NORTH Melbourne’s inaugural season may not have gone quite to plan in 2019, though they were not far off the mark with some key signings that marked the Kangaroos as a real force to be reckoned with. This season North will be back better than ever with a season in the books, making them a real contender for the flag. North retained a lot of its 2019 playing list so will hope to create a consistent outcome in its second year.

KEY PLAYER:

Emma Kearney (midfielder)

The Kangaroos captain will want to stand up once again this season, after an exceptional start to the side’s season last year saw them lose focus throughout the season. Kearney has a real clear head on her shoulders with the class and smarts to make something out of nothing. Her leadership is vital for North’s success and will be a real barometer for the side’s success.

RISING STAR:

Mia King (midfielder)

Mia King may not have been North Melbourne’s first pick in the 2019 draft but she is certainly a fantastic addition to the Kangaroos, with the all-rounder North’s first Under 18s selection of the night, credit to her speed and tenacity with ball in hand. King will want to insert herself right into the contest which is arguably where she best fits, bringing the ball to ground and clearing to advantage.

WATCH FOR: 

Jasmine Garner (forward

Garner has the match smarts to outwit many, something she has proven time and time again. The former Collingwood forward is impressive when she gets her hands on the footy, able to find the ball with ease inside 50 and create opportunities for others through her innate knowledge of her teammates. She had a stellar first season with the Shinboners in 2019 so is sure to have a similar impact this time around with her strength and clean hands key for the side’s success.

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CONFERENCE OPPONENTS: Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Gold Coast, GWS GIANTS, Richmond.

FIXTURE:

Round 1 – @ Melbourne
Round 2 – vs. GWS GIANTS
Round 3 – @ Richmond
Round 4 – vs. Gold Coast
Round 5 – vs. Adelaide
Round 6 – @ Geelong
Round 7 – vs. Western Bulldogs
Round 8 – @ Brisbane Lions

North Melbourne have an interesting fixture, seeing the side only take on two expansion sides and a relatively simple run home. Their season will come into question depending on the form of 2019 premiers, Adelaide, who they will not take on this season but will likely be their biggest conference competition – bar Richmond, who look fairly impressive at this early stage. If North can do what they did last year with percentage but keep up the consistency they should have an a huge chance finals and to go all the way.

PREDICTION: 1st/2nd in Conference A

North Melbourne are a real smoky in 2020, with a chance of going all the way as long as they do not succumb to the same season-ending issues as last season, which saw them go out in disappointing fashion just before finals. Given their ability to create a formidable opposition, North are sure to come into this season with plenty to prove.