North Melbourne Kangaroos

Noble takes responsibility for poor North performances, but seeks club unity

“It’s not pleasant, it’s not palatable at the moment. We totally get that. But we are working really hard.”

Published by
Danielle Sorati

North Melbourne coach David Noble has revealed that he feels supported by the club, despite a review into the club's football department, while also touching on the possibility of a priority draft pick for the struggling club.

The Kangaroos have won just one game so far this season, sitting squarely on the bottom of the ladder heading into Round 17. With Geoff Walsh overseeing a large scale review into the club as the on-field issues continue, Noble's job has been under the blowtorch.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Noble admitted that he had to take "responsibility" for on field struggles, but still felt confident that the club backed him.

"I have to take responsibility at the end of the day for the team not performing at the level, certainly from conceding score," Noble said.

"That's certainly on the coaching side and that certainly stops with me.

"We get that, but as far as the patience, time - yeah, I still feel we're aligned. I still feel those conversations are very much where they were at the beginning of last year when I first arrived.

"It's not pleasant, it's not palatable at the moment. We totally get that. But we are working really hard."

When asked if the club would seek a priority pick after such a dismal season, Noble said the club hadn't asked such questions yet, but it remained a possibility.

"We were really strong and we still are that we wouldn't require that, because we'd like to have our wins stand up," he said.

'That hasn't transpired.

"That may well come under our radar in the next couple of weeks, for sure."

Sitting in 18th spot with a percentage of just 49.5%, there is few rays of light emerging from the North Melbourne camp in 2022, but Noble remains firm that the club must remain united to see out the bad days.

"We understand the spotlight, but you need clarity and you need calmness at these points in time. That's my experience," he said.

"(You need to be) very united collectively on where you're going.

"The plan is sound ... we will just continue to make our club great again."

North Melbourne's season continues on Saturday afternoon, facing Collingwood at the MCG.

Published by
Danielle Sorati