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Pre-season fixture: Match sim against Demons locked in
North Melbourne will tune up for the 2026 season with a match simulation against Melbourne on Friday, February 20
Training report: Sheezel, half-backs among match sim standouts
Vice-captain Harry Sheezel and half-backs Colby McKercher and Riley Hardeman were among the standouts as the Kangaroos went head to head in a match simulation on Wednesday morning
Interview
Interview
'Bull' ready to help lead the charge in Roos' revitalised forward line
Dynamic forward Cam Zurhaar says he's ready to tackle the 2026 campaign after a disrupted summer
'An unwavering sense of belonging': What drives Luke Davies-Uniacke
Luke Davies-Uniacke stars in the second episode of NMFC Media’s ’Make It Happen' documentary series
Must Watch
16:06
Harry Sheezel's dream start fizzled out. Now he's on a mission
In the final episode of ‘Make It Happen’, North Melbourne vice-captain Harry Sheezel shares how he gets the best out of himself, what anchors him, and why he knows success will come for the Kangaroos.
02:17
Interview
Interview
Zurhaar on exciting young gun, Roos' revitalised forwards
Cam Zurhaar speaks to NMFC Media about Lachy Dovaston, North Melbourne's new-look forward line and preparing to launch into 2026 after an interrupted off-season
16:06
LDU on self-belief, staying grounded, how mum convinced him to stay a Roo
In the second episode of ‘Make It Happen’, North Melbourne star Luke Davies-Uniacke discusses being a 'veteran' at 26, his strong sense of belonging in Rye, and reveals the factors behind his massive contract call
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Team (Community Series 1, 2021)
North Melbourne fans will have the chance to see eight new recruits in action at Arden Street on Saturday.
North Melbourne fans will have the chance to see eight new recruits in action at Arden Street on Saturday.
While Aidan Corr, Jaidyn Stephenson, Tom Powell, Charlie Lazzaro and Lachie Young enjoyed a taste of things in last week’s practice match, Will Phillips, Phoenix Spicer and Atu Bosenavulagi will pull on the royal blue and white for the first in a competitive hit-out.
Phillips was the Roos’ first selection at last year’s NAB AFL Draft, and is likely to spend time through the midfield, while Bosenavulagi has shown plenty of ability across half-back in recent match simulation, but is capable of playing anywhere on the field.
Spicer’s raw speed and skill will be on show, with the small-forward showing plenty to be excited about in his first pre-season.
North is set to field a young team, with the likes of Ben Cunnington, Trent Dumont, Jared Polec, Jed Anderson, Robbie Tarrant and Aaron Hall among the experienced players not lining up.
Big man Todd Goldstein will be a welcome addition in the midfield though, after missing last week.
See the full team below, presented by The Wharf Hotel.
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Match Report (Community Series 1, 2021)
North Melbourne has fallen to a 39-point loss against Hawthorn on Saturday.
North Melbourne has fallen to a 39-point loss against Hawthorn on Saturday.
The Roos started the game brightly, with the likes of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin and Tom Powell all busy early, but the home side was unable to stop the Hawks scoring freely.
By quarter-time, the margin was 26, but North had its best period during the middle part of the second term, at one stage reducing the margin to just four points.
Hawthorn's Jacob Koschitzke was proving the difference in attack though, and finished with six goals for the day.
A seven goal to two third quarter put the game beyond doubt for the visitors, and despite the tireless work of Dom Tyson, who booted three goals to go with 23 disposals, the Hawks won comfortably.
Recruit Jaidyn Stephenson had an impressive 27 possessions, playing through the midfield and in attack, while Josh Walker was terrific in the forward line, with 16 touches, 12 marks and three goals.
New faces Hawthorn youngster Tyler Brockman lit up the contest with three goals in the first quarter, as well as some exciting passages and some daring leaps at the footy. Jacob Koschitzke then picked up where he left off, taking some strong marks in the second term and finishing with six goals. Lachie Bramble started in the middle, despite only being signed on Friday, but was relatively quiet. Tom Phillips was impressive as an inside midfielder, first-year Academy graduate Connor Downie was exciting on a wing and ex-Adelaide recruit Kyle Hartigan was solid down back. North Melbourne recruit Jaidyn Stephenson split his time relatively evenly between the midfield and the forward line, but had an indifferent afternoon, while first-round pick Tom Powell did some nice things as a high half-forward before being withdrawn after half-time. New duo Atu Bosenavulagi and Lachie Young both played across half-back, while Aidan Corr was asked to man the red-hot Koschitzke when he got off the chain. Newly drafted trio Charlie Lazzaro, Will Phillips and Phoenix Spicer played limited minutes.
Round one chance North Melbourne youngster Tom Powell looks in the frame for a round one debut, impressing when he went through the midfield to finish with 15 disposals to half-time. After just three games in two years, Dom Tyson also looks set to provide more midfield support after winning 23 and kicking three goals. Hawthorn duo Jacob Koschitzke and Tyler Brockman can be pencilled in for round one, while Harry Morrison looks destined for more midfield time. Changkuoth Jiath was impressive down back and looks set to add to his seven senior games this season.
Medical room Hawthorn had key forward Mitch Lewis pull out of the clash just prior to the bounce, though the reasons behind the decision are still unknown. The Hawks will be sweating on the fitness of Chad Wingard (calf) and Tom Mitchell (shoulder) ahead of round one, with the club still unsure whether both will be fit. North Melbourne should have Ben Cunnington (concussion) back for round one, while Jed Anderson (calf), Trent Dumont (calf) and Jared Polec (hamstring) are also in the frame.
Fantasy watch All eyes were on new Hawk Tom Phillips (MID/FWD, $602,000) who did everything right to justify his 31 per cent ownership. Phillips' 141 with plenty of midfield clock makes him a Fantasy Classic lock but it was his teammate Tyler Brockman (MID/FWD, $180,000) who may offer more value if named in round one. His three first-quarter goals helped him to 69 points. Same goes for Jacob Koschitzke (DEF, $170,000) who booted six goals, racking up 95 points and most importantly looking likely for a round one debut and a handy basement-priced defender. For the Roos, Jaidyn Stephenson (FWD, $470,000) and Tom Powell (MID, $246,000) look set to increase their prices early in the season scoring 95 and 64 respectively.