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 co-captain Chris Jansen.

Jansen’s season

North Melbourne co-captain Chris Jansen made a seamless transition to the VFL. 

Making the move to Arden Street after an illustrious stint in the SANFL, Jansen managed an assistant coaching role, while also acting as a leader for the royal blue and white in a playing capacity.

The 23-year-old’s hard-at-the-ball approach made him a mainstay in North’s engine room alongside tackling merchant Nash Holmes.

Impressive with his ball-use and tackling tenacity, the hard-working midfielder provided a wealth of experience.

An excellent distributor of the football by hand, Jansen was often listed statistically as one of the leading players in the competition for handballs, using this exceptional skill when granted first-use at stoppages.

Statistics

VFL
Games: 18
Disposals: 433 (24.0 average)
Handballs: 239 (13.30 average)

Season highlights

Round 14 v Casey: 20 disposals, 15 tackles
Round 16 v Frankston: 29 disposals, 4 marks, 5 tackles
Round 17 v Collingwood: 32 disposals, 5 marks, 9 tackles

What he said

On making the move to North
“The professionalism and the way our training has been structured have been extremely professional. It’s what we came here for.

“A lot of us as players wanted that level of intensity and the attributes these guys have here to teach to us. It’s definitely been noticeable for us and it’s only going to help us going forward with our football.

“The AFL coaches here have been very accepting and welcoming to the group and teaching me their philosophy straight away to play here at North.”

What the coach said – David Loader

"He was really consistent across the year and learnt a lot this year in the leadership part of his football as he develops his football around his playing.

“He played some different roles this year as a player, just super consistent all season.”

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