riddell (the latter 3 might also have a rotation on the wing)

The engine room looks a player short. Five in the midfield rotation in the women's game is suicide and we should know, Bruton's injury in the first couple of minutes played a massive part in our GF loss, our mids were dead on their feet halfway through the fourth quarter and the Lions took advantage.

You really need a minimum of six (preferably seven) because of the amount of running they do and contests they compete in. And as poorly as forward connection may be, we don't need eight in the forward rotation.

Tripodi in for Martin, so we have two mids (Smith and Tripodi) and two forwards (Eddey and Wall) on the bench.

 

[The Nostradamus]

The engine room looks a player short. Five in the midfield rotation in the women's game is suicide and we should know, Bruton's injury in the first couple of minutes played a massive part in our GF loss, our mids were dead on their feet halfway through the fourth quarter and the Lions took advantage.

You really need a minimum of six (preferably seven) because of the amount of running they do and contests they compete in. And as poorly as forward connection may be, we don't need eight in the forward rotation.

Tripodi in for Martin, so we have two mids (Smith and Tripodi) and two forwards (Eddey and Wall) on the bench.

5 is plenty 7 if you include the wingers

Means you have 2 on the bench at any one time out of the 5 bench spots

 

[DEVO]

5 is plenty 7 if you include the wingers

Means you have 2 on the bench at any one time out of the 5 bench spots

Check your team again, there is only mid on the bench because you are replacing Smith with Tripoli.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Check your team again, there is only mid on the bench because you are replacing Smith with Tripoli.

No I’m saying Bruton to play as a mid not a forward
Plus Tripodi in for smith

So the 7 mids
1. Garner
2. King
3. Riddell
4. Tripodi
5. Bruton
6. Gatt
7. Pullar

Wall into the field at hff

So Bruton and Tripodi coming off the bench as mid rotations

 

[shinboner magic]

Are our mids good enough to compete without jassy being in there.
We need to improve our conversion rate and garner just kicks goals for fun when she’s in there.

 

[DEVO]

 

[DEVO]

Are our mids good enough to compete without jassy being in there.
We need to improve our conversion rate and garner just kicks goals for fun when she’s in there.

Our mids are good enough, but I think we generally play with one less midfielder than the likes of Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, so if we lose a player like in the GF we struggle to cover the loss.

 

[DEVO]

On this day in 2019, North Melbourne played their first game in the AFLW against Carlton at North Hobart Oval. North won 7.10.52 - 2.4.16.

Seven players who played in that first game will line up in season 2024, Nicole Bresnehan, Jenna Bruton, Jasmine Garner, Emma Kearney, Emma King, Tahlia Randall and Ash Riddell.

 

[DEVO]

How AFLW clubs can add to their lists this month

Anybody got any names we could look at as potential list fillers?

And is it possible that we may look at bringing back a player like Granville or McCarthy, especially if Wall decides not to return?

 

[Teen Wolf]

Not too surprising considering Wuetschner was kicked out of that club for the crime of being struck by lightning. Player welfare never been a huge concern for Starcevich and co.

 

[King Corey]

Not too surprising considering Wuetschner was kicked out of that club for the crime of being struck by lightning. Player welfare never been a huge concern for Starcevich and co.

So.. winning by default back on the cards?

"De-fault De-fault"

 

[Boozeroo]

It was obvious to everyone watching the game that she had concussion issues.

Paper-thin excuses from a medical professional, at least there was a sanction......

 

[shinboner magic]

It was obvious to everyone watching the game that she had concussion issues.

Paper-thin excuses from a medical professional, at least there was a sanction......

Why don’t the afl have drs at each game to oversee concussions.
Might cost a bit but might save the league in the future.
Also if a dr is found guilty for putting a concussed player back on they should be banned

 

[Colby Cheer Squad]

Why don’t the afl we Molloy someone at each game to oversee concussions.
Might cost a bit but might save the league in the future.
Also if a dr is found guilty for putting a concussed player back on they should be banned

Also, what are the odds that a doctor doesn't notice a phone call from AFL officials alerting him of the urgent need to conduct a concussion protocol test in the middle of a grand final?

 

[wolvesRoos]

These fines are not very big. People will not worry about sending on concussed players in a grand final if game on the line

 

[DEVO]

The Doc has (finally) released his top 50 AFLW players for season 2023 and there are a few North girls in his list.

THE DOC’S AFLW POST-SEASON TOP 50

THE DOC’S AFLW POST-SEASON TOP 50

It’s taken far too long to get this out – but having the season finish, and then flung right into the action of the trade period, and then going away on holidays will do that.
But it is a great joy to finally present the top 50 AFLW players from the 2023 season. Like any list that has come before me, it took so much rotating and swapping players in spots and swapping players in and out. So many could’ve staked a claim but just missed out.
I won’t hammer on too much; it’s a long list, and I’m sure you’re itching to see if your favourite player made the list from this past season. So, let’s get to it.

41. Sarah Wright (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: She had a nightmare of a final term in the Grand Final, but up until that point, Sarah Wright’s role as a stopper in North Melbourne’s defensive unit was nearly flawless. She won a lot of essential one-on-ones and intercepted well when called upon.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 9.8 disposals, 3.2 contested possessions, 1.3 rebound 50s, 5.7 intercept possessions, 3.7 marks, 1.5 intercept marks, 1.5 tackles, 5.5 pressure acts, 31 defensive contest one-on-ones for three losses

40. Libby Birch (Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: Birch continued to play to her strengths as the lockdown defender and proved hard to beat at the Dees again. Now a Roo, they inherit a backline general, and with the likes of Ferguson, Wright and Eliza Shannon in the side, good luck kicking a goal against this backline in 2024.
The Stats say: 12 games in 2023, 8.2 disposals, 4.2 contested possessions, 1.4 rebound 50s, 5.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 marks, 0.7 contested marks, 1.5 intercept marks, 1.8 tackles, 6.2 pressure acts, 40 defensive contest one-on-ones for seven losses

37. Emma Kearney (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: 43
The Doc says: The old reliable – Eight All-Australian blazers in as many seasons. She showed out enough times to suggest that she can still have the dash, and her ability to intercept across half-back has reached new levels this year.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 20.1 disposals, 5.8 contested possessions, 2.2 inside 50s, 4.5 rebound 50s, 7.2 intercept possessions, 3.3 marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 2.5 tackles, 6.5 pressure acts

34. Mia King (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: There were high wraps on her when she was drafted by the Roos four years ago and she is fresh off producing a career-best year, capped off with a performance in the Grand Final that saw her pick up 13 clearances.
The Stats say: 12 games in 2023, 20.3 disposals, 11.7 contested possessions, 6.1 clearances, 2.7 inside 50s, 2.1 intercept possessions, 2.1 marks, 8.9 tackles, 22.3 pressure acts, 2.9 score involvements

30. Tahlia Randall (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: She’s been on a slow rise to becoming a superstar key forward, but I feel like we got about as complete a season as we’ve had with Randall. Watching in front of the goal has often been frustrating, but her marking hands have been first-class, and her set shot has come a long way since the move.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 8.1 disposals, 4.7 contested possessions, intercept possessions, 2.5 marks, 0.8 contested marks, 1.8 tackles, 6.8 pressure acts, 4.7 score involvements, 21 goals, 17 behinds

13. Jasmine Ferguson (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: Maybe it’s because I’ve got a soft spot for the lockdown defenders, but Jasmine Ferguson was paired up with some of the most dangerous key forwards this year, and she was rarely beaten. It’s time the league recognises these players in the All-Australian side. Ferguson’s omission from 2023’s side was a disgrace.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023: seven disposals, 2.5 contested possessions, 4.1 intercept possessions, three marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 1.7 tackles, 2.8 pressure acts, 36 contested one-on-ones for six losses

8. Ash Riddell (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: 32
The Doc says: Statistically, she took a step back in season seven but responded with personal bests all across the board in 2023. Perhaps overlooked in a stacked North Melbourne midfield, but she’s as influential as anyone else at the club when she can get her hands on the ball.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 29.8 disposals, 13.7 contested possessions, 5.5 clearances, 4.5 inside 50s, 4.4 intercept possessions, 3.7 marks, 5.3 tackles, 18.8 pressure acts, 4.3 score involvements, two goals, five behinds

1. Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: 1
The Doc says: Sooner or later, there will be respect for her name regarding the league’s best and fairest count. She produced another incredible year, which saw her pick up a fourth club best and fairest, a sixth All-Australian blazer, and winning both the Coaches Association and Players Association MVP. She made powering through opposition and kicking goals look easy at times; such was her dominance.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 28.6 disposals, 6.5 clearances, 6.5 inside 50s, 15.1 contested possessions, 4.1 intercept possessions, 3.5 marks, 7.2 tackles, 19.2 pressure acts, 5.2 score involvements, 13 goals, 13 behinds

 

[shinboner magic]

The Doc has (finally) released his top 50 AFLW players for season 2023 and there are a few North girls in his list.

THE DOC’S AFLW POST-SEASON TOP 50

THE DOC’S AFLW POST-SEASON TOP 50

It’s taken far too long to get this out – but having the season finish, and then flung right into the action of the trade period, and then going away on holidays will do that.
But it is a great joy to finally present the top 50 AFLW players from the 2023 season. Like any list that has come before me, it took so much rotating and swapping players in spots and swapping players in and out. So many could’ve staked a claim but just missed out.
I won’t hammer on too much; it’s a long list, and I’m sure you’re itching to see if your favourite player made the list from this past season. So, let’s get to it.

41. Sarah Wright (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: She had a nightmare of a final term in the Grand Final, but up until that point, Sarah Wright’s role as a stopper in North Melbourne’s defensive unit was nearly flawless. She won a lot of essential one-on-ones and intercepted well when called upon.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 9.8 disposals, 3.2 contested possessions, 1.3 rebound 50s, 5.7 intercept possessions, 3.7 marks, 1.5 intercept marks, 1.5 tackles, 5.5 pressure acts, 31 defensive contest one-on-ones for three losses

40. Libby Birch (Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: Birch continued to play to her strengths as the lockdown defender and proved hard to beat at the Dees again. Now a Roo, they inherit a backline general, and with the likes of Ferguson, Wright and Eliza Shannon in the side, good luck kicking a goal against this backline in 2024.
The Stats say: 12 games in 2023, 8.2 disposals, 4.2 contested possessions, 1.4 rebound 50s, 5.3 intercept possessions, 2.3 marks, 0.7 contested marks, 1.5 intercept marks, 1.8 tackles, 6.2 pressure acts, 40 defensive contest one-on-ones for seven losses

37. Emma Kearney (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: 43
The Doc says: The old reliable – Eight All-Australian blazers in as many seasons. She showed out enough times to suggest that she can still have the dash, and her ability to intercept across half-back has reached new levels this year.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 20.1 disposals, 5.8 contested possessions, 2.2 inside 50s, 4.5 rebound 50s, 7.2 intercept possessions, 3.3 marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 2.5 tackles, 6.5 pressure acts

34. Mia King (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: There were high wraps on her when she was drafted by the Roos four years ago and she is fresh off producing a career-best year, capped off with a performance in the Grand Final that saw her pick up 13 clearances.
The Stats say: 12 games in 2023, 20.3 disposals, 11.7 contested possessions, 6.1 clearances, 2.7 inside 50s, 2.1 intercept possessions, 2.1 marks, 8.9 tackles, 22.3 pressure acts, 2.9 score involvements

30. Tahlia Randall (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: She’s been on a slow rise to becoming a superstar key forward, but I feel like we got about as complete a season as we’ve had with Randall. Watching in front of the goal has often been frustrating, but her marking hands have been first-class, and her set shot has come a long way since the move.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 8.1 disposals, 4.7 contested possessions, intercept possessions, 2.5 marks, 0.8 contested marks, 1.8 tackles, 6.8 pressure acts, 4.7 score involvements, 21 goals, 17 behinds

13. Jasmine Ferguson (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: N/A
The Doc says: Maybe it’s because I’ve got a soft spot for the lockdown defenders, but Jasmine Ferguson was paired up with some of the most dangerous key forwards this year, and she was rarely beaten. It’s time the league recognises these players in the All-Australian side. Ferguson’s omission from 2023’s side was a disgrace.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023: seven disposals, 2.5 contested possessions, 4.1 intercept possessions, three marks, 1.3 intercept marks, 1.7 tackles, 2.8 pressure acts, 36 contested one-on-ones for six losses

8. Ash Riddell (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: 32
The Doc says: Statistically, she took a step back in season seven but responded with personal bests all across the board in 2023. Perhaps overlooked in a stacked North Melbourne midfield, but she’s as influential as anyone else at the club when she can get her hands on the ball.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 29.8 disposals, 13.7 contested possessions, 5.5 clearances, 4.5 inside 50s, 4.4 intercept possessions, 3.7 marks, 5.3 tackles, 18.8 pressure acts, 4.3 score involvements, two goals, five behinds

1. Jasmine Garner (North Melbourne)
Pre-season ranking: 1
The Doc says: Sooner or later, there will be respect for her name regarding the league’s best and fairest count. She produced another incredible year, which saw her pick up a fourth club best and fairest, a sixth All-Australian blazer, and winning both the Coaches Association and Players Association MVP. She made powering through opposition and kicking goals look easy at times; such was her dominance.
The Stats say: 13 games in 2023, 28.6 disposals, 6.5 clearances, 6.5 inside 50s, 15.1 contested possessions, 4.1 intercept possessions, 3.5 marks, 7.2 tackles, 19.2 pressure acts, 5.2 score involvements, 13 goals, 13 behinds

Bruton must be invisible

 

[DEVO]

Bruton must be invisible

She did miss the first few games of the season and all but 3 minutes of the Grand Final.