433 - AFL North Melbourne Kangaroos 2026 Preview w/ Dean Vasic of Hashtag Kangaroos

·1 hr 13 min·5 clips

Patrick Dangerfield ate a kebab on the sideline while Geelong thrashed North Melbourne by 110 points.

Craig Wessels introduces the episode as the fourth in his 2026 club-by-club preview series, recorded from Sandusky, Ohio. Guest Dean Vasek, host of the Hashtag Kangaroos podcast, joins from Australia during a smoky, hot Melbourne morning. They begin by contrasting weather extremes before diving into North Melbourne's 2025 season. Dean identifies cultural issues and habitual losing as problems, citing close losses to teams like Essendon and uncompetitive performances against top sides like Geelong and Hawthorn. The Geelong game is highlighted, where Patrick Dangerfield was seen eating a kebab on the sideline during a 110-point thrashing. Dean expresses more concern about player attitude than the scoreline. Discussion shifts to Paul Curtis's controversial three-week suspension for a tackle that caused a concussion, critiquing AFL adjudication. Dean is cautiously optimistic for 2026, citing player maturation and potential tactical shifts to a man-on-man defense. He emphasizes the need for a clear team identity, referencing successful models like GWS's 'Orange Tsunami'. New recruit Lockie Doveston is described as a Nick Watson-style 'pain in the ass' forward who could bring needed attitude. Young players Cooper Trembath and Taylor Goad are highlighted as potential impact makers, with Trembath's unusual path from local football detailed. The pressure on coach Alastair Clarkson is examined, with Dean noting it's 'time to put up and shut up' after rebuilding years. The fixture is analyzed, with a tough mid-season stretch noted. Contract situations for 20+ players are discussed, including George Wardlaw and Cooper Trembath. Zane Duursma's limited role and future are questioned. Trivia questions test Dean's knowledge of club stats. The episode concludes with Dean predicting a 10th-place finish, thoughts on State of Origin, and promotion of his podcast.

As heard by us

A North Melbourne preview built around inside 50 problems and Jack Darling's changing place among younger forwards.

North Melbourne's 2026 outlook is framed through a practical problem: whether the club can move the ball from back 50 to forward 50 with enough quality.

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Why you'd press play

You get a North Melbourne 2026 preview where inside 50 delivery runs into the delicate question of how much Jack Darling plays as the younger forwards push on.

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