The North Merchant 🦘
@kangamerchant
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Long-term member here to share my North Melbourne opinions and analysis.
North Melbourne
Joined September 2020
So here is how I think the 23 is likely to look round 1. A few notes: Personally not a fan of Colby and Daniel both at HB, but think the coaches start this way. Stephens’ spot is not safe. Banch/Konstanty/Dovaston fighting for two spots. Duursma will push hard for a spot.
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I do wonder what that “consistent” backline actually looks like given our personnel. For me, it’s a back 7 like: Pink Comben Logue McDonald Goater Hardeman McKercher A shame about Archer as he’d walk in. Hopefully Dawson gets to that stage too.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has put finals firmly on the agenda this season. In an exclusive interview with 7NEWS, Clarkson also revealed how he stopped Jy Simpkin leaving the club. @cleary_mitch @7AFL
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A side note: his development from when drafted is coming a long way.
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With Tristan Xerri on State of Origin duties on Friday, it’s a great opportunity to run Taylor Goad with the first team. If Big X is to miss time again this year, hopefully his absence can be better covered than it was last year!
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Goes without saying the (likely) 2 SSP spots should be used on ready-made defenders (not accumulators who can’t/won’t defend)…
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Sure LMac will be fine but the prospect of another injury reiterates the importance of improving the defensive structure. Backline will suspect at the best of times. This is what was rolled out to finish 2025 (R23 & 24): Pink/Logue/Comben McKercher/O’Sullivan/Daniel/Scott 🤞
A pre-season setback for Luke McDonald, who’s dealing with a wrist injury he sustained last week. The defender on light duties with rehab group @NMFCOfficial training this morning. Updates to come. @9NewsMelb @FootyonNine
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Could be the opportunity for both of them now. https://t.co/cEaQYknYYt
Six months the latest word on Blake Thredgold. Rotten luck but little surprise - it’s the same time frame as Melbourne’s Jake Bowey, who suffered the injury in December. @zerohanger
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The booming left boot on Zac Becker - 191cm athletic rebounding and intercepting hybrid defender. Invited to train for a list spot. Last time we looked at a successful SANFL defender we got a more than serviceable player in Toby Pink. https://t.co/w8dKpeGSfQ
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Finn O’Sullivan should be our ‘first reserve’ centre bounce midfield option after the first choice group of LDU, Wardlaw, Sheezel, Parker. So smooth, composed and tidy. Looks ready to take a jump.
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Tom Blamires and Zac Becker are both smart train-on invitations for our SSP spot. Defensive depth is very slim, only made worse by Thredgold’s injury today and Corr’s calf complaints. Would welcome either to genuinely compete for a spot in the round 1 side. #Kangas
North Melbourne has invited the VFL's reigning Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winner for an SSP trial, but he'll have competition from a SANFL star (via @JontyRalphsmith). DETAILS >>> https://t.co/8Hv8HKdu71
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Looking forward to Cooper Trembath building on his memorable 3-game start. 2025 averages: 11.9 player rating 3.0 goals 2.0 contested marks 1.3 tackles inside 50 40% 1v1 win rate Amongst all key forwards in the AFL (yes tiny sample), these numbers ranked: 4th 3rd =4th =4th 8th
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Colby McKercher’s per game averages when playing @ half back in 2025 (12 games): ▪️29.6 disposals ▪️530.3 metres gained ▪️4.8 score involvements ▪️10.7 player rating Amongst all defenders in the AFL, these statistics ranked 2nd, 7th, 6th, and 18th.
Not a controversial take at all but I’m buying heaps of Colby McKercher stock for 2026 and beyond. Was in my opinion our best player in the second half of 2025, and looks to have improved his contest and strength work over the summer.
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Josh Goater participated in some match sim yesterday 🙏 How amazing it would be if he and Brayden George could become AFL regulars… #Kangas
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Given Xerri is positioned as one of the best rucks in the league, my preference would be to play 3 tall forwards + Xerri, rather than 2 tall forwards + Xerri + a 2nd ruck.
A Kangaroo speedster is set for a big switch to revive his career as North Melbourne trials a revamped forward structure. Plus news on a host of sidelined Roos and more. TRACK WATCH 👉 https://t.co/NQMgBvIM2i
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Should be an exciting forward line. A fun little stat - no team had 4 players averaging over 1.7 goals each in 2025, except North. And yes I’m including Trembath’s 3 games 🤣
"Dovva's got some swagger, that's for sure." 🥶 Cam chats about the forward mix and the competition for spots heading into the 2026 season. 🎥: https://t.co/LSqv46SJJ6
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Sheezel ➡️ Powell ➡️ McKercher #Kangas
Sheezel easily best on ground followed by McKercher. Hardeman and Powell also very nice. Powell looks like he’s being encouraged to use his creativity and tight hands out of half forward, pushing up to the stoppages.
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Goad - a few times where he exploded out of the contest with the footy. Could be so exciting in a few years. Urquhart - the biggest body in that midfield. Encouraging signs as he works towards being a contested/defensive midfielder.
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A few more player notes: Dovaston - looked good at HF. Got it on the flank a few times and drove it deep including once for a goal. Daniel - same position as McKercher on the opposite team. Got it plenty and generally used it well. Can they both play together?
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