Norths flag chances

[1990crow]

People are getting carried away prematurely, we have a lot of games against the other potential contenders to come, we need a larger sample size.

I predicted North to win the flag preseason, i think you guys will make the GF

 

[BoydOHboyd]

If they make the 4 they're a chance....and they look like they'll go close to that.

 

[Pee Tear Griffin]

People are getting carried away prematurely, we have a lot of games against the other potential contenders to come, we need a larger sample size.

Don't think anyone is claiming North as clear favourites, but your record of recent top 4 finishes and start to this year certainly puts you in the discussion.

 

[StevenwellerHFC]

Going great, will finish top 4, will make the Grand Final.

 

[Cotchin 9]

I think they'll win it.

 

[the big lebowski]

Right now I think they'll be looking at getting to a prelim again and needing a heap of luck to win a prelim and grand final. If they beat the Dogs I might jump on board.

Until then I have question on personnel and game style.

With personnel:
I don't think their backline is good enough. Not enough in rebound or defending.
And I think their midfield lacks quality on the inside and out. Wells helps. And Dal Santo has a solid finals record, but I think they need an upgrade on the wing and everyone firing inside.
Forward line is certainly good enough as long as Waite and Harvey are firing and working both ways. Probably need Taylor Garner as that extra bit of x factor as well.

With game style I think they don't zone up well enough in defending nor do they switch and control ball movement. They score well as they go fast and direct but it also means they are too open and give the opposite too much of a chance.

Whilst you say we need more rebound out of defence we are the best in the league at transitioning the footy from the backline to the forward line.

 

[calyam]

We will have a fair idea about how they stack up on Friday night. A victory over the Dogs, who are a genuine flag chance, would surely erase a few doubts.

Based on what I've seen they definitely have the offensive power to win a premiership, they are prolific on that end, it's the defensive side where they probably need to improve.

 

[The King!]

Thats some tall timber in the forward line, very good chance

 

[Kcrack]

This. They've faced Essendon and Richmond in EF's who are major chokers, and come up against injured Geelong and Swans sides in the semi finals. And when they make the prelims they get destroyed.

"injured Geelong and Swans" - missing 3 or 4 of your best 22. No mention of Swans nearly beating Freo over in Perth the week before?
And a 4 goal loss in a prelim is hardly destroyed.

 

[Shinboner '07]

If we can totally avoid hawthorn in our finals campaign, then yes we're a real chance

 

[DrZaius]

We will have a fair idea about how they stack up on Friday night. A victory over the Dogs, who are a genuine flag chance, would surely erase a few doubts.

Based on what I've seen they definitely have the offensive power to win a premiership, they are prolific on that end, it's the defensive side where they probably need to improve.

Just curious why the Dogs are seen as genuine contenders on BF but North (generally) aren't?

Dogs have beaten:
- Freo
- St Kilda
- Carlton
- Brisbane
All at Etihad

Surely using the same measurement for North would also make them contenders at this stage?

(Nothing against the Doggies, I like them and think they are a good team)

 

[Scholz Supremacy]

Yes, they could give it a shake. But they must finish Top 4 this year if they're to get past that Preliminary Final hurdle.

 

[Number37]

5 zip, haven't looked like they are playing at peak form, will be one of the teams to beat.

 

[Ron The Bear]

They have to be, but they could also fall off the perch at any stage. Can the oldest team in 70 years continue to push the envelope? Stay tuned.

 

[Wild Bill]

We are 1 of 6 teams under $10 for the flag - the Crows not far behind at $11. That is great for the comp.

We have to finish top 4 to be a chance. We know we can win finals.

 

[demondavey]

& its April ....

This. 5 weeks in, 18 to go. Every year it is 'anyone in the 8 could win it' or it's 'It could go to a team from outside the 4'. By now I think it's time to realise it's only going to be a team from the top 4 who'll win it.

North have only won one game that's worry taking note of. Adelaide in rd 1. This week against the Dogs will be interesting. Until they play Hawthorn, Sydney, West Coast (on the road) and win, I won't be considering them a flag chance.

My top 4 will be Hawthorn, Sydney, West Coast, and one of Adelaide or North. One of those teams will win the flag, only time will tell who.

 

[Struggle]

They really need to tighten up their defense, not sure if teams that allow scores against that high can win the flag. But they are on track to make the top 4 and if they stay healthy anything can happen in September.

 

[Stratton_Gun]

Have been good so far this season but for some reason I don't see them as premiership team. Wait until they play Hawthorn Sydney West Coast and a couple others before we start talking them up

 

[demondavey]

Prelim again and that'll be it imo.

Agree.

 

[Wild Bill]

With the Saints, Blues and Ess to follow would be disappointed if we were any worse than 8-1. Our 2nd half of the year is really tough.

 

[demondavey]

We will have a fair idea about how they stack up on Friday night. A victory over the Dogs, who are a genuine flag chance, would surely erase a few doubts.

Based on what I've seen they definitely have the offensive power to win a premiership, they are prolific on that end, it's the defensive side where they probably need to improve.

The dogs are not a genuine flag chance.

 

[Power Raid]

yep

 

[demondavey]

With the Saints, Blues and Ess to follow would be disappointed if we were any worse than 8-1. Our 2nd half of the year is really tough.

Second half of the year is hard. You've got some big games.

 

[The Cryptkeeper]

I think they are a dangerous opponent to meet in finals. Do I think they can win the flag? No. Would I categorically rule out the possibility? No.

One of the better smokeys and a pretty honest team.

 

[DylanR]

Even with a week off they'll still loose prelim lol