While football’s successful return to Arden Street was a significant story, nothing could compare to the undeniable interest in emerging Roo ruckman Brayden Preuss from the media.
North’s encouraging win over Hawthorn was somewhat overshadowed by the tough 206cm giant.
AAP – Roger Vaughan
“Sunday was also encouraging because nearly a half century since the Galloping Gasometer, the Arden St match might have confirmed the emergence of their newest frontline ruckman.
“Rugby league convert Braydon Preuss starred on Sunday with game-high statistics of 27 hit-outs and three goals, combining well with (Todd) Goldstein. Going on Sunday's performance, his AFL debut could come in round one against West Coast.”
FoxSports.com.au – Riley Beveridge
“On a day of unearthing gems, North Melbourne fans might have also found themselves a new cult hero as well.
“That came in the form of 206cm and 109kg ruckman Braydon Preuss, who consistently threw his weight around all afternoon.”
Twitter - @Nick_Bowen (AFL Media)
“Braydon Preuss making his presence felt already. Liam Shiels was winded after a bump from the North big man in the Roos' forward line.”
Twitter - @MatthewLloyd18
“Majak Daw finally sees Drew Petrie move on and suddenly Preuss comes from the clouds to warrant selection for round one in front of him.”
Fox Footy – Gerard Healy
“This bloke has been one of the finds of the JLT Community Series. It’s great when you see new talent coming in and new talent having a physical impact … he looks like he is a woodchopper for fun.”
The Age – Michael Gleeson
“Preuss was a presence in the ruck but also created a good target forward finishing with three goals. Two of those goals were from good strong marks while for the other he picked the ball up from his toes on the run.”
After promising to blood its raft of youngsters in 2017, the future has been on show over the past fortnight and members of the media are suddenly optimistic about North’s path ahead.
Herald Sun – Lauren Wood
“Mitch Hibberd, rookie Cam Zurhaar, Jy Simpkin, Braydon Preuss. Four names that should be in contention for a look at the top level at some stage this season. All held their own against the polished Hawks, with Hibberd gathering a game-high 24 touches for the day.”
FoxSports.com.au – Riley Beveridge
“As the Kangaroos returned to Arden Street for the first time in more than 31 years on Sunday, fans were treated to an exciting taste of things to come. North combined its talented future, as a number of kids took their chance to impress, with a throwback to yesteryear at a fine suburban venue … North played with an attacking intent born from youthful exuberance, as a number of the club’s new recruits showed exciting glimpses of their potential.”
The Age – Michael Gleeson
“Trent Dumont looks likely to become one to fill the void of the retiring veterans. Mitchell Hibberd, Ed Vickers-Willis and Corey Wagner did well among the young players. Cam Zurhaar kicked a nice goal with a spin and a clever step out of traffic and Marley Williams offered them creative attacking run from half-back even if some of those forays were turned over and hurt on the rebound from loose delivery. Sam Durdin did well at centre half-back and Luke McDonald had poise and clever use of the ball.”
Kevin Bartlett - SEN
“Maybe this could be Brad Scott’s greatest coaching achievement … maybe they’re going to surprise with a bunch of names that are not well known to a lot of people and they’re going to come through … they’ve got a bit of freshness about the side.”
Greg Denham - SEN
“Gee it was refreshing seeing some of the kids get a go … down the track, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
“I just think North are on the right track … to go back and cut those blokes last year, [they] got a lot of criticism for it but I think they showed something yesterday and at the same time with Wood out, Jacobs out and a number of other guys injured, there a bit of hope for them down the track.”
Twitter @rohan_connolly (The Age)
“Dumont, Hrovat, Hibberd, Preuss, Vickers-Willis, Wagner & few more for @NMFCOfficial impressing again. Not going to be easybeats.”
The Kangaroos displayed a high-voltage game-style that was both exciting and promising.
Herald Sun – Lauren Wood
“No Mason Wood, no Jarrad Waite, no Ben Brown, no now-Eagle Drew Petrie — no worries for North. They came from everywhere for a crack at goal, with 10 different players wanting a piece of the action.”
3AW – Brent Harvey
“It’s those next guys in Robbie Tarrant who has been elevated to the leadership group … we’ve got a lot of young guys coming through. If we can spread the workload rather than leaving it to a couple of guys, there’s no issue with the experience and leadership.”
Twitter - @JDESTOOP80_FOX (Fox Sports News)
“Underrated player Jamie MacMillan. Rarely beaten.”
Nathan Hrovat continued to impress in his second outing in the royal blue and white.
The Age – Michael Gleeson
“Before 3,981 people in the quaintly retro Arden Street oval, ex-Bulldog Nathan Hrovat had zip about the forward line, booting a couple of goals and working hard up and down the ground.”
FoxSports.com.au– Riley Beveridge
“Dangerous around goal and equally as capable of spotting up his new teammates inside 50, Hrovat was again one of North Melbourne’s best. He finished with 18 disposals and two goals, backing up a strong performance on debut against Sydney last weekend.”
Fox Footy – David King
“I think he can go on and become a real star of the competition.”
North’s first pick in last year’s draft, Jy Simpkin also did anough to catch the eye of scribes at the game.
FoxSports.com.au– Riley Beveridge
“Sidestepping former Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge to create a yard of space while winning his first touch certainly endeared the youngster to the vocal home fans.”
Perhaps the last word should be left to Beveridge who captured the spirit of the day as good as any.
“And while Hawthorn came with bursts after the main break, North Melbourne held on to make it two from two in the JLT Community Series. So much for fears of a downfall.”
