Club award winners: to be announced on Friday, October 3
Leading goalkicker: David Hale (37 goals)
Leading possession getter: Brent Harvey (569 possessions)
Season in a nutshell:
With five wins and a draw from its first 12 matches, North Melbourne was going to finish as an also-ran or move towards replicating 2007’s preliminary final berth. Middle ground was found, even though the Roos' fortunes rose with just one loss from rounds 13 to 20. Geelong at the Cattery was always going to be tough, but no-one expected the 76-point thrashing from Port Adelaide. A win would have guaranteed the Roos a top-four spot and a double chance in September but instead it was a trip to Sydney and a poor end after they were considered contenders two weeks earlier.
Defining moment:
A stunning win over Hawthorn had been book-ended by surprise losses to Fremantle and St Kilda and, after an incident at a sponsors’ golf day, popular veteran Shannon Grant was suspended. Fearing the season could turn sour, leadership strengthened and results followed. A nail-biting win over the Power at AAMI Stadium began a string of six victories, Grant returned and soon the Roos were the form team of the competition.
What went right:
*North moved towards strengthening its future by re-signing Brady Rawlings, Michael Firrito, Daniel Pratt, Corey Jones and Hamish McIntosh. It was emphasised when Drew Petrie and Daniel Wells followed suit.
*Almost everything in a six-week patch (rounds 15 to 20) that snatched fourth spot. Doubters took a back seat after a Friday night win over Collingwood and victory over the Brisbane Lions on the Gold Coast. A second win for 2008 over the third-placed Bulldogs confirmed the Roos' renewed confidence.
*Backing Drew Petrie in the ruck and David Hale as a forward later in the season. Petrie proved he has one of the biggest engines in the competition and his efforts won him nomination for the All-Australian team. Twenty-one of Hale’s 37 goals came in six weeks, including eight against Geelong. Defenders panicked when a high ball was sent inside 50.
*The emergence of small forwards Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas who in their second seasons missed just one game between them. Kicking 32 goals each, their pressure inside 50 was central to the Roos' attack.
What went wrong:
*Finding a key defender. Josh Gibson, Michael Firrito and Daniel Pratt were often forced to concede size and strength to bigger opponents and, despite their unwavering endeavours, it was where North looked most vulnerable. When Lions Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw (six goals each), Cat Cameron Mooney (seven) and Blue Brendan Fevola (six) did as they pleased, it became a real concern.
*Road trips. Losses to Adelaide, the Brisbane Lions, Fremantle and St Kilda (Gold Coast) were finally snapped with the tough win over the Power and a rematch with the Lions that was decided in the dying minutes. Come the elimination final against the Sydney Swans, the theme of earlier performances had returned.
*The Roos had fewer casualties than other clubs, but the absences of Aaron Edwards, Jesse Smith and Jess Sinclair hurt. Strong-marking Edwards broke a leg in round six and battled through his round 22 return; half-back Smith was sidelined with ankle and hamstring complaints from round five, and the experienced Sinclair, now retired, had two-thirds of his year ruined by thumb and ankle injuries. And full-forward Nathan Thompson, another to call it quits, was hit and miss in his first year back from a knee reconstruction.
The coach:
In his sixth year in charge, Dean Laidley’s improvement was mirrored by his side at its best. He struck a healthy balance in persevering with youngsters and maintaining his unwavering support of the older Roos. It was obvious that the players wanted to perform for Laidley, but short-changed him when coughing up fourth spot in round 22. Despite that, the club’s short-term future looks bright and Laidley’s mooted contract extension is deserved.
Most Valuable Player:
Midfielder Brent Harvey should win his fourth Syd Barker Medal, simple as that. Regularly in the Roos’ best, he played every game of 2008, led the club in disposals, averaged a goal per outing and emerged as a Brownlow Medal favourite. Now 30, the little man is showing no signs of slowing down and could yet captain the club when Adam Simpson bows out.
Coach's award for one-percenters:
After a slow start to the season, Drew Petrie became the model Roo, the side's barometer – his influence was pivotal to its success. With saving marks in defence, forays forward for a goal, dominance in the ruck, and countless spoils, smothers and tackles, Petrie's efforts rarely finished before the final siren. And, with a nod to his growing leadership, when he didn't lift he inspired his teammates to.
Needs a big pre-season:
The year wasn't kind to Jesse Smith, who continues to disappoint North Melbourne supporters purely because he isn't playing. Not the worst reputation to have but, after 27 games in four years, the 22-year-old needs some luck. He was kept in cotton wool for the late stages of 2008 to ensure he's well-placed for the start of pre-season training and, as with any player, if he avoids setbacks over the summer, quality footy should come. His fingers and toes won't be the only ones crossed.
Next big thing:
Gavin Urquhart should be pleased, though hungrier after his first year at the elite level. Drafted in 2006, he was finally given his chance by Dean Laidley in round 10, held his spot for the rest of the season and earned an NAB Rising Star nomination. Cool-headed and hard working, Urquhart offered important run off half-back and will hope to improve on a quiet finish to the year when 2009 kicks off. North rewarded his development with a new contract.
Trading places:
Onballer Daniel Harris and half-forward Corey Jones, despite signing a two-year deal, have been singled out by the media as senior players who could seek trades. North has made clear it plans to retain the pair, but the knowledge of entering a new year without Shannon Grant, Nathan Thompson or Jess Sinclair may encourage the club to make look to youth. Dean Laidley has suggested he won't be looking to trade in, but the lure of fresh faces in the NAB AFL Draft could prove too strong. He already has selection No. 9.
Overall grade: B
More end of season reports
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
