The mid-season verdict: He's a star Blue, but at the moment he's just going

Sydney Morning Herald

2 days ago

The mid-season byes have begun, and in the first of our mid-season report cards, we take a look at a club that has exceeded expectations, one that is making painfully slow progress and two who have slid down the ladder.
Carlton (12th, four wins, seven losses)
Who's hot?
In his 10th season, Jack Silvagni has been a revelation in his new role as a defender. Silvagni's ability to stop high-quality forwards, from a key type like Aaron Naughton to the medium-sized threat like Patrick Dangerfield, intercept and launch counter-attacks is one of the reasons why the Blues, for all their problems, has been one of the more difficult sides to score against. A streamlined George Hewett is having a career-best season in the midfield at the age of 29, and Nick Haynes has overcome a horror start to life as a Blue by turning the clock back to the pre-pandemic years. Tom De Koning was the best ruck in the competition in the first month, but his form has tailed off. Jacob Weitering had been in All-Australian form before two below-par games coming into the bye.
Who's not?
The Blues need more from their superstars. Patrick Cripps and Charlie Curnow are having reasonable years but are capable of finding another level. Harry McKay has struggled with consistency since returning from a mental health break, though his best has been the reason why the Blues have won. After another interrupted preseason, Sam Walsh has become just a player, unable to run opponents off their legs like he used to. The same can be said of Blake Acres, who is not having the same impact of his first two years at the club.
Verdict: So much more was expected of the Blues, who have been one of the most disappointing clubs of the season. Despite having two Coleman medallists in their forward line the Blues are having enormous difficulties scoring. Their lack of class small forwards has hurt, but their ball movement is slow and imprecise. They are as tense as a patient visiting the dentist. Similar problems were overcome in 2023 when they mounted a stunning run to the preliminary final, but they do not have the same quality on their list. A friendly draw over the next month will give Blues fans hope but a finals berth is unlikely.
Grade: D+
North Melbourne (17th, two wins, one draw, eight losses)
Who's hot?
After a slow start to the season, Tristan Xerri is again mounting a strong claim for a maiden All-Australian blazer. The ruckman, with his attack on the ball and wholehearted manner in which he plays, has become the Kangaroos' on-field spiritual leader. Small forward Paul Curtis has continued his improvement and, with 19 goals to the bye, is on track to pass his career-best haul of 30 last year. Cameron Zurhaar has rediscovered his bull-at-a-gate ways in attack to add much-needed bite to the forward line. Veteran Luke Parker has justified his acquisition on the field even if his greatest impact might be felt in the locker room.