North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel and controversial media personality and former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes have seemingly buried the hatchet after a checkered history.
Last year, Cornes took aim at Sheezel and the Kangaroos over 'Sheezy Ball', criticising the young star for stat padding. As a result, Cornes was denied entry into the club's rooms, while football boss Todd Viney labelled the attacks as "personal" and "vindictive".
The 21-year-old was open about the difficulty in dealing with the feedback, which the pair addressed on SEN.
“Just over a year ago, Harry, I was incredibly critical of yourself and the way that the club was using you, so I appreciate you coming on the program. I know you've spoken openly about that feedback and how difficult it was for you to here. Just wanted to say thank you, and appreciate you fronting up considering our past,” Cornes said to Sheezel on Monday.
“It's good to be on, I think we left it too long. It's all past now, and I actually learnt some pretty valuable lessons from that,” Sheezel responded.
“So I hold nothing against you, mate, and I actually find it pretty funny now, all the ‘Sheezy Ball' stuff. I have a good laugh out of it.”
Sheezel has quickly become a star of the AFL, claiming two best and fairest in three seasons, as well as the Rising Star among other individual awards.
However, the knock on his game has been his scoreboard impact, which he has a desire to improve himself.
Sheezel has been playing as a defensively minded midfielder under Alastair Clarkson, helping deny the opposition free run through the corridor, similar to Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury and GWS star Finn Callaghan's roles.
“I get challenged on it a lot. More than anyone, I probably challenge myself on it. To try to be more impactful and take the game forward,” Sheezel said.
“I don't try to overthink it too much on game day, I just try to play, but during the week, that's what I'm focusing on.
“Watching a lot of vision, training it, and I think on game day, I'm just the type of player who tries to make the right play no matter what. Don't try to force anything, and try to let the game come to me.
“This year I'm getting a little bit of a better balance. Still playing a little bit of a defensive midfield role, so sometimes it can get hard to push forward and kick goals.
“Ultimately that's what I want to do. I think I can kick more goals, I don't think I've ever kicked more than two goals in a game.”
North Melbourne have surged into finals contention this year, claiming seven wins from 14 games.
Games against Essendon, Port Adelaide (away) and Collingwood will set up the club for its potential return to September footy for the first time since 2016 before a tough month before the season's completion.
