STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Aggression
+ Competitiveness
+ Overhead marking
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Kicking

This year has been one of steep learning for Northam, who started out in his usual ruck-forward role but has been challenged to expand his versatility. At 195cm, he's arguably undersized as a modern day ruck, but gets by against his peers with a handy leap and the value he brings as a fourth midfielder of sorts.

His aerial ability is sound, with Northam occupying good spots behind the ball and around the ground to impact overhead. Once up, he holds his marks strongly and had a great start in that department with 12 in his opening two NAB League outings. He also booted six goals in his first four games, made up of three hauls of two.

While capable of resting forward and having an impact inside 50, the true test for Northam came once he was thrown to defence. His intensity, aerial ability and defensive appetite are all applicable traits behind the ball, though the 18-year-old seemed far more comfortable making his presence felt around the contest.

Northam cuts a mean figure to many a foe, and his aggression is something which worked both for and against him at times. When it came off, he was imposing himself at stoppages and crashing packs, but it also resulted in some needless penalties which cost his side.

Keeping composed, both with and without the ball is an area he can work on. The bigman is understandably not as skilled as a medium-small player, but tends to dump the ball out or long amid the heat of the action. He wins 66 per cent of his possessions in contested situations, which may hamper his efficiency.

Nonetheless, competitiveness is something which often cannot be taught, and Northam is a tall who has it in spades. He leaps at his opponents with vigour and follows up at ground level, making him a key position prospect with some nice traits to work with but plenty of polish to add.