Alastair Clarkson has blamed the Kangaroos’ defensive woes on personnel modifications however concedes they’re in for additional ache in opposition to Gold Coast if they do not win the midfield battle.
North Melbourne had been steam-rolled by Brisbane within the AFL Gather Round, struggling a 75-point loss as Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale led the Lions’ cost with 37 disposals and 13 clearances.
Defenders Ben McKay and Griffin Logue performed collectively for the primary time in an unsettled Kangaroos back-line.
“We’ve had a little bit of misfortune; (Aidan) Corr had a really interrupted preseason as did Griff Logue and then he missed a game through suspension, and McKay had his first game back,” coach Clarkson stated.
“We just haven’t had that group together and you need continuity and stability through the back part of your ground and we saw that in pretty stark measures on the weekend.
“And we did not assist our defence as a result of we turned the footy over … there is a mixture of two issues and we have to repair each this week.”
North co-captain Jy Simpkin underwent hand surgery after the match and Clarkson said there was no timeline yet for the return of the influential midfielder.
But the coach ruled out giving an AFL debut to highly-rated draft pick George Wardlaw, who has battled hamstring issues.
“Probably not this week as a result of we we did not even play him on the weekend in opposition to Sydney within the reserves,” Clarkson stated.
“It’s all a part of his program to provide him a relaxation – he had a extremely sturdy block of coaching after which we wished to play for 3 or 4 video games, give him a break after which construct once more.
“He’s a big part of our future but that’s why we’ve been really patient as well – we want to give him the best chance to have success when he comes into the side.”
The four-time flag-winning coach stated ahead Paul Curtis had put his hand up for choice by his VFL displaying.
“We know the quality of player that he is and given he’s gone back and played so well, he’ll be in the mix this week.”
Facing the Sixteenth-placed Suns on the Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon, Clarkson stated no matter choice his crew wanted to win the midfield battle.
“We know that the middle of the ground is a really important part of the game and that’s Gold Coast’s real strength.
“The greatest on floor (in opposition to the Lions) was Lachie Neale so we did not win that midfield battle and for those who give any opposition provide, significantly once we weren’t fairly in sync with our defensive stability constructions behind the ball, you are going to pay the worth.
“We’ll pay the price against Gold Coast too if we don’t have a really, really strong contest around the middle of the ground.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
