Sooooo true...

[Dutchy]

Could the form team outside the top four go unsung yet again?
Rohan Connolly | August 11, 2008

WILL somebody please end the most tedious on-going story in football and finally give North Melbourne some credit. No? Well, what's new?

Without having the benefit of today's headlines before me as I write, I'll take a guess that most of the wash-up from yesterday's clash will revolve around what went wrong with the Western Bulldogs.

To that, you can add this: several things, but none so significant as simply coming up against a damn good football team.

It happens, you know, and nobody bats an eyelid. Except when that team is the Kangaroos, in which case the focus immediately shifts to the beaten team's inexplicable lapse against a team it should have gobbled up.

It reached new heights last year, when the Roos were hovering near the top of the ladder nearly all season but come finals time in some eyes had mysteriously appeared in the top four, as if by default. Two finals thrashings provoked a chorus of "told you so's", the semi-final win over Hawthorn ignored in the process.

The sceptics (including this one at times) had bitten even harder this season thanks to some unusual inconsistency. But now North has won five in a row, what carping criticisms are left over?

Yesterday's sensational win gave the Roos the double over the Doggies, who haven't beaten them since round eight, 2005. They've accounted for Hawthorn once, whom they should have beaten in the first meeting as well and pushed Geelong to within 13 points.

It should make Dean Laidley's side the obvious fourth leg of a potential premier quadrella, but we continue to trumpet Collingwood's capacity to play finals-type football, Sydney's big-time experience, and for reasons which after Saturday night look pretty silly, St Kilda.

So what does North having going for it beyond that tedious cliche about spirit? An absolute champion in Brent Harvey. A run-with player in Brady Rawlings only marginally behind Geelong's Cameron Ling as the best in the caper.

It has continually-underrated defenders in Michael Firrito and Daniel Pratt. Dangerous medium-sized forwards like Shannon Grant, and not the obligatory one but two ground-level forward line terriers in Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas. And a posse of youngsters, who, in true North tradition, don't get their just kudos either, like Ed Lower, Scott McMahon, and Rising Star nominee Gavin Urquhart, whose chase down and tackle on Farren Ray yesterday was the sort of effort that wins games on its own.

A healthy blend of talent and application, shrewdly coached. The sort of combination to which reams of copy is usually written and hours of airtime expended. But this is North Melbourne, remember. So let's pretend this little tribute didn't happen, OK?

[Dogwatcher]

Can't pride yourself on the Shinboner spirit - which at its heart is about being under rated - and then get upset when you're under rated.

[Dogwatcher]

Notwithstanding that the Roos are playing good footy.

[RoosterMarty]

Well you are raving about your performance last year despite being absolutely hammered in the finals, you will need to do a lot better this season to get any respect.

[Adelaide Hawk]

I realise they didn't write the article, but the respect I used to have for North Melbourne has waned this season. Although I think some of their concerns are genuine, they have really turned into a bunch of whingers with giant chips on their shoulders, and it has become tiresome.

[carey18]

Please fill me in on this whinging the club has done????

[mal]

Without doubt an under-rated football team.
They seem to travel the most of any Victorian based teams.
They are made to or have to for $$$ play games in QLD
Dean Laidley has done a great job.

When you consider the Carey turmoil, the loss + retirements of the champion players of the late 90s and early this millenuim, this club without the cushy draft picks has reserected themselves.

They are not my favourite club, but definitely are my most respected AFL club.

[rod_rooster]

I really can't understand why the club would give a toss to be honest. Let the results speak for themselves. Why would they care if the media or public doesn't rate them?

[Dutchy]

I really can't understand why the club would give a toss to be honest. Let the results speak for themselves. Why would they care if the media or public doesn't rate them?

who is saying we care about not having the press? I prefer it that way, just thought the article was absolutely spot on...

[spell_check]

There's a few SA players highlighted in that article too.

[Wedgie]

lol@Dutchy, you can talk.
I can remember when you were saying that you couldn't see them making the finals and were going to lay off on your bet that you'd taken earlier in the year!

[Dutchy]

lol@Dutchy, you can talk.
I can remember when you were saying that you couldn't see them making the finals and were going to lay off on your bet that you'd taken earlier in the year!

Yep...and I did instead of winning $700- for them making the finals I layed off before they played Hawks, Ill still win $100- when they make it but $700- would have been much nicer

[FlyingHigh]

On your side this year Dutchy. Last year I was critical of the Kangas and Port because I thought they were ordinary sides and very lucky to get where they have been (ie West Coast "imploding"). Latter has been proven, but the Kangas have continued to develop, and are certain to be more competitive than last year.

[Rik E Boy]

Praise North, Praise Adelaide, Praise Carlton, Praise Hawthorn, here comes Geelong. Say your prayers. Praise the Lord.

regards,

REB

[Hondo]

I'm a doubter turned believer

Altho, as REB says, it's all a bit academic for everyone else until Geelong somehow come back to the field

[Psyber]

Geelong are looking a lot like Brisbane did at their peak, in build and style, that somewhat Rugby look.

[RoosterMarty]

Just on Fox then they were talking about North Melbourne and St Kilda as the teams running into form for the finals, they managed to sneak Adelaide in for a quick mention though.

That should cheer you up Dutchy.

[GWW]

North Melbourne are having another impressive season again, i think though that for them to be given even more respect and credibility they'll have to perform better in the finals given their disappointing efforts over the last couple of years.

Not being critical, just saying how i see it.

[Psyber]

Just on Fox then they were talking about North Melbourne and St Kilda as the teams running into form for the finals, they managed to sneak Adelaide in for a quick mention though.
That should cheer you up Dutchy.

Fairly typical commentator response over the last few years - the Saints win a match over a mediocre team and they're suddenly Melbourne's "Great White Hope" again.
North should be taken a bit more seriously.
Non-Melbourne teams, of course, don't count.

[Dutchy]

Getting my first look at the game on FOX right now, we didnt beat much....Carlton were pathetic, including their coaching staff.....and they got rid of Pagan