Todd Goldstein has given the North Melbourne coaching staff a pleasing selection dilemma after showcasing his talent in North Ballarat's win against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.

Rested so Daniel Currie could play as the sole ruckman in the later game, Goldstein was a class above his opponents at stoppages around the ground, frequently giving his midfielders first use of the ball.

“He was very good with his hit-outs and he put a lot to advantage," North's development coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.

"All the midfielders would have really enjoyed having Goldy there.

"He got to some good spots going back and intercepting the ball when Geelong went forward which is exactly what you want from one of your big guys. It was good for him to get a good game of footy under his belt."

As a bonus for Goldstein, North Melbourne’s strong alignment with the Roosters meant he was essentially able to play his own game with similar structures in place.

"The great thing is they’re trying to build on a lot of the things that we’re doing with the senior team at North Melbourne," Drummond added.

"It’s why the affiliation works so well; when our guys go back and play it’s not too big a change-up.

Liam Anthony was another looking to impress after missing out on selection for North. After playing the first three NAB Cup matches, he ran out for the Roosters and collected a lot of the ball playing through the middle.

His influence was at its highest during the third quarter when Geelong made its charge.

"It was good for him to get inside. He attacked the footy very well and also used it very well.

"The main aim was to get some good minutes under his belt in what were pretty testing conditions so all in all it was a good hit-out for him."

For a second straight week the Delaney brothers were excellent in defence. While Luke was unable to finish the game with a minor ankle complaint that is unlikely to keep him out of next week's match, it was his younger sibling who stood tall, marshalling the defensive group.

"After coming back from playing Round 1 of the NAB Cup he worked on a few of the things he needed to work on and then today he took another step in the right direction and improved again.

"He read the footy very well, was physical when he needed to be and he didn’t get beaten all day in a contest."

Ben Mabon found himself in a different role. While he's likely to have the number one ruck role during the year for North Ballarat, the introduction of Goldstein saw the youngster go forward.

"It’s good for his development to spend time deep forward and add another string to his bow.

"For the ruckmen now with the interchange rules, the ability to play forward is crucial. If he can spend some time down there and work on that side of his game it can only be good for him."

While draftee Taylor Garner didn’t find a huge amount of the ball, it wasn’t due to a lack of effort.

Drummond says the midfielder-forward role is one of the hardest positions on the field, and Garner has acquitted himself well.

"It takes time to learn the running patterns and structures that are crucial to that role.

"He’s shown some really good signs and as he gains further understanding of how to play the position he’ll continue to develop."

In many ways the midfield-forward position is currently epitomised best by Leigh Adams in the North Melbourne senior side. Unsurprisingly he's someone Garner can learn a lot from.

"I got him to watch Patch today in the seniors so he can get a taste of the work-rate and the running that’s required.

"Taylor’s not a big guy but he can run and jump and take a good grab so he’ll definitely be spending a bit more time watching game vision of Patch."

North's first selection in 2011, Brad McKenzie played through the midfield and had another solid game. Max Warren was also impressive, with Drummond reserving special praise for the rookie.

"When he (Warren) gets it in his hands it feels like something’s going to happen. He really straightened us up out of defence and made some terrific decisions."

Geelong 1.5.11, 4.6.30, 7.6.48, 8.8.56
North Ballarat 4.0.24, 7.2.44, 8.7.55, 10.10.70