North Albury has been written off as wooden spoon certainties after losing a stack of its best players. Can they win a game in 2019? Andrew Moir assesses their prospects
WILL NORTH WIN A GAME?
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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&A WITH ISAAC MULLER
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.
SEASON SNAPSHOT
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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