1997 To 1999
In round 1 of 1997, Wayne Carey was seriously injured and missed the following 11 weeks. With Carey out, McKernan, in just his fourth full season, became the most important player at the club. Though consistent and effective, he could not repeat his inspirational efforts of the previous year. In North Melbourne's Preliminary Final against St Kilda, McKernan dislocated his shoulder in the opening minutes and watched from the sidelines as his team went down by 31 points. The following year was disappointing for both McKernan and the Kangaroos, however in 1999, another premiership year for North Melbourne, he returned to some good form, leading the team in marks and kicking 34 goals from his 24 games. He finished the season with three goals in North Melbourne's Grand Final win over Carlton.
Read more about this topic: Corey Mc Kernan, The North Melbourne Kangaroos