Now we look at the speedy Shinboners.
List:
North looks in great shape to improve this year. The core of their group is in and around the maturing level, complemented by junior hard runners. Spargo is an experienced player that they’ve picked up, but the question arises, is he the right type? Little fellows who struggle to pick up 10 possies a game and struggle to kick goals are usually the first you throw out. So, why Spargo? Surely, as per list gaps, a taller-medium, big-bodied midfielder would have been a better choice.
It is unfortunate that North have over-focused on junior smalls and smaller-mediums, they really could have done with more taller midfielders.
With that, we look at the gaps in North list and who they need for further improvement. Xerri is their only playable senior ruckman, as Coleman-Jones doesn’t appear to be up to AFL standard. One thinks that if Trembath continues his excellent 2025 form, that Larkey might ruck in the forward half, or they could use Corr as a 2nd ruckman/spare tall defender. North rely too much on Davies-Uniake, and they desperately need another of his type, for when he needs a rest. Clearly, North can’t financially afford an Oliver or a Petracca, but someone like them would be invaluable.
I reckon this may well be the year that North starts rising. How far? Not sure! But, the first few weeks should give a good indication.
Select 23:
North’s line-up looks pretty settled. Hopefully, McDonald has returned from injury and will resume on the half-back line. Pink has overtaken Corr as a key defender. As said, Corr might be redeployed as a second ruckman. Trembath and Harvey should now be regulars in the team, adding a crucial 3-4 goals to the team tally each game. Wardlaw and Scott should add to the midfield rotations.
North have 12 midfielders in their team that they can rotate, and that doesn’t count Konstanty, who’d be next in. In fact, their abundance of midfielders allows Daniel to play the rebounding defender role more often.
Good luck, North! We know you battle the financial odds, but you have that special Shinboner spirit.
B: Daniel, Pink, Logue
HB: McDonald, Comben, McKercher
C: Powell, Simpkin, Stevens
HF: Parker, Larkey, Harvey
F: Zurhaar, Trembath, Curtis
R: Xerri, Davies-Uniake, Sheezel
I: Wardlaw, O’Sullivan, Darling, Corr, Scott
You can follow all my list updates as they become available at https://www.ozfootylistmanager.com/2026-lists-new.html
Next up, the boys from Alberton way.
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About
It was 25 years ago that I began developing a model for analysing footy squad lists for the purpose of improving those lists into a premiership window. Since then, the model has been used to successfully predict premiership clubs and to improve either lop-sided or underdeveloped lists into premiership lists. Indeed, the model was used for an article that I had published as a double page spread in The Age 2005 Pre-Season magazine. Over the 25 years, I have analysed the annual lists of one particular club but have used it for other clubs upon request. It has always been on my bucket list to display the lists of all the clubs, using the model, which I've done since 2021 on my website - OzFootyListManager.com
Spargo could be a good recruit, like Luke Parker; experienced Premiership player to complement a young list.
He was rated at Melbourne for his pressure acts.
I wouldnt think North would recuit him to play him in the twos.
Be interesting how the team goes. Clarkson may not have the generational players like Franklin Hodge and Rioli that he had in his early days at Hawthorn.