North Melbourne’s pre-season has officially kicked off with a fiercely contested intra-club match at Arden Street, offering a tantalising glimpse into the potential of both established stars and exciting new talent. Among the standout performers, Luke Urquhart, a rookie midfielder yet to make his AFL debut, turned heads with a display of raw power and relentless running capacity that belied his limited senior experience.
Selected by the Kangaroos with pick 57 in the 2024 AFL National Draft, Urquhart, a product of Western Australia, demonstrated why he’s a name to watch. Last season, he averaged a respectable 14 disposals in the VFL, but it was his explosive performance on Friday evening that truly captured attention. The highlight of his day was an electrifying solo goal, initiated from outside the 50-metre arc. Urquhart broke away from a contest with sheer determination and pace, showcasing an ability to create something out of nothing – a trait highly valued at the elite level.
Tall Timber Shines in Attack
In the forward line, Cooper Trembath emerged as a dominant force, establishing an imposing presence that suggests he’s pushing hard for a spot in the best 23. The 2025 Mid-Season draftee, who started the intra-club in the ‘B’ team, impressed with his vertical leap and ability to compete in the air. Intriguingly, North Melbourne’s initial strategy saw them favour a forward combination of skipper Nick Larkey, veteran Jack Darling, and Callum Coleman-Jones in their primary attacking unit.
Despite this, Trembath’s impact was undeniable. Jack Darling himself opened the scoring, booting the first two goals of the match. However, it’s worth noting that Trembath, a 20-year-old, finished the 2025 season strongly, kicking three goals in each of his last three outings. His improved conditioning over the summer was evident, and his switch to the blue team after halftime only amplified his influence. He was a consistent threat throughout the second half, reinforcing the notion that he’s poised to build on a promising AFL introduction.
Midfield Maestros and Forward Depth
The midfield was, as expected, a showcase of class and dynamism. Luke Davies-Uniacke and Harry Sheezel were their usual polished selves, consistently finding space and making things happen with their intelligent ball use and vision. Their ability to dictate play and link up with forwards is a cornerstone of North Melbourne’s attacking structure.
Further highlighting the depth of talent at the club, Matt Whitlock was another standout forward, netting an impressive five goals for the ‘B’ team. This performance underscores the competition for spots within North’s forward lines and the quality of players pushing for senior selection.
Lachy Dovaston continued to press his case for a Round 1 debut, delivering a burst of three goals in the third quarter alone. His energetic approach, described as an “energiser bunny” willing to work tirelessly up the ground, provides a valuable spark and versatility to the team.
Defensive Solidity and Future Prospects
Beyond the offensive fireworks, the defensive unit also showcased its strengths. Young tall Taylor Goad demonstrated his considerable upside, offering a glimpse of his potential as a future key defender. Meanwhile, Griffin Logue played the role of an important general in defence, marshalling his teammates and providing crucial leadership in the back half.
The intra-club match, comprising four 25-minute periods, was followed by intensive scenario-based training sessions. This structured approach allowed the coaching staff to work on specific game situations, further refining the team’s strategies and combinations ahead of the upcoming season. The energy and commitment displayed by all players, from seasoned veterans to fresh recruits, suggest a Kangaroos outfit ready to embrace the challenges of the 2026 AFL season with renewed determination.
