Journalist Rohan Connolly believes the versatility in North Melbourne’s list ranks as one of the best in the AFL.

“All across the ground I look at North and I think there’s more flexibility and more options than they’ve had for years,” Connolly said in The Age.

“The strength of an AFL list now is all about options and versatility and North, on that score, can mix it with just about anyone in the competition.”

Over the off-season, North welcomed Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins to the club as free agents.

With Waite capable of taking the pressure off Drew Petrie as the key-forward and Higgins able to play in almost any position on the ground, Connolly said it frees up others to make an impact.

“Most importantly they’ve added to the blend (for 2015).

“With Waite there, there’s also the emergence of Ben Brown, Aaron Black who’s capable… also with the young guys and the likes of Mason Wood. There’s plenty of options up there.

“Higgins has added to the midfield options and that gives more flexibility with the other options through the centre.

“We’ve seen Brent Harvey have more of a forward role in the last few years. Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell did a bit of it last season and I think you’re going to see more of that.”

Many media commentators, including Connolly are predicting North to finish in the top-end of the ladder.
“When you have a look at their track record, they beat every other side in the eight last year,” he said.

“They had two really good finals victories over Essendon and Geelong. They’ve beaten Hawthorn, they’ve beaten Port, they’ve beaten Sydney, what else can you do?”