Brad Scott made it quite clear in his press conferences over the past week that North Melbourne need to be ‘ruthless’ in their list assessment. Aggressive trading has been mooted. Reverend Shinboner looks at the possibilities.
Needs
Skills. It’s that simple. No trade should be considered unless North get a player who can kick exceptionally well. Either a pacey half-back flanker or a genuine midfielder will do.
Trade targets
In my dreams …
I simply love watching Chris Yarran rip it up
Chris Yarran (Carlton)
Exactly what North need. Pace, skill and flair off half-back. Highly unlikely to leave Carlton, but they are a key position player short … ?
Possible trade: Tarrant or Hansen plus second round pick.
Travis Varcoe (Geelong)
Quick, polished and a proven performer at only 23 years. And Geelong need another ruckman.
Possible trade: Straight swap for McIntosh
Trent McKenzie (Gold Coast)
19-year-old Williamstown boy with a raking left boot. But I can’t see the Suns letting him go.
Possible trade: Straight swap for Tarrant
In the ballpark …
Gary Rohan: Could be the greatest ranga to play football
Gary Rohan (Sydney)
The flashy ranga from Cobden has pace to burn and skills to-boot. Only 20 years old, but ripping it up already. Mates with Ben Cunnington.
Possible trade: Straight swap for Hansen
Paul Puopolo (Hawthorn)
Soon to be 24-year-old has worked hard to get an AFL gig. Has pace, skillz and can play forward, mid or defence.
Possible trade: Second round pick
Shane Savage (Hawthorn)
Only 20 and looks the goods. Hard, fast and doesn’t miss when it matters.
Possible trade: Second round pick
Matt Suckling (Hawthorn)
Simply sublime kick. Would love him taking North’s kick-outs.
Possible trade: Second round pick.
Sharrod Wellingham (Collingwood)
Unassuming midfielder in the star-studded Collingwood line up.
Possible trade: Second round pick.
Worth a look …
David Zaharakis (Essendon) – could improve his consistency but fits the bill.
Allen Christensen (Geelong) – younger (and better) version of Cameron Stokes.
Roo Beauty 
I reckon you’ve chosen a few down-hill skiers there, if you get one you might regret it.
Others (McKenzie, Rohan, Savage, Sucking) are likely untouchable given the diluted stocks coming through with two new teams poaching all the kids. Unless you target homesick Victorians playing interstate (a la Shannon Grant).
What, like Rohan or McKenzie?
But are they homesick? There’s no reports of such as SG regularly admitted.
Only players up for grabs are Brendan Fevola, and probably anyone who plays for St Kilda 🙂 Everyone else has been working too hard to secure ‘required’ players over the last 18 months to protect themselves from GWS and Suns. Puts you guys in a tough position, as McIntosh demands an A Grader in return if traded (and he definitely should be traded).
As such, I see that only peripheral players are probably going to put on the table this year unless North can orchestrate a coup. But I agree with skills being the first pre requisite, irrespective of who the players are. Though with Brady Rawlings now coaching, I imagine the skill level of the club will go through the roof…