Optimism is the key word floating around the North Melbourne Football Club this pre-season, according to chairman Ben Buckley.

With the acquisition of new coaching staff and a raft of young talent for the AFL side, Buckley believes the club is in a strong position moving into the future.

“I think the changes over the summer period have set some foundations,” he told SEN.

“Our members are pretty savvy football followers and have seen the challenges we’re facing, and the solution and direction the list is taking.

“We’re excited about the foundations we’ve put in place… There’s a genuine sense of optimism and positivity.”

A key part of that new foundation is the addition of coach David Noble and his new look coaching staff, including John Blakey, Heath Younie, Jordan Russell and Anthony Rocca. 

Noble’s holistic approach to coaching has been turning heads at the club, as well as his an ability to develop young players. 

“We’ve been nothing but impressed with David, with his approach, maturity and sound judgement,” Buckley said.

“The beauty about David is there’s nothing he hasn’t seen in the world of football … from coaching, to mixed management, to head of football and now back to coaching.

“He’s calm, he’s methodical, he’s very process-driven and he’s got a great rapport with the players already … he’s got a wonderful approach.”

Buckley also praised the impact the on-field success of North’s AFLW side was having on everybody at the club.

The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos were into the preliminary final, before the season was cancelled in 2020 and are looking to go one step further in 2021.

“I think it would be a fantastic thing for the club [if the girls won a premiership],” Buckley added.

“It would be a great reward for the players and coaching staff who have really committed themselves to being at the very top of the tree.

“The momentum would be great going into the [men’s] season and would be great for the club.”