[RELATED: Training photo gallery | Roos optimistic on Ziebell | Scouting Report | Guide To: St Kilda]

Levi Greenwood’s emergence has been a highlight of the 2014 season so far, and Brad Scott has nothing but praise for the tough midfielder.

"Levi’s had to fight for every opportunity that he’s been given,“ the North coach told the media on Wednesday at Arden Street.

"We haven’t gifted him any opportunities. The injury to (Andrew Swallow) Swallow opened one up for him early this year. Full credit to him, he’s taken that opportunity."

PRESS PLAY above to watch the Scott media conference | YouTube

Greenwood has averaged 25.6 disposals in his 14 matches this season, a figure made even more impressive considering he was the substitute in Round 2 against the Western Bulldogs.

"The message to Levi was that he had some areas of his game to work on. He’s worked unbelievably hard on those areas and full credit goes to Levi himself for doing the work to get himself to this level."

It loomed as a career-defining year for Greenwood after he played just 11 games over the past two seasons.

"His attack on the ball has always been outstanding. It’s just been the total football package (holding him back) because as a football athlete they don’t come much better than Levi," Scott added.

“He’s got a great balance of speed and power, endurance. It was more some of the football awareness stuff and the game plan stuff that we needed him to work on. Now he drives that as much as anyone. It’s a great credit to him.”

During 2012 and 2013, Greenwood remained a positive influence at Arden Street, a trait which earned him great admiration.

"He’s a terrific person to have around our football club, he’s got great football character, great character full stop.  

"I’ve got a lot of time for Levi, but that being said, my job’s to put the best side on the field to get wins for North Melbourne.

"When he earned his opportunity I was happy for him, but we’ll keep picking the best side and clearly Levi at the moment is in that."