AFL Pre-season – North Melbourne v Hawthorn: Home Sweet Home
Home Sweet Home
By Marnie Cohen
It had been a long 32 years since two AFL clubs did battle at Arden Street.
Round 20, 1985: North Melbourne (16.20.116) def Richmond (9.12. 66)
Just over 7,000 people would witness the final home and away game played at the home of North Melbourne. Fast forward to 2017, and supporters were treated to the return of Arden Street Oval. The sold-out crowd gathered to see North Melbourne go 2-0 in the JLT pre season series with a 21-point victory over Hawthorn.
What a day it was, and for North, the pre-season signs are good.
Twelve months earlier, Hawthorn embarrassed the Roos by 45 points at Etihad Stadium but Sunday’s game followed a very different script. It was quite an entertaining game of football, with just two points separating the teams at quarter time, and three points at half time. There were multiple lead changes, and anything one side offered, the other matched. Eventually, North found a way to out-do the Hawks, and they ran out twenty-one point victors.
The Return to Arden Street
Late last year, the AFL announced football would return to Arden Street during the JLT series – and the reception was out of this world. Excitement surrounded the announcement for months, and the game was a sell out. It was a special experience for young and old. I entered the ground with my dad, who had been at the last game played there in 1985 – nine years before I was born. It was heart warming, and an amazing experience to finally witness a game played on home turf. The fun continued at half time, with a re-enactment of the Arden Street Elephant (an Elephant dress up costume) who was treated to a lap of honour around the ground. For a North Melbourne fan, this pre-season game was one to remember.
Sunday’s game, once again, saw the football world shift their opinions on North Melbourne. Following that departure of North’s veterans, media experts and just about the whole football world were salivating at the thought of the Roos decline down the ladder. However, they are showing early signs that they’re going to be no easy beat… and they left it to the kids to prove it.
Brayden Preuss put in another impressive performance on Sunday, booting three goals and a game high 27 hit outs in the ruck. First gamer Jy Simpkin delighted North supporters, with his run and willingness to take some risks, and take the game on. He also took on Luke Hodge, and won – not a bad effort in your first game. Mitch Hibbard rounded out the talented trio, with a team high 25 possessions and 3 clearances.
However, they weren’t the only ones who put in a mighty effort. New recruit Nathan Hrovat played another vital role in the Roos victory. Eighteen possessions and two goals and two assists – his work rate catching the eyes of plenty, including former club champion and commentator David King, who claims the new Roo will become an ‘elite’ footballer in time. Shaun Higgins was back to his best thanks to a successful move into the midfield. He finished with 24 possessions and 4 clearances for the game. He was joined by tough man Ben Cunnington, and to the delight on North fans his best football was back on display. His game will be remembered for that highflying grab over Fitzpatrick and that bump on Duryea, however his 18 touches and 8 clearances shouldn’t go unnoticed. Finally, Jamie MacMillan was rarely beaten in the backline.
Despite the encouraging signs from North Melbourne, the media couldn’t go past Jaegar O’Meara’s performance – 22 disposals, 7 clearances and a goal in his second game as a Hawk. The Herald Sun went so far in calling it the ‘story of the sell out game,’ as they plastered his efforts all over their back page. Sure, he played a great game and it’s encouraging signs for the talented youngster, however the constant denial of North Melbourne’s presence and improvement constantly frustrates me and this is another example why. While we are only in the midst of pre-season, very few outside of the football club are brave enough and willing to defend the direction of the Roos. I am well aware they won’t become an overnight sensation (but wouldn’t that be great) however to refuse that their pre-season form hasn’t been encouraging is just wrong. It will take some time, however the new breed of talent coming through the ranks at Arden Street is exciting, and we will be okay.
In the words of Mick Malthouse of 1996, “We all think it’s going to be a difficult year, but I’m looking forward to it. “
And I am certainly looking forward to it.
Welcome Marnie. I enjoyed your piece. The crowd looked a little sparse for a sell out. Seems they were being cautious. But it seems the atmosphere was still very good. We look forward to more stories about the season. Cheers JTH
Thanks for the report, Marnie.
Good to see that you enjoyed the match – obviously for a number of a reasons.
I was too late to get organised and get a ticket,
but it was great to see footy back again at Arden St,
a place which holds many memories for me.
Nice one Marnie. And welcome.
Unfortunately my memories of Arden Street are somewhat tainted. In the 1970s is stank of urine mixed with stale rainwater on musty old duffle coats. It was horrible. Out the back of the terraces a river of piss gushed down the concrete paths. Such was the speed of this torrent that any little kid who unsuccessfully attempted a leap across the putrefied stream was swept out through the turnstiles. Blokes stood in vast rows outside the toilets and pissed against the old red brick walls as they discussed the state of the game, and steam rose gently up into the dank winter skies and formed acid rain clouds of Courage Draught above.
Ahh yes. Arden Street. Memories.
Thanks Dips for some images I will never get out of my brain. Welcome Marnie. Glad you enjoyed the day, and the writing of it, and I love the hope we all feel at the beginning of any given season. Good luck and keep writing.
Great first piece, Marnie! It is good to see our young kids stepped up after our mass departure of experienced leaders. It’s a shame about the media attention going to to O’Meara but we are used to the media ignoring us.
I too, like Smokie, missed out on tickets. It is a shame too because I was so excited to watch a game of footy at our homeland. Hopefully it becomes an annual tradition from here on in.
It is awesome having another North Melbourne fan amongst the Almanac!
Hi Marnie. Lovely piece. I have fond memories of the old Gasometer ground and the dog track. Many a battle i witnessed between the lowly Doggies and Shinboners. They were usually close and rugged Albert Mantello springs to mind. I think you’ve picked up a gift in Nathan Hrovat from the Dogs. Only the Doggies surplus of mids and smalls and his injuries holding him back over the years went against him. You also have Sean Higgins from us and he is a great player too. I think you will do alright this year. I empathise with the lack of media attention. Finally after 62 years the media are writing about the Dogs and not the opposition! Bring on the season. Can’ wait.