Former Melbourne great Garry Lyon has conceded that he vastly underrated North Melbourne in the pre-season, labelling them the "team of the year."
The Roos are currently fifth on the ladder with a 6-4 record, just one win outside the top four. They have collected impressive wins over Sydney and Fremantle away, as well as Hawthorn and GWS.
And it's prompted Lyon to put his hand up and admit he got them wrong.
“I got them wrong,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“Team of the year North Melbourne for mine right now.
“Fifth on the AFL ladder, I think we need a session of saying I was wrong.”
The former Demon also referenced the fact that a host of North fans blasted the club for re-signing coach Brad Scott, and must now tip their hit to him for the club's drastic turnaround.
“We got some vitriolic feedback from North supporters when Brad Scott was re-signed, we took call after call after call,” he said.
Bomber legend Tim Watson said that the Roos' rise to prominence should motivate teams down the ladder for next season to follow suit.
“What they show us is a side can make a quantum leap during the off-season like North Melbourne has,” he said.
“Next year is it going to be Carlton or is it going to be Fremantle, Brisbane or one of those other teams.”
North host the Lions at Etihad Stadium this Sunday afternoon.
