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Sport Nation
False dawn: King and Cornes bemused by Roos after Tassie shocker
Andrew Slevison • June 30th, 2025 4:30 pm
Just when you thought North Melbourne were turning the corner, they put up that sort of performance.
The Kangaroos were the talk of the town after their 11-point over Carlton in Round 15 - a game in which they led by 46 points at three-quarter time.
There were high hopes ahead of the Hawthorn clash in Launceston on the weekend, but the Roos were completely demoralised.
Alastair Clarkson’s side lost by 85 points after conceding 13 goals in the first half and were battered from the outset.
It left club great David King searching for answers.
“The Kangas are a story, there’s no doubt about that,” King said on SEN’s Fireball.
“We’re getting these wild swings where all of a sudden they can’t defend. It’s very aggressive, there’s no pressure on the ball carrier and they (the opposition) just get through.
“That’s a discussion, no doubt.”
Co-host Kane Cornes can’t work out if the North playing group got ahead of themselves after beating the Blues or if the coaches are valuing defence enough.
It led Cornes to again question Clarkson’s defensive profile as a coach.
He said: “Is it a group that got comfortable with themselves?
“I just don’t know if Alastair Clarkson buys into the defensive aspects, or has a method that is required to be successful now.
“That’s why I continually question the impact that Clarko is having. Others will say give him time, it’s year three or whatever it is. Luke Hodge and I have punched on about this all year, but when you see defensive displays like that you go, ‘I’m not sure the message is getting through’.”
King, a two-time premiership Roo, admits there are some key North players getting away without contributing defensively at the moment.
“When you give up 86 points in a half you open yourself up to this sort of criticism and feedback,” King added.
“A pressure rating of 155 in the first half. They (the Hawks) walked the ball out of all areas. It’s not even just the half-forwards, it’s the mids, it’s all of them.
“If you look at the midfield selection, this is why I think they overlook Will Phillips too quick. At least he does put pressure on and he’s responsible for a man.
“The mix needs to shift, or you’ve got to get the senior core leaders in there, the star-factor players, to do more without the footy.
“Why is it ok for some to wander around and not tackle and chase?
“Clarko has got some work to do.”
The Roos need to improve markedly this weekend after such a subpar showing.
This Thursday night they meet the Western Bulldogs in their Centenary Game, celebrating 100 years in the V/AFL.
Cornes highlighted how important it is for the Kangas to show some fight on a massive occasion for the club.
“Thursday night, this could get big on them pretty quickly,” Cornes said further.
“This is a big night for the club, they don’t get the access to the prime time stage. They’ve asked for it, they’ve really pleaded for access to the Thursday night prime time stage.
“It is a significant milestone and celebration. We can’t have the first half we had (against Hawthorn).
“There needs to be some fight in this group for this game.”
King added: “I just want a red-hot go. An effort that makes you proud regardless of the scoreboard.”
