As North Melbourne heads into Friday night’s clash, the difference in experience from last week’s match against the Bulldogs will be vast.
Just six players in the Roos’ Round 22 team had played less than 100 games, and only two of those under 50.
Against the Tigers, nine new players will come into the side; eight of those have played at AFL level this year, so they certainly won’t be out of place.
The main difference will be in age and experience. The additions to the side have played 210 AFL games between them, while those going out boast 1612.
The average games played drops from 131 to 82 per player, even with the 405-gamer Brent Harvey in. With him removed, it’s down to 66.
With Jarrad Waite (32), Nick Dal Santo (31) and Michael Firrito (31) out of the side the average age of the Roos’ 22 drops off significantly.
Remarkably, even with Brent Harvey (37) and Drew Petrie (32) still in the side, the introduction of some emerging young players sees the average drop from around 27 years and four months, to 24 years and 11 months.
According to NMFC.com.au’s research, the last Kangaroos’ team with a younger average age was way back in Round 23 of 2013, against Collingwood.
On that day, North fielded nine players with less than 50 games to their name. That number is set to be equalled against the Tigers at Etihad Stadium.
So what does it all mean? Quite simply, opportunity; the Roos’ 22 for finals is still far from set in stone and each of the inclusions has a point to prove.
While it seems most have already locked in the four points for Richmond, try telling that to the players coming into the North side.
“There’s a lot of guys playing for spots, me included, so we’ll be doing absolutely everything to get the win and play well,” Luke McDonald said on Thursday.
“We’re not taking a backward step. Everyone’s really excited and raring to go. Brad’s made that pretty clear.”
The ins (games played)
Aaron Mullett (51), Aaron Black (49), Luke McDonald (35), Brad McKenzie (22), Kayne Turner (16), Majak Daw (15), Joel Tippett (8), Mason Wood (7), Trent Dumont (7),
The outs (games played)
Nick Dal Santo (297), Michael Firrito (250), Jarrad Waite (204), Andrew Swallow (183), Scott Thompson (157), Shaun Higgins (150), Todd Goldstein (146), Ben Cunnington (120), Sam Wright (105)
