With five out of six wins, our season opener was a great way to kick off 2017!  It lays testament to a very thorough preseason and large numbers on the track throughout!  The keenness and buzz about the Club has been infectious, as has the enthusiasm to learn and internalise skills, strategies and on field commitment.  The whole culture of the Club both on and off the field has shifted to one of greater professionalism, confidence  and importantly of 'One Team - One Club!'  This has been the legacy of our new Senior Coach, Shane Woewodin, who leads by example and is more than just the senior coach, but also the Club leader, from whom all benefit!! It's still early days and the learning continues, but those who came down to the Gil on Saturday experienced a pretty good preview of the development so far.

The highlight of the day was the outstanding performance of our League team. A lead was established in the opening quarter, with the aid of a strong breeze.  In going against it, North dug in and fought out a hard 25 minutes, restricting Hammersley Carine who tried to make the most of it.  After the half time break, North put on a seriously strong display of football which overwhelmed the opposition as our lads piled on nine unanswered goals.  It was the game breaker.  The opposition tried hard in the final quarter but North ran out victors: 16.11 (107) to 7.4 (46).  Congratulations to Shane on his first NFAFC win and to the lads who were relentless all day and thoroughly deserved the win!

The tone for Saturday was set by the Drew Banfield Colts who completely outplayed a game Hammersley Carine side, running out clear winners:  13.15 (93) to 2.2 (14).  It was a whole team effort with good players all over the field.  Congratulations to Sam Mainwaring for his first NFAFC win!  The lads were strong and determined and always ahead throughout the game,  Congratulations boys!  The domination of the colts game was duplicated by a strong B Reserves Performance, overpowering their Hammersley Carine opponents and winning: 7.9 (51) to 2.3 (15).  Again, it was a strong team performance, across the ground. The Reserves have many talented players who no doubt will be pushing for league selection!  A healthy situation to be in! Congratulations to Prigas and the lads!

Similar results saw two comprehensive wins for our D2 teams, against Wanneroo.  The D2's were simply too strong and skilled for Wanneroo, who tried all day. There are some seriously good players in the D2's which again, augers well for competition for places in higher levels. The final result was never in doubt:  16.14 (110) to 2.0 (12).  A great team effort.  Congratulations Clint and the lads!  The D2 Reserves also had a day out with contributors across the field.  Wanneroo were never allowed to get into the game and North ran out comfortable winners: 11.12 (78) to 1.2 (8).  Congratulations to Clint and the Reserves team!

The toughest challenge of the day lay with the Brett Jones Colts and their the long and lonely trip up to Fawell Park to take on Swan Athletic, who are always difficult to beat at home.  The lads are to be congratulated for taking it right up to Swan Athletic and giving a good account of themselves.  In the end Athletic were better on the day defeating North:  8.5 (53) to 4.9 (33).  No doubt the lads will turn the tables with ongoing improvement and the experienced guidance of coach Nelson.  Good effort lads!