Shaun Higgins isn't among those predicting North Melbourne to drop out of the AFL's top eight this season.
Not on what he's seen in the pre-season, capped by a surprise result against last year's grand finalists Sydney on Sunday.
The Kangaroos forced their way back into the contest against the Swans and ran out two-point winners in Coffs Harbour.
It's the time of year when reading too much into results can get you into trouble.
After all, the three clubs that went unbeaten in last year's pre-season - Melbourne, Collingwood and Fremantle - all missed the eight.
But Higgins believes the tight win could benefit the Kangaroos' legion of young players.
"Most teams would take the process over the result," he said on Monday.
"But yesterday was good for young guys playing their first game to experience that win. It's not for four points but a win's a win and we play to win even in practice matches.
"We're not fussed outside of the footy club what the expectations are. We know where we're at."
North Melbourne are undergoing the league's biggest restructure, with 12 new faces replacing club legends Brent Harvey, Michael Firrito and Drew Petrie among others.
That's not an intimidating challenge, but an exhilarating one according to Higgins.
"It's been an exciting pre-season when you bring in 11 new faces," he said.
"There were some promising signs from some young guys thrown in the deep end. We were really inexperienced, especially down back, and they stood up."
He particularly saluted Nathan Hrovat, who walked the same path as Higgins from Whitten Oval to Arden Street in the off-season and was one of North's best on Sunday.
"I was really excited when we got him as I thought when he got drafted he was one of the best young guys running around (with the Western Bulldogs)," Higgins said.
"He's shown that all pre-season and he's going to play an important part for us this season."
Share
