Over the coming weeks, North Media will analyse the 2021 seasons of every player on the list.

To see all the reviews so far, click here.

3. Jed Anderson

The stats:
7 games, 4 goals; 18.9 disposals, 3.1 marks, 5.1 tackles, 2.7 clearances, 2.9 intercepts per game.

The season:
As an experienced head in an inexperienced midfield, Jed Anderson is a true leader by example.

While injuries restricted him to just seven appearances across the season, his will to win the ball, whether that be through stoppage or tackle, is at a level all players should endeavour to reach.

Making his first appearance of the season in Round 2 against Gold Coast, Anderson made up for lost time by laying a career-high 14 tackles, along with 27 disposals and 17 contested possessions.

An ankle injury suffered the next week though kept him out of the side until Round 19, after which he played all remaining games of the season, often drifting forward to accommodate North’s other quality inside-midfielders.

Adding goals to his game late in the season, he’s proving to be far more than the contested beast he’s gained a reputation for being.

The game:
Round 2 v Gold Coast
27 disposals, 14 tackles, 17 contested possessions, 7 intercepts.

The moment:
After missing over two months of football, Anderson made his return in the Round 19 victory over Carlton. Playing in a somewhat unfamiliar forward role, his two goals proved crucial to the victory.

The fans said:

The coaches said:
“Jed leads by example out on the field. In the time he had on the sidelines, he was still watching vision with Tarryn (Thomas) and some of the other boys. His leadership off the field has grown to help the younger midfield guys. When he got back onto the park, his impact stuff is obviously a feature of his game, but what he’s really working on is his outside game as well. His transition running, getting from contest to contest and knowing he’s got more to his overall game than just the crash and bash. The ability to get out and get some outside footy is also growing in his game. It’ll be exciting to see him grow that part of his game moving forward.” - Jordan Russell (midfield coach).

4. Aidan Corr

The stats:
2 games; 16 disposals, 2.5 tackles, 4.5 one percenters, 7.5 intercepts, 78.1 per cent disposal efficiency per game.

The season:
An off-season recruit from GWS, Aidan Corr arrived at North Melbourne with the expectation of filling in the missing link in North’s defensive 50.

With the size and strength to play on key forwards, but the athleticism and guile to play on small forwards, Corr’s all-around defensive game was on show in the first two games of the season, and will be for many years to come.

Unfortunately, his 2021 season was curtailed by a toe infection that didn’t just limit his ability to play football, but had the potential to impact his health.

While unavailable, Corr threw himself into the culture at Arden Street, helping the coaching and list management departments as he immersed himself in the Shinboner spirit.

While 2021 was an unsuccessful year for the number four in terms of getting out onto the park, he has made himself an indispensable part of the culture at the club.

The game:
Round 2 v Gold Coast
20 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 marks, 10 intercepts

The moment:
Having your first North Melbourne presented to you is a special moment for any player, but with North legend and fellow defender presenting Corr with his, it was made all the more special.

The fans said:

The coaches said:
“He’s a first-year player coming from another club, but his ability to be fully invested in what we’ve done, as well as bringing leadership, skills and help to those who play in the backline has been first class. That’s been a real bonus for us this year.” - John Blakey (defensive coach).

5. Curtis Taylor

The stats:
18 games, 7 goals; 13.9 disposals, 4.4 marks, 2.2 tackles, 4.1 score involvements, 1.6 intercepts per game.

The season:
After two seasons of limited opportunity at AFL level, 2021 was the season where Curtis Taylor cemented himself as a member of North’s best 22.

Splitting his time between the forward line and the wing, Taylor even managed to gain limited experience playing inside midfield. It’s experience that will hold him in good stead as he progresses his career.

An exciting, athletic player, Taylor has a knack for pulling off the spectacular, whether that be through high-flying exploits or kicking unimaginable goals.

After playing Round 1, concussion forced him out of the side, and he was made to earn his spot back through strong performances at VFL level.

Playing every game bar one from Round 5 onwards, the consistency he added to his game, especially at the back end of the year, shows immense progression and development through the season.

2021 could prove to be a real launching pad for the young forward.

The game:
Round 18 v Essendon 
15 disposals, 7 marks, 2 goals, 93.3 per cent disposals efficiency

The moment:
A goal against the Bombers to keep North in the hunt, Taylor showcased the best parts of his game.

A gut running intercept possession, followed by clean hands and a composed finish; exactly what you want from a pressure forward.

The fans said:

The coaches said:
“For Curtis, he now understands that his consistency of performance comes off of really strong training form. The pleasing thing for him is he got some reward for that, but he was also able to play in multiple positions with some exposure on the wing and in the midfield.  His second half of the year was really consistent,” Heath Younie (forward coach).