With North’s 2018 season complete, North Media analyses the performance of each player by using statistics, a coach review and season highlights.

Next up is VFL-listed player, Nick Rippon.

Rippon's season

Versatile rover Nick Rippon has been a staple of consistency for North Melbourne’s VFL side.

The accomplished 24-year-old, who is a former JJ Liston Medallist, filled several roles in North’s engine room and defensive six throughout the season proper, including an occasional foray forward.

Praised at nauseum for his consistency week on week, Rippon proved to be a real inside ball-winner and was a bull around contests, often working in tandem with fellow VFL-listed midfielders Chris Jansen and Nash Holmes.

Despite filling holes and playing in a deeper role for much of the season, Rippon was able to find the footy and was listed amongst the highest disposal-getters for the royal blue and white in most weeks.

Rippon proved to be a crucial acquisition in North’s first year as a standalone VFL side, offering guidance for the Roos’ emerging talents and first-year prospects.

Statistics

VFL
Games: 17
Disposals: 390 (avg. 22.9 disposals)

Season highlights

Round 9 v Sandringham: 31 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles
Round 10 v Geelong: 31 disposals, 5 tackles
Round 20 v Footscray: 26 disposals, 3 goals

What he said

On being named in North’s leadership group
“Being a part of the leadership group is a great honour and something that I’m very proud of.

“I hope I can bring strong leadership to the group, and being more of a senior player in the VFL now, I hope I can help this young list that we have.”

What the coach said – David Loader

"'Rippo' had an outstanding season, he really impressed us with his versatility.

“His ability to continue to play high-level footy each week is outstanding, he just doesn’t play poorly.

“He was a hell of a find for us as a club.”

In the news

“The 2015 J.J Liston Medalist’s (best and fairest in the VFL) decision to cross over from the North Ballarat Roosters was made easier by the connection he has with North’s VFL Head Coach David Loader.” - Read more

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