Kangaroos win again with Harry at the helm
“He plays like he’s already played 150 games … He is cool, calm, and collected, and never gets too fussed.
North Melbourne, and their star teenage recruit Harry Sheezel, remain undefeated so far in the 2023 AFL season, thanks to pulling off another thrilling win in round two, this time away to the Fremantle Dockers in front of 40,000 spectators at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Sheezel proved his round one AFL Rising Star nomination was no fluke, getting himself involved as much as possible, making 22 kicks and 8 handballs against the Dockers, while showing tremendous tactical nous when the game was on the line with just 30 seconds remaining.
Despite leading their opponents at the start of every quarter, and by 20 points with only six minutes remaining, a fast-finishing Fremantle team booted three quick goals to reduce the Kangaroos’ lead to just 11.7 (73) to 10.12 (72).
Faced with a split-second choice when approaching a loose ball in crowded company while defending close to the goalposts, Sheezel opted not to propel the ball for a behind, but rather kick it diagonally away in the opposite direction, thereby protecting his team’s slender lead at the death.
Sheezel and his teammates enjoyed singing the team song in the sheds to celebrate North’s second straight win – equalling the 2022 wooden spooners’ total number of wins earned last season.
Apart from the Kangaroos’ coach Alastair Clarkson, the person most impressed with the class Sheezel showed under pressure against the Dockers was his teammate, experienced midfielder Liam Shiels.
After the win, Shiels told North Melbourne Kangaroos media, “He is a pretty special player, Sheez.”
“He plays like he’s already played 150 games … He is cool, calm, and collected, and never gets too fussed.
“Just to understand the moment he was in, and produce that play in the last 30 seconds, was huge.
“We’re really lucky to have him at the club.”
Apart from his 30 disposals, Sheezel made eight marks, six tackles, one clearance, nine rebound 50s, and gained a total of 562 metres. It followed his total of 34 disposals in North’s opening round win over the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium – which was the third most disposals ever of any player making their VFL/AFL debut.
Sheezel’s next opportunity to shine will be in round three this Saturday from 1.45pm at University of Tasmania Stadium, where the Kangaroos will take on winless Hawthorn – the club Sheezel barracked for since childhood, and the club Clarkson coached to four premierships.
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