David King has spent the morning at North Melbourne pre-season training and revealed a few of his thoughts on what unfolded.
The Kangaroos finished 17th in 2023, breaking a 20-game losing streak in the final round of the season.
This summer will be coach Alastair Clarkson’s first real pre-season with the group, after stepping away last year.
“Whacks you between the eyes just how young this group is, which we know brings significant challenges,” King tweeted on Monday.
The two-time North Melbourne premiership player was impressed with the young midfield group, headlined by top draftee Colby McKercher.
“Clear and obvious for all that at some stage in the near future NM will have the best “tackle breaking” or “make you miss” midfield group in the competition,” he wrote.
“(George) Wardlaw, (Luke Davies-Uniacke), McKercher, (Harry) Sheezel the core of the new ‘leg drivers’. Going to be an awesome watch. (Tarryn) Thomas a potential addition.”
With Ben McKay departing for Essendon and Griffin Logue’s torn ACL, the Roos are thin for key defenders – and it seemingly shows at training.
“Anything north of 193cm’s without the surname Larkey is a massive concern,” King added.
“Great opportunity for (Bigoa) Nyuon to stake a permanent claim and if (Charlie) Comben can avoid the rehab group for a sustained period, maybe. Track watchers also spruiking young (Finnbar) Maley as potential wildcard, been impressive.”
Maley was selected out of Northern League Division 2, where he played for Eltham. The 197cm ruck-forward was added to North Melbourne’s rookie list.
Finally, King added: “(Cam) Zurhaar looks to have had ‘the Petracca-off-season’, appears 5-7kgs lighter.”
The Roos will play Collingwood in a match simulation on February 21st before taking on St Kilda on the Community Series on March 3rd.
Kangas today:
— David King (@davidking34) January 10, 2024
1/3
Whacks you between the eyes just how young this group is, which we know brings significant challenges.
Clear and obvious for all that at some stage in the near future NM will have the best “tackle breaking” or “make you miss” midfield group in the competition.
2/3
— David King (@davidking34) January 10, 2024
Wardlaw, LDU, McKercher, Sheezel the core of the new “Leg Drivers”. Going to be an awesome watch.
T Thomas a potential addition.
Anything north of 193cm’s without the surname Larkey is a massive concern. Great opportunity for Nyuon to stake a permanent claim and …..
3/3
— David King (@davidking34) January 10, 2024
if Comben can avoid the rehab group for a sustained period, maybe. Track watchers also spruiking young Maley as potential wildcard, been impressive.
Zurharr looks to have had “the Petracca off-season”, appears 5-7kgs lighter.
Just an opinion - it’s early (very early) 👍