whufc wrote:redandblack wrote:I think North are strong contenders this year, for the following reasons;
Last year they looked like a side just going through the motions and the change of Coach should make a big difference.
Their previous perceived main weaknesses were in ruck and defence. Ackland, Schwarze and having White available to train should strengthen those spots considerably.
Their losses don't weaken them much. Of those gone, I would have thought Ward and Ivens are the biggest losses, from a talent point of view, although there may be good reasons why Ward left (?). Several of the others were either well past their best, had already retired, or were fringe league players at best. One or two, such as O'Brien, were probably disappointments.
Their key position players are very good. I'm not sure who will fill full-back (Gallman/Schwarze?), but White, Alleway and Stewart are top class. I rate Stewart very highly.
I think top spot is well up for grabs, with Central, Norwood, Glenelg and North all possibilities.
White, Alleway and Stewart are top class i totally agree with you BUT they had them playing last year, so i don't know how much those guys are going to improve the squad one year on.
Schwarze / Ackland for my mind are very on/off and are only another injury away from being gone IMHO.
The area North lack the most is hardness around the ball, and i can't see any improvement in that area. In fact i think they have lost a few of the hardest ball winners in Ward, O'Brien, Ivens, Coulter and Wintle. This was a weakness last year and they haven't recruited in that area at all.
Where's Ivens gone?
