What's in their favour? The continued under-estimation of the Kangaroos by not only the football world at large, but, it seems, even their opponents, won't hurt Dean Laidley's team one bit. On a more tangible level, the return of Nathan Thompson from a knee reconstruction gives the Roos their leading goalkicker back in a forward mix that was already proving productive. Recruits Sam Power and Ben Davies add to the senior depth, and Hamish McIntosh, Andrew Swallow and Aaron Edwards are on the rise.
What's not? Glenn Archer's retirement robs the Roos of an inspiring leader and still very capable defender, and the question remains for how long can his senior peers, such as Brent Harvey, Adam Simpson, Shannon Grant and co., continue their amazingly durable run of fitness and form. For all the shock value of their magnificent 2007 performance, the Roos could nevertheless win only three of 10 games against top eight rivals, implying a team that got every last ounce out of itself.
Stepping into the spotlight? Rising Star nominees Jesse Smith and Scott McMahon can still go up several cogs and play huge parts in defence and attack respectively. Eddie Sansbury made major strides late in 2007 and should go on with it now, as should exciting forwards Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas. Highly rated 2006 draftee Lachlan Hansen has a spot in defence with his name written on it, and Ed Lower's development as a midfielder looks set to continue.
In their wildest dreams? The North veterans continue to set the standard, joined now by the likes of Brady Rawlings, Drew Petrie, Jess Sinclair and Daniel Harris. Thompson again becomes a focal point, Daniel Wells finally emerges as the genuine star he has always threatened to be, and the Roos again reach September. The reality? With its blend of run and attack plus enormous amounts of heart, North will continue to have the better of any team not totally switched on. The Roos don't have the same number of ''names'' or glamour attached to many rivals, but in some cases, they have a lot more substance. Finals are well within reach.
ROBERT WALLS 9th You had to be impressed with the resolve and direct football the Roos showed last season. Against that, two finals floggings are major causes for concern. With the survival of their Melbourne future at stake, this is a club under real pressure.
ROHAN CONNOLLY 5th The sceptics reckon the Roos played above themselves in 2007, a real cop-out. Dean Laidley's side simply got its act together, a group of younger stars emerging to help the old firm and now the return of injured spearhead Nathan Thompson should keep them finalists.
