How much longer has David Noble got to turn North Melbourne around?
Noble is certainly the most under-pressure mentor across the competition as it stands, guiding North Melbourne to just one win through the opening 16 rounds.
Had they not played West Coast in Round 2 at a time when the Eagles were severely undermanned, there’s every chance Noble’s men could be winless almost three quarters of the way through the season.
Having lost their last 13 games and with Geoff Walsh conducting a review of sorts at Arden Street, there’s a huge spotlight on the club.
They’re up against a Collingwood outfit who has won their last six games and looks destined for finals under Craig McRae, and former AFL forward Josh Jenkins fears Noble could be gone if the Roos have a big loss on Saturday.
“This is the week I feel like there would be a tipping point,” Jenkins said on SEN’s The Run Home.
“There is a margin this week I fear could be catastrophic, and I’m setting that at 75 (points).
“If they lose by more than 75, I’m fearing there will be a press conference early next week (that could announce Noble's departure).
“Sadly, because I like David Noble, I know him and I’ve worked with him… I feel like if they lose by north of 75 to the Pies, who will trouble them with their slick ball movement and red hot form, I’m worried there could be a presser.”
The Roos’ 112-point loss to Geelong last week was their 11th in a row by 47 or more points.
Stunningly, no other team in VFL/AFL history has lost more than seven games in a row by 47 or more points.
Jenkins added: “No AFL team should lose 11 games in a row by more than 47 points.”
North Melbourne’s hopes of a closer game were boosted when the team sheets were made official on Thursday night, with Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey both to miss for the Pies through injury.
The Roos have made six changes for Saturday’s game, including recalling ruck/forward Callum Coleman-Jones for his first game since Round 9.