Former North Melbourne midfielder Nick Dal Santo expects the Roos to once again mix it with the top teams in 2019.

After defying external expectations and only narrowly missing the finals in 2018, Dal Santo believes the Roos can take another step-up next season.

“I’m half-full with the Kangas. I think they can get better. I think they have growth from underneath,” Dal Santo told SEN Breakfast.

“I think what they showed last year impressed a lot of people.

“I put my hand up, I did not expect the turnaround in form and results to be that quick.

“I think they can shake it up a bit next year. Brad Scott is really good at finding the elite qualities in players.” 

With Jarrad Waite retiring at the end of 2018 and no direct replacement brought in, some have questioned who will make up for Waite’s goals. But Dal Santo believes the answer is already at the club.

“I think Jack Ziebell could kick 40 goals – two per game if he plays as a permanent forward,” he said.