06-04-2018, 11:05 PM
(06-04-2018, 10:17 PM)malo link Wrote:They did have a pretty solid defence too though: Over those two premierships, the likes of - Archer, Martyn, Blakey, Pickett, Pike. But yes, I accept probably not quite in the league of the Doull, English, Southby, Perovic, McConville, Hunter.
I just had a look at some of the ladders from 1996 through to 2000 and the North defence while dotted with stars was pretty average in terms of points conceded....mid table (or below on some occasions.)
I think their effectiveness may have been more about "attacking" from defence than pure defending.
In their 1996 premiership year they were nearly 173 points better than the second highest scoring team (Geelong) and 200+ points ahead of all the others.
But in terms of points against they ranked 7th defensively in a 16 team comp(one more point and it would have been 8th).
In 1999 they were still top for "Points for" (albeit a little bit closer) but they were 10th best defensively...so it's a fair point Paul makes in saying they just went for it and said catch us if you can.