KANGAROOS skipper Adam Simpson says he expects AFL pundits to continue to dismiss his side’s premiership aspirations in 2008.
And just like last season when the Kangaroos finished in the top four, they intend to prove their critics wrong.
“I don’t think it will be a lot different to last year.
“A lot of people thought we might have over-achieved so we’ve still got a bit to prove in that area, we’ve got to back up last year before we can say we’re a consistent team, that’s probably the main focus for us,” said the North Melbourne veteran, referring to his team’s 14th place finish in 2006.
He felt the Kangaroos were better prepared for the coming season, having spent last year embracing their new game style, which was far more direct and fluent.
“The one thing I noticed this pre-season, we pretty much came in with a new game plan last year so this pre-season has been a build on that, rather than learning from scratch so I’m hoping we can take that next step.
“We’re a year into our new game plan so hopefully that will hold us in good stead.
“The preparation is going well for us, I think 95 per cent of the players have done the full pre-season so it’s been pretty good.”
Full-forward Nathan Thompson, who underwent a knee reconstruction last year, is on target to play in North Melbourne’s round one NAB Cup match in three weeks time against the Western Bulldogs in Darwin.
Thompson was the Kangaroo’s leading goalkicker in 2006 and at times was sorely missed last year.
Simpson also nominated draftee, tall forward Robbie Tarrant who is the younger brother of Fremantle and ex-Collingwood player Chris, as one to watch.
“He doesn’t have the ‘guns’ (arms) as big as his brother yet but he’s definitely has the same sort of silky skills and strong lead and marking type player so hopefully he’ll get a run in the NAB Cup.”
With the club’s future settled in Melbourne, Simpson said it was important that his team delivered on the field to do their bit to attract fans and sponsors.
He said emerging players such as Hamish McIntosh, Daniel Harris, Lindsay Thomas and Matt Campbell were crucial to the side’s continued improvement.
“We’ve always been aware that our performance really indicates our bottom dollar and if we drop off like we did a few years ago it does hurt us financially.
“The players do understand that so we’ve got to put up a good show.”
AAP
Source: Kangaroos will prove themselves
