‘Never really liked West Coast’: North Melbourne’s Cam Zurhaar takes bizarre jab at Eagles ahead of clash
North Melbourne may be sitting just one game off the bottom of the ladder, but that hasn’t stopped forward Cam Zurhaar getting cocky before the side’s West Coast clash on Saturday.
The Perth product has taken a bizarre and unprovoked jab at the Eagles ahead of their game in Tasmania, declaring he “hates” the team.
When asked about facing West Coast, the 26-year-old said: “I hated them (as a kid).”
“I was a Freo man growing up so I never really liked West Coast. Still don’t.”
It is not the first time Zurhaar has taken shots at his AFL cohort, having made a number of comments when his former teammate Jason Horne-Francis was traded.
Following his exit, Zuhaar advertised totebags for sale with the discount code “Hornetgone” – a dig at Horne-Francis’ nickname, while also commenting “Elite (fire emoji)” following the announcement of his trade to the Power.
The forward signed a five-year extension with North Melbourne last week and has improved on his form in recent weeks after a subpar start to 2024.
After leading the side in goals kicked in 2020, then booting 31 and 34 majors in both 2021 and 2022, the West Ausssie managed just 20 to his name last year and has regained some play with 28 goals this year.
During their first matchup this season, North took home the points against West Coast while Zurhaar had one of his quieter games, kicking 1.2 with just three marks.
Despite the hostility from the shin-boner, Eagles co-captain Liam Duggan was far more humble when talking about the matchup.
“I think what we’ve learned, it’s taken us probably a little while to execute, but the game’s won around the contest and the brutality and who can do it for longer,” Duggan said.
“We’ve found a way in the last couple of weeks to really match it with some good sides.
“Against Gold Coast we did it for longer. The pressure at the end there was just phenomenal.”
The 27-year-old is the latest Eagle to sing the praises of interim head coach Jarrad Schofield following their 10-point victory over Gold Coast.
“Schoey’s done a great job,” Duggan said.
“It was a tough time to take over the footy club and be thrown into that role.
“It’s great to get some reward for Schoey. He’s sunk his teeth into everything at the moment.
“I’ve enjoyed working under him.
“His name’s been thrown into the ring (for the full-time job) and the win against Gold Coast was another bit of evidence that he’s good enough in that role.”
The sides go head-to-head on Saturday, with West Coast looking to improve their four win record against a gettable North side.
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