At 10 wins and four losses, North goes into the bye in a strong position as it prepares for the second half of the year.
While there have been plenty of strong performers in the opening 14 rounds, it’s the Roos’ evenness across the board that has been key to their success.
In all, North has fielded 33 players this year.
You only have to look at the numbers to realise the even spread; Nick Dal Santo has the highest disposal average of any Kangaroo, 23.21, but 17 players in all have averaged over 15 touches a game.
North has eight players who’ve kicked over 10 goals, a figure unmatched by any other club.
While Todd Goldstein and Jack Ziebell are way out in front in the coaches’ votes, the criteria for the club’s best and fairest is completely different, with every player a realistic chance of polling on a weekly basis. Consistency across the season is key.
With that in mind, the early race for the Syd Barker Medal is an intriguing one.
Tickets: Syd Barker Medal
NMFC.com.au looks at those who could be high up on the leaderboard after 14 rounds.
Which player do you think is leading the Syd Barker Medal? Have your say below.
(in alphabetical order)
Ben Cunnington
Games: 13
Equal-first for contested possessions, fourth in disposals, second for clearances – Cunnington is having another strong year.
The 2014 Syd Barker Medalist has boasted similar numbers to his winning year, albeit slightly lower in the tackles count.
Cunnington was in a strong patch of form before copping a cork against Geelong, but didn’t show any sign of injury as the Roos’ best midfielder last week.
AFLCA votes: 19 (polled in five games)
Best game: Round 7 v St Kilda – 26 disposals (14 contested), 7 clearances, 1 goal in 68% game time
Nick Dal Santo
Games: 14
A model of consistency, Dal Santo has registered over 20 disposals in all but two games this season.
Leads the club for possessions, is fourth for inside 50 entries, second for uncontested possessions, fifth for clearances and fifth for tackles.
AFLCA votes: 9 (polled in three games)
Best game: Round 11 v Richmond – 33 disposals, 1 goal, 8 tackles
Sam Gibson
Games: 14
Hit the scoreboard regularly in the early part of the season, with eight goals in the first five matches to add another dimension to his game.
Impact around the goals has been limited since, but continues to win the ball, ranked third at the club for disposals, and regularly delivers the ball inside 50 (second behind Jack Ziebell).
Gibson’s remarkable work-rate certainly wouldn’t go unnoticed by the coaches.
AFLCA votes: 15 (polled in three games)
Best game: Round 4 v Fremantle – 26 possessions, 3 goals
Todd Goldstein
Games: 13
Last year’s winner had an outstanding start to the season, grabbing a perfect ten from the coaches on three occasions in the opening nine rounds.
His 19 disposal, five-goal haul against Melbourne was a standout performance.
Knee soreness saw Goldstein miss in Round 11 and his impact he’s been a little quieter in recent weeks, but the big man is sure to bounce back after the bye.
AFLCA votes: 47 (polled in seven games)
Best game: Round 3 v Melbourne – 19 disposals (15 contested), 5 goals, 38 hit-outs
Brent Harvey
Games: 14
Harvey hasn’t boasted the same disposal numbers as in previous seasons, but he’s had a big impact around the goals.
With 25 goals, he’s ranked second at the club, only behind Jarrad Waite. He’s also third for inside 50 entries, and has had several match-winning performances.
AFLCA votes: 14 (polled in four games)
Best game: Round 3 v Melbourne – 22 disposals, 6 goals
Andrew Swallow
Games: 13
The skipper continues to set the example for his team in the middle; third for clearances and contested disposals at the club.
He was sorely missed after a concussion in Round 12 against Geelong, but continues to put his body on the line, with 107 tackles for the year, 32 ahead of his nearest teammate.
AFLCA votes: 15 (polled in four games)
Best game: Round 11 v Richmond – 28 disposals (19 contested), 11 tackles, 10 clearances
Robbie Tarrant
Games: 14
In the mix for All-Australian consistency, Tarrant has been the Roos’ best defender this year.
28 ahead of his nearest teammate for one percenters, thanks mainly to his ability to spoil in any contest, Tarrant has benefitted from stringing regular games together.
He has taken on some of the league’s best forwards, and won, with the likes of Taylor Walker and Jack Gunston among his scalps.
Defenders don’t necessarily stand out externally, but he certainly won’t go unnoticed by the coaches.
AFLCA votes: 23 (polled in four games)
Best game: Round 13 v Hawthorn – 26 disposals, 7 rebound 50’s, 10 one percenters
Jarrad Waite
Games: 12
Waite’s early season form was quite remarkable, as he played some of the best football of his career.
The key-forward kicked 16 goals in the first four games, and 27 in the first nine as the Roos’ most influential forward.
He’s also finding plenty of the ball, averaging around 16 disposals a game, and leads the club for marks.
Hip soreness prevented Waite from having the same impact in recent weeks, but he’ll no doubt appreciate the break.
AFLCA votes: 24 (polled in four matches)
Best game: Round 2 v Brisbane – 23 disposals, 5 goals, 5 tackles
Daniel Wells
Games: 11
What a welcome sight Wells has been through the North midfield this year, after a long lay-off with injury.
Sits first for clearance average and third for disposal average, despite missing much of the Round 7 clash against St Kilda due to soreness.
Wells’ pace has been vital through the middle, and he’s caused headaches for plenty of opposition teams in 2016.
AFLCA votes: 25 (polled in five matches)
Best game: Round 11 v Richmond – 29 disposals, 3 goals
Jack Ziebell
Games: 14
Having the best season of his career, Ziebell has led from the from the front as the Roos’ sole vice-captain.
Averages 23 disposals (second at club), leads the clearances, contested possessions and inside 50 entries, and is second for tackles. He’s also booted 13 goals.
Ziebell has been a picture of consistency, with 18 or more disposals in every match.
AFLCA votes: 41 votes (polled in seven matches)
Best game: Round 4 v Fremantle – 26 disposals, 3 goals
Which player do you think is leading the Syd Barker Medal? Have your say below.
