Found this website via the main board
I found it was a really accurate summary of the Roos and where they are and good to read analysis by someone who understands we do have very good young players coming through and doesn't trot out the usual journo line of over reliance on Simpson, Harvey and Grant.
http://www.thecritique.net/critiques.php?post=9
What Happened in 2007?
Not even the most diehard Kangaroos fans would have predicted how well their team did in 2007. During the regular season everything that could go right did, unfortunately this did not continue into the finals where they were embarrassed in 2 of the 3 finals they played. The Kangaroos won 11 of 12 against sides out of the 8 and 4 of 13 games against top 8 sides. The most surprising result for the Kangaroos was they achieved this despite losing key forward Nathan Thompson before the season started.
Key off-season move? Staying in Melbourne
Despite the AFL’s efforts the Kangaroos defied their critics and have committed to remaining in Melbourne. In addition they have a new president and CEO who seem to have created some positive momentum at Arden Street. Most importantly for the Kangaroos on field success is the stability off field which has plagued them in recent years.
What fans want to see? Jesse W Smith
His short career has been plagues by injury; he has yet to complete a full preseason and only played 2 games in 2006. However, anyone who saw his 27 possession performance against Hawthorn in the semi final would realise why he is so highly rated by North Melbourne. He is 190cm with class, skill and pace and he is only 21. He has the potential to be a top 10 player in this league if he can stay healthy.
What fans don’t want to see? Photos of Dean Laidley dressed as Groucho Marx
Dean Laidley has been portrayed by the media as a surly man who does not have the ability to sell the football club. In an attempt to change this Laidley posed for a photo dressed as Groucho Marx and created one of the worst photos. Please stick to being surly Dean no one wants to see that again.
X Factor Aaron Edwards
Has the best hands in the AFL bar none. With the return of Nathan Thompson, Edwards should be freed up in a pocket. His 4 goal performance against Hawthorn in the semi final showed how good he can be.
2008 Key Player Daniel Wells
His speed and skill is important for the Kangaroos blue collar midfield. His output has yet to match his reputation, but he did start last season very well before being injured but the time has come for Wells to have an All Australian season if he is to justify his reputation.
Intriguing subplot Gold Coast
Despite North Melbourne voting to stay in Melbourne, the AFL has declared they will have a side on the Gold Coast sooner rather later. There is no doubt it is the AFL’s preference for that to be North Melbourne. Therefore Brayshaw and newly appointed CEO Eugene Arocca will be under pressure to ensure that North Melbourne is as strong as it can be off the field.
It’s time to go....Adam Simpson
Despite being the captain, Adam Simpson is the worst skilled player at the Kangaroos and maybe the AFL. As good as he is clearances and accumulating the football, players who turn the ball over consistently are a liability. The Roos cannot have Rawlings and Simpson in the same side and Rawlings is more valuable as he is a great tagger. In addition Harris and Swallow are great clearance players who can replace Simpson.
The CRITiC says....
An unbelievable 2007 will be almost impossible duplicate, however the Kangaroos are a lot better than the football public givens them credit for. Despite being criticised for not having enough youth, they have one of the best under 23 groups in the AFL with McIntosh, Wells, Smith, Swallow, Hansen and McMahon. The great thing about the Kangaroos is that you can guarantee they will be competitive every game which you cannot say about all clubs and it is this factor that will push them into the 8.
I found it was a really accurate summary of the Roos and where they are and good to read analysis by someone who understands we do have very good young players coming through and doesn't trot out the usual journo line of over reliance on Simpson, Harvey and Grant.
http://www.thecritique.net/critiques.php?post=9
What Happened in 2007?
Not even the most diehard Kangaroos fans would have predicted how well their team did in 2007. During the regular season everything that could go right did, unfortunately this did not continue into the finals where they were embarrassed in 2 of the 3 finals they played. The Kangaroos won 11 of 12 against sides out of the 8 and 4 of 13 games against top 8 sides. The most surprising result for the Kangaroos was they achieved this despite losing key forward Nathan Thompson before the season started.
Key off-season move? Staying in Melbourne
Despite the AFL’s efforts the Kangaroos defied their critics and have committed to remaining in Melbourne. In addition they have a new president and CEO who seem to have created some positive momentum at Arden Street. Most importantly for the Kangaroos on field success is the stability off field which has plagued them in recent years.
What fans want to see? Jesse W Smith
His short career has been plagues by injury; he has yet to complete a full preseason and only played 2 games in 2006. However, anyone who saw his 27 possession performance against Hawthorn in the semi final would realise why he is so highly rated by North Melbourne. He is 190cm with class, skill and pace and he is only 21. He has the potential to be a top 10 player in this league if he can stay healthy.
What fans don’t want to see? Photos of Dean Laidley dressed as Groucho Marx
Dean Laidley has been portrayed by the media as a surly man who does not have the ability to sell the football club. In an attempt to change this Laidley posed for a photo dressed as Groucho Marx and created one of the worst photos. Please stick to being surly Dean no one wants to see that again.
X Factor Aaron Edwards
Has the best hands in the AFL bar none. With the return of Nathan Thompson, Edwards should be freed up in a pocket. His 4 goal performance against Hawthorn in the semi final showed how good he can be.
2008 Key Player Daniel Wells
His speed and skill is important for the Kangaroos blue collar midfield. His output has yet to match his reputation, but he did start last season very well before being injured but the time has come for Wells to have an All Australian season if he is to justify his reputation.
Intriguing subplot Gold Coast
Despite North Melbourne voting to stay in Melbourne, the AFL has declared they will have a side on the Gold Coast sooner rather later. There is no doubt it is the AFL’s preference for that to be North Melbourne. Therefore Brayshaw and newly appointed CEO Eugene Arocca will be under pressure to ensure that North Melbourne is as strong as it can be off the field.
It’s time to go....Adam Simpson
Despite being the captain, Adam Simpson is the worst skilled player at the Kangaroos and maybe the AFL. As good as he is clearances and accumulating the football, players who turn the ball over consistently are a liability. The Roos cannot have Rawlings and Simpson in the same side and Rawlings is more valuable as he is a great tagger. In addition Harris and Swallow are great clearance players who can replace Simpson.
The CRITiC says....
An unbelievable 2007 will be almost impossible duplicate, however the Kangaroos are a lot better than the football public givens them credit for. Despite being criticised for not having enough youth, they have one of the best under 23 groups in the AFL with McIntosh, Wells, Smith, Swallow, Hansen and McMahon. The great thing about the Kangaroos is that you can guarantee they will be competitive every game which you cannot say about all clubs and it is this factor that will push them into the 8.
