North Melbourne’s decision to play three genuine ruckmen certainly raised eyebrows on Sunday afternoon.
David Noble named both Todd Goldstein and Tristan Xerri for the Roos’ Round 1 clash, with that duo joined by recruit Callum Coleman-Jones in the starting 22.
Goldstein and Xerri are genuine ruckmen and recorded 12 and 18 hitouts respectively in the loss to Hawthorn, while Coleman-Jones – who came to Arden Street under the guise of becoming Goldstein’s heir – played forward and recorded four disposals and no goals.
Upon receiving the team sheets before the bounce, Garry Lyon says he “didn’t see it coming” and believes the Roos may not do it again.
“It was just strange,” he told SEN Breakfast
“I just didn’t see that coming.
“I thought David Noble over summer flagged that he wouldn’t go with the three.
“Coleman-Jones, Xerri and Goldstein all in the same side, with Nick Larkey as another just about 200cm full forward who doesn’t play too many other places, it just seems to limit you in the modern game.
“Your run especially, your rotations especially, I’m not saying this in hindsight, when I looked at it I thought, ‘geez that’s unusual, on a hot day at the MCG against a side that’s the youngest Hawthorn has put out for a while'.
“I don’t know whether they’ll do it again.”
Goldstein turns 34 later this year and is no certainty to maintain the role of the No. 1 ruckman at the club, such has been Xerri’s performances over the pre-season and Round 1.
However, it would take a brave coach to drop the 274-game veteran, while the same can be said for Coleman-Jones, who the Roos essentially traded a future second-round pick for.
It leaves headaches for Noble, however the loss to the youngest Hawthorn side the club has fielded since 2005 will no doubt be front of mind.
North Melbourne takes on the Eagles next week, who plays Nic Naitanui as the sole genuine ruckman, while youngster Bailey Williams also provided support against the Suns.