Four rounds of the 2018 season have been completed, and fans now have a large enough body of work to see what their team is truly capable of this year.

With that in mind, North Media has highlighted the six things we’ve learnt from the season so far.

Ben Brown is capable of reaching new heights

Last year Ben Brown burst onto the scene as one of the competition’s best young forwards after finishing third in the Coleman Medal race. Fast forward eight months, and the 25-year-old is the second highest goal-kicker, behind Lance Franklin with 15 goals.

After a goalless Round 1, Brown has hit his straps in recent weeks, kicking bags of 6, 4 and 5 goals.

Many were concerned about how the full-forward would perform with some added pressure on his shoulders and being a part of the second-youngest side in the competition, but Brown has silenced any critics, and proven he has what it takes to become one of the most formidable forwards in the league.

There’s still a spot for taggers

One of the highlights of the opening four weeks has been the return of Ben Jacobs.

Jacobs, who missed close to two years with multiple foot injuries, has been a key contributor to North’s midfield, and has shown no signs of his extended absence from the game.

The midfielder made a name for himself in the 2015 elimination final, when he kept Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin to 9possessions, and seems to have picked up from where he left off.

In 2018, Jacobs has played a shut-down role on some of the game’s most dangerous midfielders such as Seb Ross, Clayton Oliver and Patrick Cripps, and successfully minimised their impact.

In recent years, there have been question marks over the role of taggers in today’s fast-paced game. Just like the ruckman, taggers seem to be back in vogue this year, and Ben Jacobs could be the reason.

Age is just a number 

Given North’s dedication towards youth, the decision to give Scott Thompson, 31, and Jarrad Waite, 35, contracts for 2018 raised some eyebrows, but both veterans have been amongst North’s best performers in the early parts of the season.

Thompson took a career-high 15 marks in Round 4 to go along with 25 disposals. The key-defender is yet to miss a game, and is a key part of North’s back six, which has conceded the least amount of points this season.

During the pre-season Brad Scott made the bold statement that Waite’s best football was still ahead of him, and after four rounds, he appears to be right.

Waite has already kicked 7 goals in 2018, and his ability to move up the ground, and even help out in defence, has been immeasurable.

The two veterans have complemented North’s young list well, and continue to impart their wisdom on their less experienced teammates.

The North VFL team won’t go down easily

It’s been a historic month for the North Melbourne Football Club, with its very own VFL side making its debut in the competition.

Playing its inaugural match against the Northern Blues on Sunday, April 15, the David Loader-coached side fought in tough conditions to grind out a three-point victory.

In true Shinboner fashion, the team never gave-in, erasing a 25-point three-quarter-time margin to win.

A nice mix of AFL and VFL-listed players ensures there is plenty of talent waiting in the wings, desperate for their opportunity to pull on the royal blue and white.

Every North fan should be excited by the endless and valuable opportunities this side will provide the club.

Footy’s more than a game

There are times when our football emotions get the better of us, but on Good Friday, the ‘Kick for the Kids’ match proved that it is simply more than a game.

In the lead-up to the clash between North and St Kilda, North players made visits to the Royal Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and signed young Jed Arrowsmith to a week-long contract.

On Good Friday, young Jakob was fortunate enough to lead the team out onto the Etihad Stadium turf, while Thomas joined coach Brad Scott at the post-match media conference.

The stories the team heard throughout the week, and the smiles the player saw on the faces of young fans, proved to everyone, that footy is more than a game.

Hobart truly is our second home

North has held a strong connection with Hobart for a long period of time, and the large fan base in Tasmania has always been undeniable, but now, it seems Blundstone Arena is becoming a fortress.

Following its Round 4 win over Carlton, North’s record at the ground has extended to 12 wins and four losses since it played its first game in 2012.

The unpredictable weather conditions, highlighted by potential strong winds and persistent rain, appear to be second-nature to North’s stars, who will play another two matches in Hobart this season.