Huge positives: Cornes and King analyse North’s progress

Kane Cornes saw some real positives for North Melbourne in their 81-69 win over Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Cornes, who has been disappointed with what North have produced in recent years compared to his expectations of the list, is pleased to see some of the club’s top-end younger talent make a real impact at the AFL level.

He hailed Finn O’Sullivan for his tagging effort on Zach Merrett, keeping the star Don to 10 touches while getting 24 of his own, as well as shouting out Luke Parker, Cooper Trembath and Nick Larkey for their efforts.

“I liked the way that they were moving the footy,” Cornes said on SEN's Fireball.

“I just love O'Sullivan. I think that's been a game-changer for them. I think there's something about going after the opposition's best player, putting a target on them, giving the job to a young kid, and then everyone's all-in as well.

“You go, ‘Well, he's absolutely made of the right stuff’. He’s not going to be a tagger forever, but it’s the way Caleb Serong started, and Touk Miller started, it is the best initiation for this young gun.

“He's tough, and he's exceptional with his ability to get off his opponent at the right time. So, I love that.

“I think Parker behind the ball's been good.

“I think the forward line is functioning. Trembath looks like a player, and I like the leadership of Larkey.

“So, it wasn't perfect. There are still some defensive issues that you can highlight, but I thought there was some method in the way that they were moving the footy.

“At times, I think they played a genuinely exciting brand of footy.”

North great David King was also excited by what he saw around the ball, highlighting one last missing link at the club before they can truly take the next step.

“I think that's the missing link, isn't it? Just the fluent movement,” King said.

“They've got a great stoppage sort of program and stoppage line-up, I mean, they've just got ball winners in there.

“I think what George (Wardlaw) does is bring an anger, he brings a level of intensity to the group, a little bit similar to Harley Reid … but he’s not that level yet.

“I think he had 7 or 8 clearances on the weekend. It just shows that there's enough quality in there to get going, to get them rolling now.

“I love what McKercher is becoming. Parker has become Luke Hodge in the last three weeks, he’s looked absolutely sensational.

“I'm with you. They've got a stack of midfielders that are now getting a quality time in there without being interrupted by Simpkin and the like, I think it’s been a positive for all.”

The 2-1 Roos are every chance of winning back-to-back games for the first time since 2023 when they face the struggling Blues at Marvel Stadium on Good Friday.