North's level of success

[JK]

Didn't want to go off-topic on the Fullbacks thread, so figured I would ask the question of Roosters fans seperately.

I should preface it by saying it is most certainly not a bait, or attack on the Roosters, but a legitimate question.

Do Rooster fans feel as though the club has underachieved over the years, given the quality of cattle North has had at it's disposal?

The reason I ask is because North would have to be right up there for the number of stars and superstars the club has had, many playing at the same time.

Farmer, Mackay, Lindner, Phillips, Barbary, Robran, Jarmans etc .. North's team of the century would have to be the equal of any and most likely better than most?

[robranisgod]

Didn't want to go off-topic on the Fullbacks thread, so figured I would ask the question of Roosters fans seperately.

I should preface it by saying it is most certainly not a bait, or attack on the Roosters, but a legitimate question.

Do Rooster fans feel as though the club has underachieved over the years, given the quality of cattle North has had at it's disposal?

The reason I ask is because North would have to be right up there for the number of stars and superstars the club has had, many playing at the same time.

Farmer, Mackay, Lindner, Phillips, Barbary, Robran, Jarmans etc .. North's team of the century would have to be the equal of any and most likely better than most?

As a long time North supporter I have often wondered the same thing, but then again North's record since they joined the competition is better than all bar Port and Norwood and in the case of Norwood is only 3 premierships behind Norwood. Norwood had won 11 of their flags prior to North commencing so it is only Port who have a much better record than North. North's problem it seems is that they never have had a dynsaty, but then again either have Norwood since the 1880s. Port a number of times, Sturt once and Central once are the only teams that really have had dynasties since the start of electorate football.

North have almost always had a champ play for them. I guess that is why they have won so few wooden spoons, in fact we have won as many in the last 33 years, 1978, 1999 and 2003 as we have in the rest of our history.

I think one of the problems with North has historically been the lack of finance to top up the team, but now that for the first time in history we have finances we are no better and in fact probably worse. Being bordered by Port and Norwood probably hasn't helped either.

I know I've been long winded but I think it all comes down to club culture. All of the champs played in a premiership or two, but the club seemed happy with the famous "premiership every decade" and then cruised until the next champ or champs came along.

You are right about North's team of the century. It looks better than every team other than Port and it probably is Port's equal. And the people who selected the team didn't even consider Jack "Snowy" Hamilton, the Prince of half backs.

[JK]

Thanks RIG, it's an interesting situation I reckon.

I've always felt my own mob has underachieved too, but then at the same time I've never felt that we've had as many stars as say North so perhaps it's my natural bias to feel the way I do, I dunno .. Similarly to your thoughts on North, I also think Norwood have suffered from not putting together any form of dynasty.

IIRC it's around 90 years since the Legs last back-to-back flags, hardly inspiring stuff.

[robranisgod]

Thanks RIG, it's an interesting situation I reckon.

I've always felt my own mob has underachieved too, but then at the same time I've never felt that we've had as many stars as say North so perhaps it's my natural bias to feel the way I do, I dunno .. Similarly to your thoughts on North, I also think Norwood have suffered from not putting together any form of dynasty.

IIRC it's around 90 years since the Legs last back-to-back flags, hardly inspiring stuff.

In my time at least, North have never had the ability to pinch a flag like Port probably did in 1979 and perhaps Norwood did in 1984. Every flag that I have seen, North have at least been equal favourite if not outright favourite to win the flag. The only one we almost pinched would have been number 1973. We certainly should have won 1986 and there are a couple of others that possibly got away as well.

North, Norwood, Glenelg and West would all have much better premiership records if not for Port's dominance. And I say that even given Norwood's good record in finals against Port

[GWW]

Has the problem for North been, in years gone by (and i'm mainly referring to quite a while ago), that they've had a handful of exceptional players but haven't had the depth of other clubs. For example, teams containing Farmer, McKay, Benton etc etc, did they have deficiencies in certain other areas?

[Adelaide Hawk]

The thing about North's history that staggers me is they have never made the finals 5 years running. Also, Ken Farmer booting 100 goals in a season 11 times, with North missing the finals 6 of those times. I guess it could indicate a lack of player depth.

Even in the times of 1971-73, three Grand Finals and 1 Australian Championship, it's easy to suggest they had a sprinkling of serviceable players, a handful of very good ones, and one outstanding champion .. and when that champion suffered career threatening injuries, North were unable to make the finals in 1974.

Historically, North Adelaide are a very interesting club to study.

[on the rails]

Historically, North Adelaide are a very interesting club to study.

You can insert the word "frustrating" and take out the words interesting and to study!

[robranisgod]

Has the problem for North been, in years gone by (and i'm mainly referring to quite a while ago), For example, teams containing Farmer, McKay, Benton etc etc,

Benton never played for North and without trying to be controversial I don't think too many judges considered him to be exceptional. He remains the only Magarey medallist to be dropped from his league team for poor form the very next season. He was then sacked by the coach for continued poor form two years later and played for Freeling before coming back to West under the new coach, Kerley. He at first struggled for form before being the last player picked for the 1961 premiership team. He played very, very well in the Grand Final and he continued his good form for another couple of years, so much so that he was West's leading goalkicker in 1963 and was 21st man for the side that beat Victoria in 1963. His form then tapered off again and he quit league football whilst still a relatively yong man.

[am Bays]

Has the problem for North been, in years gone by (and i'm mainly referring to quite a while ago), For example, teams containing Farmer, McKay, Benton etc etc,

Benton never played for North and without trying to be controversial I don't think too many judges considered him to be exceptional. He remains the only Magarey medallist to be dropped from his league team for poor form the very next season. He was then sacked by the coach for continued poor form two years later and played for Freeling before coming back to West under the new coach, Kerley. He at first struggled for form before being the last player picked for the 1961 premiership team. He played very, very well in the Grand Final and he continued his good form for another couple of years, so much so that he was West's leading goalkicker in 1963 and was 21st man for the side that beat Victoria in 1963. His form then tapered off again and he quit league football whilst still a relatively yong man.

Thought McGuinness got dropped in 1983 for a game in Campbell's first year. Will need to check The Pride of the Bay tonight to confirm.

[robranisgod]

Has the problem for North been, in years gone by (and i'm mainly referring to quite a while ago), For example, teams containing Farmer, McKay, Benton etc etc,

Benton never played for North and without trying to be controversial I don't think too many judges considered him to be exceptional. He remains the only Magarey medallist to be dropped from his league team for poor form the very next season. He was then sacked by the coach for continued poor form two years later and played for Freeling before coming back to West under the new coach, Kerley. He at first struggled for form before being the last player picked for the 1961 premiership team. He played very, very well in the Grand Final and he continued his good form for another couple of years, so much so that he was West's leading goalkicker in 1963 and was 21st man for the side that beat Victoria in 1963. His form then tapered off again and he quit league football whilst still a relatively yong man.

Thought McGuinness got dropped in 1983 for a game in Campbell's first year. Will need to check The Pride of the Bay tonight to confirm.

I thought that McGuinness was dropped in 1984, two years after his medal win, but if I am wrong, I apologise. It is a very unusual occurrence though.

[am Bays]

I thought that McGuinness was dropped in 1984, two years after his medal win, but if I am wrong, I apologise. It is a very unusual occurrence though.

Crikey no need to apologise, especially when trying to remember an obscure point of conjecture from almost 30 years ago.

[GWW]

Has the problem for North been, in years gone by (and i'm mainly referring to quite a while ago), For example, teams containing Farmer, McKay, Benton etc etc,

Benton never played for North and without trying to be controversial I don't think too many judges considered him to be exceptional. He remains the only Magarey medallist to be dropped from his league team for poor form the very next season. He was then sacked by the coach for continued poor form two years later and played for Freeling before coming back to West under the new coach, Kerley. He at first struggled for form before being the last player picked for the 1961 premiership team. He played very, very well in the Grand Final and he continued his good form for another couple of years, so much so that he was West's leading goalkicker in 1963 and was 21st man for the side that beat Victoria in 1963. His form then tapered off again and he quit league football whilst still a relatively yong man.

Sorry, had him mixed up with another Magarey medallist from around that era, Ron Phillips.

[am Bays]

Nothing in TPOTB about McGuinness getting dropped in 1983. Trying to recall where I read it.

[Punk Rooster]

I believe in 1987, when we did dominate the competition, our reserves finished bottom.

[bulldogs]

I believe in 1987, when we did dominate the competition, our reserves finished bottom.

Under 17s won the Gf the same year, North had alot of 17s playing Ressies that year.17s had a good team some played league but didnt totally go on with it, think Nunan had a bit to do with this. Kupsch, Timms,Hamilton , Mcadam, Mcgowan, Thredgold the one who did go on was one of the greatest in the end Wayne Carey.

[Adelaide Hawk]

I believe in 1987, when we did dominate the competition, our reserves finished bottom.

Under 17s won the Gf the same year, North had alot of 17s playing Ressies that year.17s had a good team some played league but didnt totally go on with it, think Nunan had a bit to do with this. Kupsch, Timms,Hamilton , Mcadam, Mcgowan, Thredgold the one who did go own was one of the greatest in the end Wayne Carey.

In the Nunan years 1981-1992, the North reserves played in the finals once, in 1991 when they finished 5th. The exact same result for the Under 19s. The U17s made the finals 8 times, played in 4 GFs, for 1 flag. I'm not sure what this tells us, but I find it interesting.

[Punk Rooster]

I believe in 1987, when we did dominate the competition, our reserves finished bottom.

Under 17s won the Gf the same year, North had alot of 17s playing Ressies that year.17s had a good team some played league but didnt totally go on with it, think Nunan had a bit to do with this. Kupsch, Timms,Hamilton , Mcadam, Mcgowan, Thredgold the one who did go own was one of the greatest in the end Wayne Carey.

In the Nunan years 1981-1992, the North reserves played in the finals once, in 1991 when they finished 5th. The exact same result for the Under 19s. The U17s made the finals 8 times, played in 4 GFs, for 1 flag. I'm not sure what this tells us, but I find it interesting.

I guess it shows we had a Youth Development Program.
I know Nunan could not care less about the 2's.
Shame that MacGowan, McAdam & Thredgold made it quite nicely elsewhere...
Some others include Peter Turner, Ben Hart, Sean Wellman, Adam Saliba

[Magpiespower]

Nothing in TPOTB about McGuinness getting dropped in 1983. Trying to recall where I read it.

Dunno if he was dropped but I do remember McGuinness struggling horribly after winning the medal.

Pretty sure it was a prolonged form slump, too...

[Dogwatcher]

I believe in 1987, when we did dominate the competition, our reserves finished bottom.

Under 17s won the Gf the same year, North had alot of 17s playing Ressies that year.17s had a good team some played league but didnt totally go on with it, think Nunan had a bit to do with this. Kupsch, Timms,Hamilton , Mcadam, Mcgowan, Thredgold the one who did go own was one of the greatest in the end Wayne Carey.

In the Nunan years 1981-1992, the North reserves played in the finals once, in 1991 when they finished 5th. The exact same result for the Under 19s. The U17s made the finals 8 times, played in 4 GFs, for 1 flag. I'm not sure what this tells us, but I find it interesting.

I guess it shows we had a Youth Development Program.
I know Nunan could not care less about the 2's.
Shame that MacGowan, McAdam & Thredgold made it quite nicely elsewhere...
Some others include Peter Turner, Ben Hart, Sean Wellman, Adam Saliba

Premiership player Stephen Hamilton played in that side too didn't he?

[Punk Rooster]

yeah, bulldogs mentioned him.

I believe in 1987, when we did dominate the competition, our reserves finished bottom.

Under 17s won the Gf the same year, North had alot of 17s playing Ressies that year.17s had a good team some played league but didnt totally go on with it, think Nunan had a bit to do with this. Kupsch, Timms,Hamilton , Mcadam, Mcgowan, Thredgold the one who did go on was one of the greatest in the end Wayne Carey.