For the Northern Knights, the aim isn’t to simply win games this season; it’s also about giving its players the best opportunity to play in the AFL.
With that in mind, the Knights have given all 47 players on their senior list a game in the first 12 rounds.
“We would love to play finals, but that isn’t the mindset we go in with,” coach Andrew Shakespeare said before Saturday’s home game against Eastern Ranges.
“It’s about developing AFL-draftable skills like kicking, running and clean hands.
“While disappointed with the results, we have seen a lot of development in the players.”
After a win at the weekend, the Knights are 10th on the ladder with four wins.
Northern held Eastern Ranges scoreless in the first quarter at Preston City Oval, quickly establishing a 50-point lead.
The hard-working Knights continued to control the game, going on to win 17.10 (112) to 9.11 (65).
Reece McKenzie kicked 10 goals in a best-on-ground performance.
“We’re keen to make amends for the way we’ve been playing,” Shakespeare said.
“There’s definitely been ups and downs and it has been challenging.
“[But] we’ve been able to get eight players in state sides, which gives a great opportunity to our younger players to get more games in the TAC Cup.”
Two potential father-son recruits were among those given a chance – Jake Bradley, son of Carlton great Craig Bradley, and Darcy MacPherson, the son of former Bulldog Stephen MacPherson.
“I’m glad to get games into bottom-age players as it gives them good experience for next year,’’ Shakespeare said.
“Brayden Fiorini played for Vic Metro in the futures carnival. Matthew Perry and Sam Peet have also played some good football.”
Shakespeare said a couple of players who missed the 2013 season had been among the Knights’ best performers this year.
“Reece McKenzie has come back into the program after not playing last year, while Jordan Perry missed, too, with a navicular injury and has dominated, averaging 28 possessions a game, and he’s played in senior VFL.”
Shakespeare said captain Josh Iacobaccio was in line to return in round 15 from a hamstring injury which required surgery.
“The ball is in our court, because the season is pretty even across all the teams,’’ he said. “Playing finals is still possible if we win our remaining games.”
