If they do, it's a successful season. 

That sounds harsh, but of the bottom five teams, they're the only one to lose more than they've gained. And of the Hoppers' top five in the best and fairest, four have gone.

The general consensus is that four of the bottom five will improve, leaving North as the odd one out.

WHAT JOB HAS ISAAC MULLER DONE OF SELLING THE CLUB?

Outstanding.

So much of coaching, and life in general for that matter, is getting as many people to believe what you're telling them. And when the first-year coach speaks, you get the impression he genuinely believes it.

Look, the 22-year-old got a few noses out of joint when he spoke about Shaun Mannagh's departure to Lavington and the club's desire to play more exciting football.

He certainly hasn't backed away from the latter and the players will love the fact he has the courage of his convictions.

HOW GOOD WILL NED MCKEOWN BE?

Wodonga Raiders' coach Jarrod Hodgkin says he could be elite so, given how much he loves his footy and watches it, it's saying something.

McKeown, by his own admission, isn't the fittest player, but he's a born footballer who kicks the ball 60-plus metres.

His greatest problem could be similar to co-coach Chris Schmidt's plight last season. When you're the only genuine star, it's far too easy for the opposition to throw one, two or even three on you.

Let's hope for North's sake, and the comp, he proves a gun because there's a fear North will be the Rovers of last year.

Q: You have the toughest job in the league with plenty thinking you'll claim the wooden spoon, why do you think you will surprise?

A: We've recruited kids that want to be there, they're wanting to learn and wanting to play our style and do anything it takes to do that. I'll back our guys to the hill.

Q: Is finals a realistic goal?

A: Absolutely, everyone's entitled to their opinion and I respect everyone's opinion, but I don't want to take a step backwards. We've got all the confidence in the world to match those good sides and I know that our game plan, if we can execute it, we'll run, if not beat the best sides in the comp.

Q: North won seven games last year, is it a failure if you win less?

A: I wouldn't say a failure, I think if we improve our play and structure, on and off the field, it's not a failure. I'd be disappointed if we don't at least match that, that's probably the right wording. If I don't teach these guys something and we don't play better football, more exciting football, then that's a failure on me.

Q: Who are some of the names you expect to do well?

A: Aiden Pretious from Murray Magpies, he's been a standout with his aggression and game-like intensity. Jackson Weidemann's ability to read the play across half-back has been exceptional. 

ARRIVALS

Ned McKeown (Macleod), Isaac Walton (East Wagga Kooringal), Jackson Weidemann (Turvey Park), Mitch Thomas (Rand-Walbundrie-Walla), Tristan Mann (Albury), Harrison Tooney (Thurgoona), Tom Godde (Lockhart), Mitchell Wadley, Jackson Casey (Wagga Tigers), Aiden Pretious (Murray Magpies), Clint Gardiner (Culcairn), Simon Hiller (Mitta United), Tom Sharp (return from boxing).

DEPARTURES

Tom Gallaway, Chris Schmidt (West Adelaide), Dan Leslie (Henty), Lachie Taylor-Nugent (Albury), Shaun Mannagh (Lavington), John Willis (Gold Coast), Jessie Johnston (Thurgoona), Jordan McKenzie (Mitta United), Mitch Mahady (St Bernard's)

THE A-TEAM

B: Jackson Weidemann, Isaac Walton, Tom Godde

HB: Justin Bishop, Tom Sharp, Jack King

C: Callum Fisher, Ned McKeown, Ryan Polkinghorne

HF: Julian Hayes, Josh Lloyd, Rory Feltwell

F: George Godde, Isaac Muller, Will McGrath

Foll: Tristan Mann, David Miles, Clay Moscher-Thomas

Int: Brad Spurr, Mitch Thomas, Aiden Pretious

2019 DRAW

SO: Lavington (a)

R1: Myrtleford (h)

R2: Wangaratta (h)

R3: Corowa-Rutherglen (a)

R4: Albury (a)

R5: Wangaratta Rovers (h)

R6: Wodonga (a)

R7: Wodonga Raiders (a)

R8: Yarrawonga (h)

R10: Wangaratta (a)

R11: Myrtleford (a)

R12: Corowa-Rutherglen (h)

R13: Albury (h)

R14: Wodonga (h)

R15: Wangaratta Rovers (a)

R16: Lavington (h)

R17: Yarrawonga (a)

R18: Wodonga Raiders (h)

2018 BEST & FAIREST

1st: David Miles 

2nd: Lachie Taylor-Nugent

3rd: Dan Leslie

2018 MOST GOALS

1st: Josh Lloyd 27

2nd: Isaac Muller 24

3rd: Lachie Taylor-Nugent 19

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