2021 North Adelaide Pocket Profile

SANFL’s ZAC MILBANK breaks down all you need to know about the Roosters heading into the 2021 Statewide Super League season.

Coming
Aaron Young (Gold Coast/Port Adelaide), Brandon Rusca (Southern Districts – NT), Kaine Mercovich (Port Fairy)

Going
Damon Hill (Gaza), Brayden Kirk (Crystal Brook), Chris Barns (Morphettville Park), Liam Verity (Modbury), Dylan Aldridge (Port Adelaide SANFL), Luke Wharton (Canberra), Tariek Newchurch (North Adelaide), Patrick Davies

Thursday March 4
Woodville-West Torrens v North Adelaide at Thebarton Oval – 7.20pm (Reserves at 5.30pm)

Friday March 19
North Adelaide v Glenelg at Thebarton Oval – 7.30pm (Reserves at 5.30pm)

Friday March 26
West Adelaide v North Adelaide at Hisense Stadium – 7.30pm (Reserves at 5pm)

Boom North signing Aaron Young looms as a significant difference-maker such is his ability to make an impact in the centre square or in attack. The 28-year-old polled 12 Magarey Medal votes in just five games in 2017 while playing chiefly through the midfield for Port Adelaide. Standing at 189cm, Young is deceptively tall for the role that he plays in attack – often used as a third lead-up marking option who can also cause damage when the ball hits the deck. One to watch in 2021.

Little is known about new North midfielder Kaine Mercovich, but he gives the impression that he won’t hide from the radar for long. The 22-year-old won Port Fairy’s best and fairest in 2019 and such has been his consistency, was also named the Victorian Hampden League’s best midfielder across the past five seasons. Measuring in at 178cm and 82kg, Mercovich’s toughness has caught the eye of coach Jacob Surjan during match simulation and should be given plenty of chance to shine in trial matches.

Blayne O’Loughlin (171cm and 74kg) – Classy left-footer who uses the ball well across half-back. Excellent decision-maker, who can also be entrusted with the kick-ins after an opposition behind. A Crows NGA prospect.

James Willis (180cm and 75kg) –New to talent pathway after a standout 2020 for playing as a midfielder. Has speed, power and strength – using these attributes to drive himself with the ball away from congestion. Currently has a back injury.

Hugh Jackson (180cm and 69kg) – Smooth-moving outside midfielder who uses the ball well between the arcs. Runs good patterns in offence to get into good positions. Working on his contested ball consistency.