Clarkson targets off-season boost ahead of 2027 challenge
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson says his side will target list improvements in the AFL off-season before aiming to continue the Kangaroos' upward trajectory in 2027
AFL R24 match report: Swans end turbulent week by downing Roos
An undermanned Sydney Swans outfit defied the club's off-field troubles to end North Melbourne's season with a 53-point defeat at the SCG on Sunday
AFLW R2 match report: Roos reign supreme in Grand Final rematch
North Melbourne has continued its strong start to season 2026, defeating Brisbane by 11 points at Brighton Homes Arena
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Clarkson on season-closing defeat, positives from improved 2026
Senior coach Alastair Clarkson speaks to reporters after the Round 24 loss to Sydney
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VFL R15 team: Defender to make return against Gulls
Josh Goater has been named in North Melbourne's VFL side after recovering from an MCL injury
Small forward Jason McCormick has been omitted, while Jarrod Lienert and Louis Butler have been rested.
You can live stream the match via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.
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In one their strongest team performances this season, the Kangaroos had 89 more disposals, 26 more inside 50s and 18 more clearances.
Tristan Xerri was unstoppable in midfield in his second game back, ending the 12.15 (87) to 5.4 (34) win with 29 disposals, 11 clearances and 31 hitouts.
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"He's certainly a nice piece to have out there," North Melbourne VFL coach Tom Lynch told NMFC Media.
"He was dominant. We were rapt that he got through and he had such a significant influence on the game that really set us up."
It was a relatively scrappy start to the affair with both sides battling on the wet surface early, but after the first break it was all North Melbourne.
A magical move from Cooper Harvey (five goals, 20 disposals, nine marks) saw the young gun boot his second of the day, which was followed by a string of majors to Charlie Lazzaro, Tyler Sellers and Blake Drury to provide the home side with a healthy 25-point buffer at half-time.
"I was really proud of 'Coop' (Harvey) today," Lynch said.
"He's hit the scoreboard but his running patterns and work rate have improved throughout the season, so to see him playing the type of footy he is at the moment (is great) while being alongside some of his mates like Blake Drury, Robbie Hansen jnr and these guys at half-forward.
"They're also lucky that they've got someone like Kayne Turner down there who's a really strong influence on those boys, but also to be learning off (North Melbourne forward line coach) Leigh Adams."
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North Melbourne's high intensity remained at the beginning of the third term as its midfield continued to put the visitors to the sword.
At Xerri's feet roving with intent were experienced onballers Daniel Howe (32 disposals, six clearances) and Ben Cunnington (10 clearances, one goal), while Lazzaro, Spicer and Curtis Taylor added some clever and impactful movement on the outside.
When the Seagulls did manage to win possession and attempt to gain territory, Kallan Dawson, Ben Davis and Lachie Young stood tall at half-back, with the likes of Hansen jnr and Turner pressuring the opposition ball carriers at every turn.
Majors to captain Jack Watkins and Harvey in the fourth quarter, expertly assisted by Xerri and Taylor respectively, left Lynch delighted.
"It was a fantastic, all-round performance," he said.
"It was pleasing from the first bounce to see their attitude to compete in the contest and also to spread and compete on the loose balls at the next contest.
"They all played a solid, four-quarter performance and just about everyone had a really good day."
— North Melbourne Reserves (@NMFCReserves) July 2, 2023
Coming back from an MCL injury, Josh Goater played his half-back role astutely. On managed minutes, the young defender was withdrawn from the game at three-quarter time after gathering 11 touches and seven marks.
Hardened ball-winner Hugh Greenwood was a late inclusion for the Roos, replacing Connor Downie. He tallied 10 touches and six tackles, also on limited game time.
Lynch's side will finish Round 15 in sixth spot on the ladder with a trip to Geelong next on the agenda.
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