Kristian - TheCoventryEnd.com
The premiership window is slowly closing but not shut at North Melbourne and coach Brad Scott will know this.
During trade week they added a bit of zest to their forward line with the acquisition of pacy forward Jed Anderson, and they have no shortage of attacking and midfield prowess.
With ‘Boomer’ Harvey going around at least one more time, they’ll perhaps look to a tall in the defense to shore up their backline.
Whilst losing Ryan Bastinac, and narrowly missing out on a few other targets left them rather dry in Trade Period, the Kangaroos are still in a strong position in the draft, boasting three inside-30 picks.
Picks:
17, 26, 28, 47, 73, 91
Likely
Riley Bonner (West Adelaide/SA)
Not one of the prospects widely touted to be picked up, yet had a strong Under-18 championships with South Australia, averaging 18 disposals for a 73 per cent efficiency rate – no mean feat.
With a booming left foot out of half-back, he has garnered comparisons to Hawthorn legend Grant Birchall whilst his damaging kicking skills probably put him in the same boat as a young Guy McKenna.
He’s expected to be read out anywhere from late first round to late second round, so with the Kanga’s holding Pick 17, they could be ready to pounce if he’s not taken earlier.
If they overlook Bonner, there may also be a chance to pick him up at pick 26 or 28.
Hopefully the fans of North Melbourne overlook the fact he played with a red sash last year in the SANFL!
Other likely picks
Should they be still left un-nabbed Harley Balic, speedster Jade Gresham or the dynamic Tasmanian Mitchell Hibberd.
Wildcard
Ryan Clarke – Eastern Ranges (TAC Cup)
If the western clubs overlook young Ryan Clarke, North Melbourne may have hit a goldmine with a genuine ball wining midfielder.
With high stamina, the youngster has the ability to win the ball during a stoppage before unleashing a deadly counter-attack with his gut-busting pace.
Always keen to hit the front foot and get forward to help, the impressive youngster has also managed to accrue an eclectic 31 disposals per game for the Eastern Ranges across the season proper.
Talk about consistency when you need it!
Where does this leave them?
Honestly, a top eight side again. If they can nab three exceptionally talented youngsters in the top thirty and plug all the holes necessary, they have the cogs in the Kangaroos machine to push the top four teams yet again.
But that window is closing, and they’ll need to recruit exceptionally well when their rivals are already starting to consolidate their own premiership claims.
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