Mid-season pickup Brynn Teakle adjusting to split role after Kangaroos debut

Just two-and-a-half weeks after being picked up in the mid-season draft, Northampton’s Brynn Teakle was thrust into the AFL limelight again in what was the game of the year so far. Following his club debut for North Melbourne in its thrilling match against Collingwood, the ruck said the team could take a lot away from the loss. “Bit of a gutting loss, but we played some really good football early I thought, and to lose that lead was a bit disappointing,” Teakle said to RSN. “We’re a young side and we definitely learn from these experiences, but Collingwood are the best red time team in the league, they love being in that position.” Taking the field just 18-days after being drafted would be a whirlwind experience for most, but a situation that Teakle isn’t unfamiliar with. Teakle is the only player to be picked a second time in the AFL mid-season draft, following a stint at Port Adelaide. “Really well, the club’s been good and the boys have helped me settle in, obviously been a roller coaster…to come over here and get a gig early always helps,” he said. Next, North Melbourne take on Melbourne, with Teakle set for a big task against Max Gawn. However, he said his workload was being more split up forward with the Kangaroos’ ruck Tristan Xerri in hot form as one of the best at his position. “Yeah obviously (Gawn’s) an absolute legend of the AFL, especially as a ruck but big X (Tristan Xerri) is doing a terrific job,” Teakle said. “He does all the hard work and I come in and look good. “That’s my role at the moment, to be that forward/ruck, so more time in the forward line but Nick Larkey and Xavier Clarke have been huge in helping me get better in that space.” Teakle was nearly the hero of the game, kicking a goal to put North Melbourne back in front but it wasn’t enough as the Kangaroos fell short by one point in the end, giving up a 54-point lead. Another Mid West product playing in the North Melbourne versus Melbourne clash on Saturday night at the MCG is Demon defender Judd McVee, who is coming off a bye. The former Rovers player stopped by Geraldton during his week off and had a run around with his old club before heading back east. Friday night sees an important clash for Carlton as they take on an out-of-form Geelong side. Captain and Northampton product Patrick Cripps received buzz as an early All-Australian candidate in the initial list of players released. The skipper has been pivitol in the Blues’ success, but he will be without teammate and fellow Mid West export Jack Martin for at least another week. Martin’s return was delayed again, with the Towns product circling next week’s clash against Richmond for his return. West Coast are also looking fresh off the bye, with the side welcoming back captain Oscar Allen, which will help relieve pressure off Mid West players Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan up forward. Ryan saw some time in the midfield during the loss against North Melbourne with his run and carry providing a spark. It’s a battle of the New South Wales sides as Sydney clash with GWS, and former Coorow-Latham player Logan McDonald had one goal when the sides played in round eight. Fremantle host Gold Coast on the Sunday afternoon game as Dongara’s Jaeger O’Meara had a dip in output last week during the heavy loss against the Bulldogs.