North coach Brad Scott has called for fans to unite in 2018, and to trust the plan the club has in place.

Speaking at the club’s season launch event on Tuesday night, Scott spoke passionately about the need to stick to the process.

“I’m heartened and extremely proud of the way we stuck together last season,” Scott said.

“From Ben Buckley and Carl Dilena down, every person kept to the plan, and it’s more important than ever that we need our magnificent supporters to support us on match day, to support us post-game, to support us during the week through what may be great times, and what may be tough times.

“When we are in this phase of development, the support and the unity is paramount.

“We must grow and develop together and vow not to be distracted from following the process through. 

“This game is a struggle, and we must embrace that struggle, and trust that this bold plan will lead us up the ladder again and back into contention.”

Scott believes success is on the horizon if the club is patient and resilient.

“The pathway to ultimate success can only be paved with careful planning and tough decision making, and we’ve shown we’re prepared to do that,” Scott said.

“What lies ahead for this great football club can’t be underestimated.

“We need to do whatever is necessary to win a fifth flag, and then a sixth, and a seventh and so on.”

“From the end of 2016 we began a process that I believe will deliver us that success.

“What we must do as a united club is have faith in the process that we laid out, trust one another and continue to work relentlessly to attract and develop the right talent, people and expertise to climb back up the ladder as soon as possible.”

In Scott’s eyes, the process is well underway, and fans can expect to see the pieces of the puzzle fit into place as early as this year courtesy of some talented players joining the club

“Last year we unveiled 13 new players, and this year we have a raft of fresh players joining us,” Scott commented.

“Billy Hartung has joined us from Hawthorn, and has already shown glimpses of his gut-running and line-breaking ability.

“Luke Davies-Uniacke has been described as a modern day midfielder, and what I’ve seen in him is immensely encouraging. However, we must allow Luke time to develop, but what I love about him is that he’s a young man in a hurry. His drive will be his advantage.

“I can’t wait to see what Kyron Hayden is capable of once he recovers from a shoulder injury, and how Paul Ahern, Alex Morgan, Will Walker, Gordon Narrier, Tristen Xerri and Tom Murphy all develop in the coming months with the addition of our VFL team, but make no mistake, a number of them will be playing AFL footy before too long.”

However, it’s not just the new faces who have Scott excited, the ninth-year coach is eager to see some previously injured stars back out on the park.

“Added to this is the addition of those who missed large chunks of game-time through injury in recent years,” Scott added. 

“Let’s see what a forwardline made-up of Ben Brown, Taylor Garner and Mason Wood can achieve, with the addition of the experience of Jarrad Waite.

“I can’t wait to let Ben Jacobs loose on opposition midfielders again, it’ll be great to have him back.

“It’ll be great to see Sam Wright floating across half-back taking intercept marks.”

North will travel to Cairns next week for its season opener against the Suns.