Many North Melbourne fans would agree that the Kangaroos have lacked a bit of edge in their last few seasons.
While the talent on the list is building strongly with each passing year, the lack of fire and heart in their on-field performances has been evident, losing six games by 50-plus points in 2025; only three fewer than the one-win Eagles.
However, a lack of player movement in the off-season suggests the club believes they have the cattle to challenge the competition. So, what will spark life into a club becoming more and more desolate with hope of improvement?
With that in mind, let's take a look at what North Melbourne's best 23 might look like in 2026...
Forwards
The biggest selection intrigue for North Melbourne will come from their forward line. Recently appointed captain Nick Larkey will be a lock as the key target inside 50, but how the Kangaroos support him is a tough question to answer.
Cam Zuhaar will likely be there, as will Paul Curtis given the level of x-factor he brings to a side that struggles to score more than most.
Jacob Konstanty filled the small forward need last year, and should continue that role into this year, but he will have a target on his back. The Roos' off-season acquisitions and the plethora of young talent bursting through the ranks means the half-forward connector role is up for grabs, and there's plenty of players vying to take it.
Cooper Trembath, albeit from a small sample size, looks like a poised presence inside 50, as the mid-season draftee booted nine goals in three senior matches to finish 2025.
Cooper Harvey has demonstrated his capabilities too, kicking 1.4 goals per game in 2025, which ranked fifth for the Roos.
Charlie Spargo looms as a sneakily good addition to the Kangaroos' forward mix for 2026, bringing some extra grit as an elite-level high-pressure forward and a bit of premiership pedigree.
First-round draftee Lachy Dovaston brings an edge to their forward line too, with his on-field persona likened to the nature of Nick Watson.
Time will tell which direction Clarkson eventually goes but the excitment building from Dovaston's draft year and Trembath's close to 2025 has them feature in our predicted best 23.
