Exactly 1,000 days ago, Hawthorn and North Melbourne languished near the bottom of the AFL ladder, occupying 16th and 17th positions respectively. Since then, the trajectories of the two clubs have diverged notably. As of this past weekend, Hawthorn, under coach Sam Mitchell, is contending for a top-four finish, while North Melbourne, led by Alastair Clarkson, continues to struggle and has yet to secure a victory against a team ranked in the top eight during Clarkson’s four seasons in charge.
North Melbourne’s winless record—0-37—against the better teams highlights deeper issues beyond coaching. The Kangaroos’ on-field shortcomings appear to mirror decision-making challenges off the field, particularly in talent recruitment and list management. By contrast, Hawthorn’s choices have been marked by strategic clarity and success.
A significant disparity between the clubs is evident in their draft and trade approaches. North Melbourne has attended high-profile yearling sales but has hesitated to invest heavily in elite-level prospects. For example, at the conclusion of the 2023 season, North Melbourne added players such as Bigoa Nyuon, Zac Fisher, and Dylan Stephens. Meanwhile, Hawthorn invested slightly more to bring in Massimo D’Ambrosio, Macibor Chol, and Jack Ginnivan, moves that have positioned the Hawks more favorably.
One of the most criticized decisions in recent drafts involved North Melbourne selecting Zane Duursma over Nick Watson, who was highly touted at the time. Watson is now seen as a potential generational talent, and that missed opportunity remains a notable regret. The Kangaroos also lack a player capable of effectively neutralizing Watson’s impact when the two sides meet.
Beyond individual selections, North Melbourne’s broader roster strategy has raised questions about the club’s direction. Despite having a team with nearly the same average age and experience as Hawthorn—both ranked fifth and sixth for experience respectively—North Melbourne’s consistency and performance levels lag behind. Younger players who might have been integral to a rebuilding strategy, similar to Hawthorn’s “66-game plan” championed by Mitchell, have frequently been overlooked.
This plan emphasizes fast-tracking youth development by focusing on players reaching around 66 games quickly to build a strong foundation. Hawthorn’s list includes several players who have met or exceeded this benchmark, such as Connor Macdonald, Josh Ward, Cam Mackenzie, Josh Weddle, and Watson. North Melbourne’s approach seems less clear, with certain veterans like Cam Zurhaar maintaining their spots despite underperformance while younger talents, such as Riley Hardeman, are confined to the reserves.
On the field, Hawthorn’s style under Mitchell is characterized by power pattern running and a collaborative forward structure that consistently challenges opponents. Their defensive unit has established a reputation as one of the most resilient in the competition over the past six weeks, making the Hawks one of the hardest teams to play against—a status contested only by Fremantle.
North Melbourne’s ongoing struggles pose a critical question about accountability within the club’s leadership and management. The contrast between the two clubs’ outcomes over nearly three years underscores the impact that coherent strategy, effective talent acquisition, and developmental planning can have on a team’s fortunes in the AFL.