‘Northball’: Roos unveil bold new style against young Pies… and an unlikely trio is driving it

You’ve heard of ‘Bazball’ and ‘Angeball’.

Now, say hello and welcome to ‘Northball’ – a speedy, direct gamestyle North Melbourne hopes will not only excite supporters, but lead to more wins.

The Kangaroos on Wednesday unleashed a quick, high-handball approach during their match simulation against Collingwood that saw them generate exciting chains and, more importantly, ample scores from their defensive half in a 34-point win at the AIA Vitality Centre.

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The caveat, of course, was that nine senior premiership Magpies didn’t play in the game, while Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, Isaac Quaynor and Josh Daicos played half the match.

Still, the Kangaroos’ slick ball movement was particularly noteworthy and effective.

“We’re really confident with ‘Northball’. Our offence was really strong,” young Kangaroos star George Wardlaw told reporters post-match.

“We used our hands, we challenged them, we use the corridor strongly so I think that was really impressive.

“We kind of had a big focus on our offence as well as defence but we’ve kind of shifted the way we play.

“We’re liking the speed on the ball and as you saw out there (against Collingwood) it has been good for us so far.”

North’s exciting half-back line often kickstarted the chains. Ex-Blue Zac Fisher and No. 2 draftee Colby McKercher have joined Harry Sheezel in the back 50, with all three players showing dash and dare from the back half throughout Wednesday’s game – although reigning Rising Star Sheezel pushed more into the midfield as the game progressed.

Fisher, who’s endured an injury-interrupted pre-season, was particularly impressive in the opening quarter, with Kangaroos teammates consistently looking to link up with him. And while Sheezel showed off his trademark composure and accurate right foot, McKercher’s explosiveness away from congestion and shrewd decision-making in tight were also eye-catching.

It’s a somewhat unlikely trio, considering Fisher played predominantly forward of centre at Carlton, Sheezel arrived at North as a crafty mid-sized forward and McKercher was arguably the best pure midfield prospect in last year’s draft class.

McKercher, if he wasn’t already, is now surely a Round 1 lock for the Kangaroos.

Outside of Kangaroos fans, the big winners of the Kangaroos’ quick transition on Friday were the forwards, with Nick Larkey (five goals), Paul Curtis (four), Jaidyn Stephenson (two) and Cam Zurhaar (two) all big scoreboard contributors.

“Trying to get an extra five to 10 inside 50s a game will help (scoring), it allows you to defend a little better behind the play,” North assistant coach Jed Adcock said, with the Kangaroos last year ranking 17th for both scoring and inside 50 differential.

Wardlaw continued his strong pre-season with a dynamic showing on the ball, with the 2022 draftee looming as a starting centre bounce player for Round 1 alongside Luke Davies-Uniacke. Tom Powell had ample exposure in the midfield and won more of the footy as the game progressed, Tristan Xerri suggested he can be relied upon to carry a heavy ruck burden in games and summer standout Charlie Lazzaro produced another eye-catching display to put himself right in the Round 1 mix.

Several North Melbourne players were unavailable due to injury, including Zane Duursma (knee), Bailey Scott (calf), Aidan Corr (ankle), Luke McDonald (hamstring), Hugh Greenwood (ankle) and Darcy Tucker (knee).

But Collingwood was well below full strength, with Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard, Scott Pendlebury, Jack Crisp, Jeremy Howe, Steele Sidebottom, Tom Mitchell, Brody Mihocek and Jamie Elliott all sitting out.

Mihocek’s absence, however, gave 193cm duo Reef McInnes and Ash Johnson the chance to show their wares inside 50, with the duo possibly competing for one Opening Round spot due to Dan McStay’s ACL rupture.

McInnes, who kicked 32 goals from 15 games in the VFL last year, started superbly against the Kangaroos, kicking three goals and competing hard in the air. But Johnson became more influential as the game wore on, working hard up the ground to provide an option while also booting three majors.

“They’ve been so good throughout the pre-season,” Pies teammate Pat Lipinski told the club’s website post-game. “They’ve always been pushing each other, they’ve been training really well.

“Ash looks like he’s going to mark everything, while Reef’s athleticism was really on show today. They kicked plenty of goals.

“They’re both going to play a really important part this season. It’s really exciting to see how much they’ve improved and how good they’re going to be.”

Big-name recruit Lachie Schultz had an excellent third quarter, setting up one of Johnson’s three goals before delivering an excellent goal himself. Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill looked ominous at times with his pressure, goal sense and marking ability.

And Lipinski, who was the sub in last year’s Grand Final win, was excellent forward of centre for most of the game, kicking two goals while also nailing several pinpoint kicks to teammates inside 50.

“I’ve just been playing heaps of different roles throughout the pre-season,” Lipinski said.

“I’m just trying to practice everything to be versatile for the team, if they want me to play forward or mid or wherever. Having a few positions up my sleeve is always handy.”