North have been a little hard to judge for me this year, so I wanted to watch the trial match before finishing this one. The question is when will they start getting some more wins on the board ? Is 2026 the turning point ? Are these young stars worth the cash ? let’s take a deep dive and see what’s what at North Melbourne.
The Lock
Harry Sheezel ( Mid ) $580.400
Ok. I really tried to come up with any reason to fade Harry this season. I can’t. No early Bye. Possibly the last year we get him as a forward. In 2024 he averaged 118.0 mostly at half back. Last year was a very solid 107.3. He’s only gonna get better in the midfield. Maybe, just maybe, he cops a tag occasionally. I still think he’s clearly F1. Lock him in.
The Dark Horse.
Tristian Xerri (Ruck) $687.300
Unlike Sheezel, I can see arguments as to why not to start Xerri. The impact of the new rules statistically don’t look great. His ownership has dropped ~5% in the last few weeks. He is still at 45% ownership, and by far the most owned ruck. He has showed an almost unmatched ceiling, ending last year with scores of 187 and 186 literally getting the winner the $50K ( Captained Xerri in the last round ) How much will the rules really effect him will be seen over time. Remember we are choosing these uber priced guys for the whole season. They also should really be Captains options. I’m still very nervous leaving him out of my SuperCoach team. Xerri truly is a dark horse in 2026.
The Breakout
Colby McKercher. ( def ) $449.600
Before he had a finger issue this was looking like a pretty easy pick. The North half back role has to one of the best in all of SuperCoach. For many years we have enjoyed various characters produce some very handy averages. Surely with his pace and skills Colby is going to rack up the footy and score well enough. I’m not sure he will match it with the top defenders like Whitfield and co. At 35% owned he’s still in a heap of defenses, and one to consider. If he’s fit, he looks like a solid starting pick.
The Rookie
Lachie Dovaston (Fwd) $136.000
North have been crying out for another small forward , and looks like they landed one with the addition of Lachie Dovaston. Pick 16 in the 2025 draft Dovaston is that perfect pesky lighting quick goal sneak. The role isn’t necessarily conducive to great rookie scoring. However this kid has talent and maybe a bench option as a slow burn.
Is there anyone else you are looking at starting from North ?
Let us know in the comments any LDU fans ?
Cheers FT.