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Roos' new AFL era begins against Eagles

North Melbourne's bold list management decisions will see a markedly different team face West Coast in their AFL season-opener.

Coach Brad Scott of the Kangaroos
Coach Brad Scott's bold new era will be on display when the Kangaroos take on West Coast. (AAP)

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott's bold new era will be on display when the Kangaroos take on West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

Scott said he needed to give more young players opportunities when he made the difficult decision to let club stalwarts Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo and Michael Firrito go at the end of last season.

He stayed true to his vision at the first selection meeting of the season, handing out four AFL debuts and two club debuts for Sunday's clash against the Eagles.

Jy Simpkin, Declan Mountford, Mitch Hibberd and Braydon Preuss will all see AFL action for the first time, while Marley Williams and Nathan Hrovat will wear a North jumper for the first time since switching from Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs respectively.

"It's really exciting to see some new guys in there," assistant coach Leigh Tudor told AAP.

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"I think that's where we're at this year ... we've taken the option to try and play some young guys and see how they go.

"There's always going to be ups and downs with young guys - we don't expect any of them to do what Boomer Harvey did for 20-odd years - but as long as they give their best effort that's all we can ask."

Preuss' call up came as little surprise after the 21-year-old ruck-forward's eye-catching pre-season form.

"He's actually improved out of sight," Tudor said.

"This time last year you probably wouldn't have thought that but he's really worked on his craft.

"He's trained a little bit up forward but he's shown that he can present and he's strong enough - he can take some contested marks one-on-one.

"If he can bring that effort he'll fit in beautifully."

Key forward Ben Brown will also play after proving he has recovered from knee surgery in a VFL practice match last week.

Preuss' inclusion is an example of the opportunity created by Petrie's departure.

In a twist of fate the veteran of 316 games with North will play his first game for the Eagles against his old club.

Tudor admitted it would be surreal to see Petrie run out in opposition colours, but the Roos' won't have much time to dwell on that against well-drilled West Coast.

"They're just such a really smart, disciplined team," he said.

"They're really well structured and the way that they defend, especially, makes it really hard for opposition teams.

"They're aggressive, proactive and they run hard out of defence when they get the ball.

"We're going to have to make sure that we're there to compete and our pressure is right up."


3 min read

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Source: AAP



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